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Nishinoya is one of the strongest person that Asahi knows, the other being his dad and maybe also Daichi and Suga (the last two are more scary than strong, though. The libero may be small, but he’s so strong. Asahi has more than a hundred times watched as Nishinoya throws himself to the ground play after play with that small body of his so the team could have another chance to score. So a path towards victory would open. He also has a very large presence that demands everyone’s attention. There were a few times when Asahi was walking through the school corridors towards the cafeteria with Daichi and Suga, and he could spot Nishinoya in a crowd full of students buying sandwiches, even though he was one of the shortest students there. It was either because the boy was louder than all the other students or Asahi just has a special alert whenever Nishinoya was around. They do say when you have a crush on someone their presence becomes more visible. Well that, or when you're actually dating said someone. Aside from that, Nishinoya also has an intimidating aura that he lets out whenever he is protecting someone. See, Nishinoya isn’t just strong physically but also at heart. He didn’t tolerate bullshit and he always protects and helps people. Even strangers. Tanaka once told the whole team that the day before, Nishinoya had protected a girl from a pervert twice his size (Asahi almost had a heart attack from hearing the news). Thankfully, the man had cowered on the boy’s intimidation long enough for security to arrive and he bolted from the scene. Aside from that, Asahi felt that he is the person Nishinoya always sought to help. Whenever he doubts himself or when he fails a spike or when he is thinking about his future, Nishinoya always seems to know what he is thinking and he will do or say the right things to encourage Asahi. His glass heart is protected and lifted by the boy’s strong, metal heart. And his strength does not only encourage Asahi but the whole team: Nishinoya always supports Hinata whenever he failed to receive a spiked ball and he often teases Kageyama so he would feel more included in the team’s conversations. Much to Tsukishima’s dismay, Nishinoya forces Yamaguchi and him to eat more so they can have more energy during practice later, but Asahi knows the duo is secretly touched at their senpai’s attention and care. He also knows Nishinoya likes to yell—that his antics often rile Daichi up but he only does so to get rid of the captain’s tenseness and to amuse Suga as a bonus. The libero also sometimes goes home with Ennoshita, Kinoshita and Narita to spend more time with them because he’s a regular and he rarely spends time on court with them. Despite his silly acts towards Kiyoko, Yachi, Takeda-sensei and Coach Ukai, he still treats them with respect. And last but not least, Nishinoya is a brother to Tanaka. He takes care of everyone around him, protects them and respects them. So there is no doubt in Asahi’s mind that Nishinoya is a strong person. Nishinoya is caring, protective and strong. He is the true epitome of a guardian. But a strong person is still just human. There has been and will be a time when Nishinoya is not strong and Asahi would instinctively reach out to him so the boy could fall into his arms, at least until he feels strong again. He feels like it’s his job: to support Nishinoya whenever the world becomes too much for him. That’s why when Nishinoya suddenly lashes out in practice by yelling at Tanaka of all people, he—no, the whole team knows something is terribly wrong. See, the wing spiker is much like the libero (heck, they could have been twins separated at birth) so it isn't so much of a surprise when Tanaka defends himself by shouting back. But he and Nishinoya never fights. Thankfully, Asahi thinks while watching (and inwardly panicking), Nishinoya realizes this as quickly as he has lashed out. The boy shook his head hard before turning towards the door and grumbling about cooling his head off. Asahi turns his gaze towards Tanaka, who is gritting his teeth while looking at the ground. A second later, he makes a hard serve. The nasty slam made Hinata and Yachi jump so high and not knowing what else to do, the team all began to continue practice as if nothing happened, though clearly the can’t. The team’s dynamic has now gone. They’re like a family, and if one, or in this case two members are not functioning properly then something must be done. So one look from Daichi and Suga, and Asahi is out of the gym. After searching for nearly twenty minutes, Nishinoya was nowhere to be found. “Maybe he went home?” suggests Suga while putting on his jacket. “Maybe. His bag is gone, and it was nearing the end of practice when he stormed off,” murmurs Asahi worriedly as he thinks back to Nishinoya’s angry yet fragile expression. Daichi puts a hand on his hip. “But it’s not like him to just went off like that.” He turns to call Tanaka who is moping the floor. “Oi, Tanaka!” The boy tenses before turning his head, a grim expression on his face. Daichi, ever the tough captain, only raises an eyebrow. “...Yeah?” “What happened between you and Noya? And don’t give me that ‘nothing’ crap," He added when the wing spiker lets out a ‘no—’.