Follow Your Passion: A Seamless Tumblr Journey
꧁✬◦°⋆⋆°◦. 𝓚𝓮𝓷𝓶𝓪 𝔁 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓮𝓻 ◦°⋆⋆°◦✬꧂
A/N: I got sick, sorry these are all gonna be so late.
At the team's holiday party, you and your boyfriend do your best to avoid his best friend, who seems way too determined to get you two trapped under the mistletoe for you first kiss.
This wasn't the first time you and Kenma had been invited somewhere as a couple, yet from the way his team fawned over the two of you, you'd have thought it was.
It wasn't always bad, sometimes it was sweet; Yaku teased the two of you sure, but he noticed whenever you or your boyfriend were uncomfortable and backed off, Kai simply made sweet remarks about how you two complimented each other well, short phrases that had both you and Kenma beat red.
Kuroo, to no ones surprise, was the worst.
When you two first told him you were dating he thought it was some type of prank; you and Kenma had been pining over each other to him for so long he had grown hopeless. Turns out, late-night video game sessions can do a lot of good.
That being said, this was you first holiday party as a couple, and for almost 90% of the time thus far you two were avoiding said team captain.
It wasn't a big "high school party", there was no spiked eggnog or blasting music. Yamamoto tried and got told off rather humorously. There was food, drinks, some weird American Christmas music Kuroo found, ugly sweaters, and presents.
And mistletoe.
"I can't believe him," Kenma looked like he was trying to burrow himself deeper into his sweater, one you had picked out for him, knowing if you didn't, Kuroo would, and that would have been worse.
You shrugged, taking a sip of your eggnog before making a face; it may not be alcoholic but it wasn't great, "Really? This seems exactly like something he would have done."
Kenma paused, before letting out a rather loud sigh, leaning so he was against your shoulder, curling so his body was angled towards you, "It is. That makes it worse. I should have known he'd do this."
You smiled down at him, though he couldn't see you, "He kept us too busy with party favors to even think about his meddling."
"Stupid ploy of his," Your boyfriend muttered, glaring at the wall in front of him.
"Maybe we can turn the tables? Trap him under some mistletoe with someone else. I'm sure if you called Bokuto he'd come over."
Kenma shook his head, "One, I don't need to deal with Kuroo and Bokuto, secondly, Kuroo would think it was funny and it wouldn't work the way you're thinking."
Sighing, you tilted so your head was rested against his, "Damn."
You could feel him nod, "Damn is right."
The music could be heard through the walls, and you only felt a little bad that you and Kenma were hiding in Kuroo's mom's office. You both knew it was only a matter of time before he came searching there for you, but you'd be ready to either shove him out or book it.
"Maybe we can trick Yaku and Lev under the mistletoe," He suggested quietly, "Cause a distraction so big Kuroo forgets about us."
You hummed, "That works until demon-upperclassmen-Yaku torments you at practice."
He groaned, "Might be worth it."
You laughed quietly, setting your cup down, "You know," You started before you could second guess yourself, feeling the familiar flutter of nerves in your stomach, "If it were more private I wouldn't mind kissing you under mistletoe."
You felt him stiffen against you, and for a moment you screamed at yourself mentally, but he relaxed a second later, a quiet huff of laugh coming from him.
"Yeah," He reached across to take one of your hands into his, "Me too. He's only doing this cause... well," He cut himself off, and curiosity got the best of you when he didn't finish his thought.
You pulled away some, looking at him, your hands still connected, "Well what?"
His cheeks were pink, and he was doing his best to avoid eye contact, "I had... mentioned wanting to kiss you. Maybe. But not knowing when. He joked about mistletoe at the party. But I forgot until we showed up."
You think almost everyone was caught by surprise at the sheer amount of mistletoe hanging from doorways.
You waited, giving him time to feel comfortable looking towards you, a small smile on your face, "You know... you could have asked me?" Your voice was soft, teasing, "Considering I'm your girlfriend, not Kuroo."
He huffed, half-annoyed, half-laughing.
"I'm serious, just ask me if I want to kiss you. No mistletoe necessary."
It took a second for him to fully process what you said, and his eyes widened a fraction. He visibly swallowed, his grip on your hand tightening slightly.
"Will... can I kiss you?"
The simple question, even if you were expecting it, had butterflies explode in your stomach, your heart fluttering in your chest. Your palms felt embarrassingly sweaty.
"Yes."