“—just. It’s between me and Noya-san, alright.” He grumbles while rubbing his bald head in distress. Suga speaks, but more like demands, “Can you fix this?" “Yes, of course. It’s just a slight misunderstanding and he and I are both hotheaded, so…” The trio could see that Tanaka is now thinking more clearly, so they decides to let the younger man sort this out. But as Asahi walks home, he felt uneasy, and whenever he feels uneasy he automatically thinks that bad things are happening to his closest people. Usually—and thankfully—they were wrong, but he doesn't want to take any chances. He gives into his instincts and turns around towards a new destination. When he arrives at his, he stares in confusion at Nishinoya's house that lacks any light. His garden lamps aren't even on. Maybe he’s not home? But at this hour? Then Asahi remembers a few days ago Nishinoya had told him that his parents and grandpa are currently visiting his distant family outside the city for a few days. Nishinoya couldn’t go with them because he had important tests today. Deciding he doesn’t want to be mistaken as a thief, Asahi quickly rings the doorbell. Though as soon as he rang it, he notices the door was ajar. K-K-K-Kami-sama! W-what if there is a thief in there!? He knew he should at least call the police because of the quietness and the darkness of the house, but Nishinoya may be inside, and god what if he’s being tied up right now!? Helpless, with a thief holding a knife and— “NOYA!” Quietness. Suddenly, the light to the room was switched on. Asahi blinks. Nishinoya blinks.“Asahi-san? What are you doing here? And why are you holding a textbook like that?”, asked the younger male in confusion. He is wearing a hoodie and pajama pants and his hair is not in his usual gelled up style. If the situation wasn’t so embarrassing, Asahi would only be blushing from seeing how cute Nishinoya looks right now. Hesitantly, the bearded high school student lowers his hands. “I-I thought—thief—” “Huh? Louder please.” Nishinoya approaches Asahi, expression bemused. The taller male shook his head frantically. “N-nothing! Anyway, I’m here to check up on you because you left so early. And, ah—it seems you’re also turning in early tonight.” He gives an awkward laugh while rubbing the back of his neck. Nishinoya stares at him for a long timre, and if Asahi weren't already used to the boy’s stare, he would’ve been shaking or stuttering. He is used to it, however, the way Noya is staring at him right now confuses him. “Nishioya? Are you alright?” Noya’s gaze lands on the floor and he shook his head slowly. The way he looks so vulnerable snaps Asahi put of his thoughts as he quickly gathers the boy into his arms, the instincts to protect overwhelming his previous embarrassment. As soon as Noya is in his boyfriend’s arms, the boy wraps his arms around Asahi’s waist and slumps. “Yuu, what’s wrong?” “Dizzy. ‘Sahi, I feel sick," Despite the quietness of his voice, Asahi could still hear Noya’s small whimpers. With his other arm still around his boyfriend’s, the larger of the two gently brushes the smaller’s bangs before putting his palm against his forehead. It feels hot. Too hot, in fact. Okay now Asahi feels like an ass for not knowing that his own boyfriend is actually sick. On the other hand, the boy’s behavior today makes sense: how he wasn’t being his usual cheerful self, the lashing out, going home before practice ended. He probably didn’t want to over practice and pass out in front of the team. While cursing himself, Asahi abandons his bag on the floor before placing his arm around Noya’s shoulder and the other under his legs to lift him up. The motion makes the boy dizzier, so he puts his arms around Asahi’s neck and hides his face in it, closing his eyes to hopefully make the nauseating feeling go away. Slowly, Asahi begins to go up the stairs towards Noya’s room until he has to stop and instead rushes towards the bathroom when the sick boy mumbles, “I’m gonna puke, ‘Sahi—" And throw up he does. Asahi grimaces at the smell and sound the boy is creating, but he cares for Nishinoya too much to leave him alone like that. As he pulls his boyfriend’s hair out of the way while rubbing his back comfortingly, the Ace of Karasuno decides that there is no way he is going home now. So, as he reminds himself to call his parents later on while making sure Nishinoya is finished feeling sick, Asahi flushes the toilet. “Ugh, that’s disgusting” Nishinoya weakly groans as he starts to fall backwards, only to land in Asahi’s arms. Asahi agrees, but he keeps his mouth shut and instead helps the smaller boy up so he can rinse off his mouth. Afterwards, he helps Nishinoya into his bed, tucking him in and making sure he is comfortable. As Asahi starts to walk away, he felt a hand grasping his jacket. “Don’t leave.” It's one of the rare moments where Asahi could see Nishinoya being so weak and vulnerable, and he doesn’t know whether to be touched that he is the only one (aside from the boy’s parents) to see it or be sad and angry at himself that he has let Nishinoya be this sick on his watch. But he reminds himself that Nishinoya is human. Of course he would occasionally lose to sickness whether Asahi wants it or not. And as his senpai, best friend, teammate, and most of all boyfriend, the one thing Asahi should be focused on right now is to take care of Nishinoya. While giving a comforting smile, Asahi leans down to softly peck the libero’s forehead. “I’ll be back soon, okay? I’m just going get some medicine and make some soup for you.” At the word ‘soup’, Nishinoya grimaces while his hold on Asahi tightens. “Seriously? I don’t think I could hold anything in my stomach right now, Asahi-san.” “Just try, okay Noya? I don’t want you to feel worse later because you’re not getting any fluids in your system.” He says as he softly stroke Nishinoya’s hair, making the boy blush. "Please? For me?" The younger male grumbles, “Fine, I’ll try. But only because you’re my boyfriend and I love you.” Asahi’s felt his heart being stabbed—in a good way. It isn't the first time Nishinoya said the ‘L’ word to him but every time the boy expresses it, he feels like he is walking on sunshine, wondering how in the world that this strong and beautiful boy could be his. He really is a lucky guy, to have someone like Nishinoya by his side. “I-I love you too.” he stutters, face red and confident facade gone. When Nishinoya smiles softly afterwards, Asahi swears to make the best damn soup he could ever make. The best soup Asahi has ever made in his life goes unfinished by Nishinoya, but he eats more than a half of it and he doesn't throw it up so Asahi counts that as a win. Not long after that, he watches Nishinoya—who now looks more comfortable with a cool towel on his burning forehead and a calm stomach—fall asleep. Then Asahi cleans up the plates in the kitchen and starts to make himself dinner: a simple tamagoyaki with rice. It helps that it isn't the first time he sleeps over at his boyfriend’s house and feeds him homemade meals. The first meal he made for Nishinoya on his third sleepover where back when his parents and granpa also weren’t home resulted in him proposing to Asahi. It was more of a joke really, but Asahi being Asahi secretly and embarrassingly daydreamed about being a househusband to Nishinoya. After he is finished with cleaning and locking up, Asahi goes to be by his boyfriend's side. He gently puts his big hand on the sleeping male’s chest. “Goodnight Yuu.” He whispers softly before loosing his consciousness to slumber. The next morning, Asahi wakes up to a still feverish boyfriend. Thankfully his temperature has gone down from 102.2 to 100.4 but that doesn't make Asahi worry less. It doesn't ’t help that the medicine and food in Nishinoya’s house are running out. Asahi has to buy them of course, however he doesn't want to leave Nishinoya alone. To leave his sick boyfriend alone—in an empty house, weak and defenseless against thieves and murderers? No. That’s a definite no no. “What to do, what to do?” He forces himself to think as he starts to pace while biting his nails; a bad habit he knows, yet he couldn’t care less at the moment. What should he do? He could ask Suga or Daichi to buy him groceries, but he woke up late today and it is already past nine o’clock, meaning Saturday’s volleyball practice has already started. Why oh why couldn’t he ask one of his two best friends to bring him food and medicine when he told them about Nishinoya's condition last night!? He curses himself for not thinking ahead. He wants to