You'd, embarrassingly, imagined what your first kiss would be like when you were younger. Entering your teens, it seemed like the biggest deal in the world. You'd have this prince charming of a boyfriend, someone boisterous who took you on spontaneous dates, someone who dipped you under the stars for your first kiss.
No part of you had imagined having your first kiss, hiding away in your friend's mom's office to avoid public humiliation at his goading.
No part of you imagined how it actually felt. All those dreams felt so silly now.
Kenma's lips were warm against yours, your hands still holding one another's. The kiss didn't go any further than this, and it only lasted but a few seconds, but it was enough.
He pulled back first, cheeks far more red than they had been when he asked, and you were sure yours were no better. Despite the anxiety that had been clear on his face, he was smiling, something so soft it made all those nerves disappear as if they'd never been there before.
"Think that was better without the mistletoe," You murmured, and he nodded in agreement.
It was quiet between the two of you for a moment, before--
"There you two are!" Kuroo was standing in the doorway, looking a bit frazzled.
You and Kenma didn't have time to react, but it seemed like Kuroo was too focused on something else to even notice.
"I'm hiding with you, I got Yaku and Lev under the mistletoe and I think--"
"Kuroo Tetsurou!"
⋆˚。⋆୨✧୧˚ 𝑼𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒊𝒚𝒂 𝒙 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓 ˚୨✧୧⋆。˚⋆
"Do you think this is enough?"
You glanced up from the plates you were setting down, all paper, you didn't want to have another incident of Sakura and Sugishita bickering and breaking anymore. Umemiya was frowning at the table littered with plates of food, almost every dish including some of the late fall and winter veggies he had been growing.
You hummed, "It's more than enough Haji," Walking over to him, you placed your arms on his shoulders, turning him to look at you, "I think we'll even be able to send everyone home with leftovers."
He smiled at that, but you could still see the underlying worry in his eyes. "I know how important this is for you, I promise you, it'll go perfectly fine."
A nagging feeling in your mind told you those were famous last words, but you brushed it off. Umemiya and Kotoha had spent countless hours cooking and planning all the food, and you and Tsubakino had gone out shopping for plates, cups, napkins, and utensils that matched the 'winter theme', and also wouldn't shatter if dropped.
Or thrown.
He sighed, arms crossed over his chest as he continued to stare at everything, as if they'd just up and disappear if he looked away, "I know some people might think it's silly but... this is more than just a meal for everyone."
You felt yourself soften as he spoke, "It's a way of seeing how far everyone here has come. How far this town has come."
You turned him to face you, cupping his jaw gently, and his eyes instantly moved to look at you, the adoration so crystal clear it still made you feel all types of vulnerable.
"And that's exactly what you're doing," You smiled at him, "Everyone can see that, feel that."
He smiled, and the look finally reached his eyes. He leaned further into your hand, eyes closing for a moment as he basked in the quiet that had settled on the roof after his fretting had calmed down. The door creaked open, not loud enough to be disturbing, but the small bubble of the two of you was put to pause.
Sugishita wandered over to the two of you, carrying a few brown bags in his arms. No doubt extra snacks and sweets from some of the townsfolks. Judging by the slight red tint to his face, he got caught being thanked in the cold far longer than he anticipated.
"Ah, man!" Hajime peered into the bags, gaze eager, "Oh! Granny Kimura sent some of her anmitsu! We'll have to hide that or else everyone's going to tear into that first."
Sugishita nodded, already looking for places to hide the bags. Entering now was Sakura, Suo next to him, looking as pleased as he always did. Judging by the pink on Sakura's face, the poor boy had been teased the entire walk here.
Unlucky for him, you thought it was downright adorable.
"Hello boys," You called out to the two, Sugishita momentarily glowering at Sakura, before wandering off to hide the sweets.
"You two are early!" Hajime called out, beaming as the two first years walked closer, Sakura looking like he'd rather be anywhere else.
"Wanted to be early enough to help if you needed us to," Suo spoke cheerfully, "Plus Sakura here was just too excited to wait."
"I was not!" The other boy yelled, voice higher pitched as he denied the accusation of being excited, and you couldn't help but laugh a bit at the dynamic of the two.
The pink on his face turned red quickly, and it didn't take a genius to figure out he was responding to the way Hajime had turned to look at you. You knew the look like the back of your hand, eyes soft, small smile on his face. Most people said Hajime wore his heart on his sleeve, and only you truly knew how true that statement could be.