punch himself or crawl into a hole and die, but as he begins to even contemplate on how to make a hole, the bell to Nishinoya’s house rang. Asahi quickly goes out of the kitchen to answer the call so whomever is outside the door doesn’t ring the doorbell again. He doesn't want to wake Nishinoya out of his restful sleep just yet. When he openes the door, Asahi is surprised. “Tanaka!” The boy in question nods at his upperclassman while rubbing the back of his neck. “Good morning, Asahi-san.” He greets with uncertainty in his tone, as if he was uncomfortable to be standing there. If it weren't for the determination Asahi could see in the young man's eyes, Asahi is certain he would walk away. But he doesn't. Instead, Asahi finds himself shoved with a big plastic bag filled with cold medicines, orange juice, herbal tea, honey, ginger ale, lemons, bread, ingredients to make chicken soup and porridge, applesauce, frozen strawberries, and is that a Garigari-kun? Soda flavor no less. Asahi stares at the plastic back in his hands before moving his gaze back at Tanaka. “Oh wow, Tanaka, you’re a lifesaver! Thank you! But how—" “It’s nothing, really. Suga-san texted me saying you and Noya-san won’t be coming to practice today because Noya-san’s sick. And I remembered his family’s out of town and—ah! I’m sorry, Asahi-san! I don’t mean to disrespect you or anything! You probably have everything under control anyway and I-” Asahi’s eyes widen and he has to take a step back when Tanaka suddenly bows and apologizes. “No, no, Tanaka! It’s alright! You were right! I mean, about bringing these here, not about me having everything under control,” “Huh?” At his underclassman’s confused stare, Asahi couldn’t help but smile. Tanaka has brought these as a peace offering to Nishinoya. And he skipped practice to visit him. “Thanks, Tanaka. Really. And hey, do you want to come in?” Tanaka suddenly looks more uncomfortable, but before he has a chance to say anything, Asahi puts his free hand on the boy’s shoulder. “Come on. I want to make breakfast, and I don’t want Noya to wake up alone.” Asahi knows Tanaka can cook, so he was glad when the shorter of the two doesn't offer to do it and suggests Asahi to be the one keeping Nishinoya company instead. While leading Tanaka gently into the house, he hears a silent “Okay.” making him smile even more. About half an hour later, Asahi puts his tray of food on the floor so he can open the door to Nishinoya’s room. He doesn't make it halfway, though, when he hears a soft voice. “Ryuu?” He peeks inside to see Nishinoya, whose eyes are glassy and face still flushed. He is staring at the back of Tanaka’s head. Tanaka himself is sitting on the floor, his back tense and his eyes are piercing the bright walls. Neither seems to notice the slightly open door and the huge figure of their upperclassman behind it. “H-hey.” Tanaka stutters. He still refuses to turn around and face Nishinoya while the latter keeps staring at his best friend’s bald head. “Hey. You’re not at practice?” “...No.” “Oh.” God, Asahi could die from the suspense. He really shouldn’t be standing here and eavesdrop on their conversation, and Asahi is sure there is no way in hell Nishinoya and Tanaka would fight again. Not when one of them is sick anyway. Yet his feet is glued to the floor and he wants to make sure that those two make up. He also wants to know why they started fighting anyway. Awkward silence fills the room for a few moments before it was broken by one of them. “Uh—h-how are ya?” Tanaka asks while rubbing the back of his neck. Nishinoya turns his gaze to the ceiling and sniffs. “Not so great. But better after I puked yesterday.” “Ugh, that’s gross. I’m sorry you had to went through that, man.” Tanaka grimaces, making Nishinoya chuckle as a reply. “I’m-I’m sorry for the way I acted too.” The wing spiker adds. Nishinoya goes quiet as his gaze goes back to Tanaka’s tense form. “Nah, man. I’m the one who should apologize, butting in your family's business like that—” “You are family!” Asahi almost jumps at Tanaka’s outburst. He watches as the fiery man turns around and sat in a kneeling position with his fists on his thigh. “Ryuu—” You are! And don’t let what I say justify anything!” He then bows his head, making Nishinoya sit up in astonishment. Tanaka grits his teeth. “I’m sorry I was such an asshole, and I understand if you don’t wanna be friends with me anymore.” “Ryuu, c’mon, you’re blowing things out of proportion—” “Is demeaning a bro ‘blowing things out of proportion’? My sister was right to call me an idiot and an insensitive jerk, and an asshole and—”
THWACK!
Asahi winces when Nishinoya suddenly headchops Tanaka’s head. Oh no. And he’s bald too, thought Asashi while feeling sorry for Tanaka while the latter is holding his head in pain. “Stop insulting my bro, dammit!” roars Nishinoya before starting a coughing fit that resumes in him wheezing. “N-Noya-san, are you alright!?” At that, Asahi is by Nishinoya’s side in an instant, quickly rubbing the boy’s back while giving him a cup of tea with honey. It is two more minutes until Nishinoya’s coughing subsides. "Yuu—" Asahi starts, only to be quickly reassured by his kohai. "I'm alright, Asahi, thanks" rasps Noya before turning his attention back to Tanaka. “Ryuu, I swear to god, Saeko-neesan was wrong, so stop being an idiot! And you know I’m in the wrong too for lashing out on you yesterday.” Tanaka splutters. “But I was being an asshole!” “You were being a bro to your sister—” “No, you were being a bro to my sister!” “Fine, fine, we were both being bros for Saeko-neesan, and I was the nice one, while you were the jerk one. Happy?” “No, I’m not! I told you to stay out of our family's business! I’m the king of jerks, and I don’t deserve a bro like you!” “Will you stop that!” “No, I—” “Okay, enough!” Asahi booms, making Nishinoya and Tanaka’s mouth snapped shut. This has to stop, and thankfully, the confident side of Asahi’s is agreeing with him today. “I’m grateful that you two are not exactly fighting, but blaming yourselves isn’t healthy either!” Nishinoya then has the audacity to snort. “That’s rich coming from you, Asahi-san.” “H-hey! This isn’t about me right now! And will you guys just tell me what happened between you two?” Tanaka and Nishinoya look at each other before sighing and nodding at Asahi. Apparently, Saeko—Tanaka’s big sister—now has a boyfriend who is five years older than her and from the looks of it, he is a total punk. Tanaka and Nishinoya both dislike her choice of man, but while Nishinoya respected Saeko enough to give her space, Tanaka’s protective younger brother switch was on. The three then had a disagreement that clashed, which resulted Tanaka to snap at Nishinoya who was trying to calm the siblings down.
"You’re not even a part of this family, man! Piss off!"
"Fine! Don’t come crying to me when Nee-san beats your ass!"
"Oh, you bet your ass I'll beat his ass off! How dare you be an asshole and such a thing to Yuu, you idiot!?"
Tanaka looks like he wants to cry. Manly cry, mind you. “Um, Noya-san? What you said—just now”
“Stop insulting my bro, dammit!”
His gaze on Tanaka is firm and piercing. “Are you my bro, Ryuu?” Tanaka sniffs. “Yes.” “What’s that? I can’t hear you.” “Yes!” Nishinoya grins. “Then stop being an idiot and come here.” And that last statement results in a bromance hug. “Bro!” “Bro!” “You’re my bro, Ryuu!” “Noya-san! Do you forgive me, bro?” “Nothing to forgive, bro!” “You’re the best bro a bro could have!" “Bro!” “Bro!” “BRO!” And damn if Asahi has to hear that word one more time. But in the end it was alright, he supposes. After eating breakfast and taking his medicine, Nishinoya falls asleep with Asahi laying beside him to keep him company while Tanaka prepares lunch (Tanaka won’t take no for an answer). When the three of them finish their lunch, Asahi does the dishes. Afterwards, he wonders why the room upstairs is quiet, seeing as it was quite loud a few minutes ago now that Karasuno's libero and wing spiker have made up. When he opens the door to Nishinoya’s room to find his boyfriend and his best friend snoring and are tangled with each other on the bed, Asahi smiles. Both of their faces are peaceful and without a care in the world. With a thought in mind, Asahi takes a picture of them and sends it to Daichi with a caption: Nishinoya's getting better. Don’t be mad at Tanaka for skipping today’s practice. And say hi to Suga and the others for me. Feeling quite tired himself, Asahi then turns his phone off and put it on Nishinoya’s nightstand before also climbing into the latter’s bed. He positions himself next to the smallest of the trio, pushing himself until his back is almost flat against the wall, seeing he has to manage because while the libero's bed is small, it isn't too big either for three males. He slowly takes the sleeping boy into his arms and places his chin on top of Nishinoya’s head, savoring the vanilla shampoo with a mix of sweat that he doesn’t mind one bit. Nishinoya automatically moves closer to him until he has his face against Asahi’s chest and an arm around his waist. The boy’s duvet is now covering them. Tanaka, meanwhile, is on top of the duvet but he has taken one of Noya’s pillow hostage and is drooling on it. Nishinoya would be furious later, but Tanaka would definitely survive, of course, because they are bros. See, Nishinoya is one of the strongest person Asahi has ever met. But when he was sick and not in his top form like this, aside from his parents he can always count on Asahi or his bro, Tanaka. Or in this case, both. They'll be Nishinoya’s guardians. 🧡🖤