"I - you - we - "
You took pity on him, feeling Hajime's arm wrap around your waist, "Why don't you two start to unwrap the plates and such? Get them set out so people can grab them as they get here."
Happy to have a task, or just happy to walk away from you two, Sakura nodded, high tailing it over to the table with all the plates and napkins and utensils. Suo smiled at the two of you.
"Nirei is on his way," He informed you two, "Kotoha cornered him to help her carry some more dishes over."
He walked over to help Sakura, the poor boy struggling with some of the plastic wrapped around the items. The door was pushed open, the blonde boy rushing in, arms carefully carrying some dishes.
He looked panicked, as if he was running late and not one of the first people to have arrived. When he saw how few people were here thus far, he let out a sigh, smiling brightly when he caught your eye.
"Kotoha says she'll be here soon! I brought the dishes that don't need to stay warm!" You could see the moment his anxiety caught back up with him, and he bowed towards Hajime, before scurrying off to his friends.
"You've got some good first years this batch," You hummed, leaning back into Hajime's hold.
You felt him chuckle, the vibrations against your back, "I couldn't have asked for better little brothers."
"Careful, if Sakura hears you say that he might blow a gasket."
He laughed loudly at that, and you couldn't help but join, hearing soft bickering stem from the now four first years, and you were glad you had invested in paper and plastic items.
No shattered dishes today.
Slowly, more people trickled in. Various extra sweets and snacks being brought from townsfolks, Kotoha finally arriving. She and Tsubakino were carrying more trays of food. The aroma of the rooftop smelled amazing, and once everyone had settled in with warm drinks, the food was uncovered.
It didn't take long for a lot of it to go, people taking piles of food and wandering to sit and talk. You finally had a free moment from helping to wander off to your boyfriend, and he moved, instantly making room for you to sit on his lap.
"So," You leaned back against his chest, accepting the warm cup of cider from him, "You still worried there isn't enough food?"
He let out a small laugh, "I'm more worried everyone's going to enter a food coma at this rate."
"It's a good thing Shishitoren agreed to keep watch for you all to do this," You muttered, mostly to yourself, "I saved them some plates of food as a thank you."
Hajime sighed, leaning so his chin was rested against your head, "What did I do to end up with someone as perfect as you?"
You were glad, for this moment, that he was behind you, cause you were sure you were blushing as much as Sakura with his words.
You shook your head in response, "You were just you," You reached up, albit a bit awkwardly, but managed to poke at his nose, "And I decided I wanted to spend my life with you."
"And I am thankful for that everyday."
Before you could respond, there was a panicked yelp, and it took you a moment to realize it came from Nirei. Looking over, you saw a spilled drink on the ground, and Sakura and Sugishita facing each other, both annoyed.
"I'm really glad we went with plastic," Was all you said, shaking your head at the two first years as they started arguing, knowing full well Higari was seconds away from pulling his trouble makers apart.
⋆˚。⋆୨✧୧˚ 𝑺𝑫𝑽!𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒗𝒆𝒚 𝒙 𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒓 ˚୨✧୧⋆。˚⋆
The winter chill this year was far harsher than it had been years prior. The town was covered, coated in a thick snow, blanketing the buildings and dead trees. The falling snow had lightened considerably, a soft flurry now. The air was crisp and biting, almost painful to breath. Even just the brisk walk from your farm to the clinic proved to be more annoying than anything. You stepped into the clinic, an unsettling feeling taking over as you took in how quiet it was. Normally Maru was up front, greeting you, the two of you chatting before you went off to see your husband. And sure, the clinic was never hustling and bustling, but this time of year there was at the very least soft music playing throughout the waiting room.
Now it was just eerily silent.
“Harvey?” You called out, pushing the door open, voice laidened with concern.
You knocked once, just to fully announce your entry, the wood creaking as you pushed it open. Harvey was inside, hunched over his desk, papers scattered about him. His normally well put together appearance was more dishevled now, hair messy, and the part of his face you could see through his arms appeared pale. It took a moment for him to notice you, but when he did, he sat up, pushing his glasses up.
“Hun?” You stepped closed.
His shoulders were slumped, posture off; you could hear the whistle of his breathing from where you stood. He looked the definition of drained.
“Hey,” He greeted you, voice gruff, “I’m just going over some files. Do you need something, dear?”
He tried to cover the cough that followed, and you felt a pang in your chest. He may be the doctor in your relationship, but it was beyond evident that your husband was sick.
“Yes,” You said softly, crossing to stand right before him, “I need you to come home.”
He tried to stand, pushing himself up from where he was seated, his legs wobbly. He winched, coughing some more, body trembling from the force. You steadied him, feeling the unnatural heat emanating from his body. He shook his head, looking ready to argue.
“Don’t even try that,” You chidded gently, forcing him to sit before he got dizzy, ignoring the weak attempts to resist, “Dear, you’re running a fever. You can’t work like this.”
“I’m fine,” He tried sounding put together, “It’s just a cold. I can’t leave the clinic unattended, especially during the winter.”
You frowned, running your fingers through his hair. His skin was burning under your touch, his hair unkempt and sweaty.
“You’re not fine,” You argued, keeping your voice light, “If anyone needs something, they can contact Maru. I’ll call and let her know you’re out of remission.”
“I can’t just—”
You interrupted him, voice more firm than it had been before, “Harvey, you need to go home. You can’t work like this.”
He sighed, though it sounded rather rough; he knew there was no use in arguing with you over this. Even so, he tried.
“I can just finish up some paperwork,” He trailed off, his argument hanging off his lips as his body sank further into his chair, exhaustion clearly taking the reins.
“I’ll just stay here, finish up a few things…” he trailed off, his eyelids heavy as his body sank further into the chair, exhaustion clearly taking over.
“Come on, we’re going home, and you’re going to rest, no arguments.”
He looked like he wanted to protest, but whatever words he had died on his lips. He didn’t have the energy to fight you on this, instead opting to sigh weakly, allowing you to help him up.
“Fine,” His voice was even quieter now, “But I’m coming back when I feel better.”
You smiled, cupping his cheek, thumb brushing against his cheek bone,”Of course, dear. Now bundle up, we’re going home.”
You were glad you had overdramatically bundled yourself up, being able to take off your own scarf to wrap about your husband, the cloth muffling his argument to this movement. Once you deemed him bundled up securly, the two of you left, locking up behind you. You knew Maru had a key, and you’d call her once you got Harvey settled into bed. The walk back took longer, your husbands walk sluggish, and you were worried he’d stumble and fall. Nothing like that happened, thankfully. Once you two got inside, Harvey looked even worse, cheeks red, and you weren’t sure if this was due to the cold or his fever. You helped him to your bedroom, making sure he laid down, propped up on the pillows.
“Bedrest, no arguments,” You said, tucking the blanket around him snuggly.
You moved to the kitchen, grabbing the phone to call Maru as you poured some water into the kettle, already pulling out all the ingredients to make some green tea with lemon. You informed your friend, who wished your husband a speedy recovery, before you two hung up. You debated making some soup, but you’d rather him rest for a bit before you woke him up to eat. The house felt colder, and as you waited you moved to the fireplace, replacing new wooden blocks on the hearth to make sure it was burning as hot as it could without risking catching anything on fire.
Once the kettle went off and you steeped the tea, you wandered back into the bedroom, Harvey perking up even just a little when he heard you come back in. He gave you a weak smile when he saw the tea cup in hand.
“You don’t have to go out of your way,” He started, voice hoarse but so familiarly loving.
“I do, actually. It was in the vows. In sickness and in health,” You replied, sitting next to him, “Besides, I owe you for all the times you’ve taken care of me after a bad run in the mines.”
He chuckled weakly, accepting the mug from you with a quiet thank you. Sipping the tea slowly, you noticed how his hands were still trembling, though less so. He hurried to take his glasses off when the steam fogged them up. For a moment the room was quiet, the only sounds the fireplace crackling in the distance.
“Thank you,” He whispered, the mug now half empty, and you moved to place it on the side table, “I’m not used to being taken care of, I suppose. Doctors truly do make the worst patients, and all that.”
You smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead, the warmth on his skin still present, “Well get used to me taking care of you, it comes with the marriage territory.”
He leaned into your touch, eyes closing for a moment, the clear exhaustion evident on his face, “I’m so lucky to have you.”
It was silent after that, a comfortable, warm silence, “I think I’ll make some soup later, bring you some more tea and water. You need fluids.”
He nodded absentmindedly, already starting to drift off, the warmth of the bed and the tea, and you presence relaxing him greatly, “Alright… promise me something?”
“Anything.”
“When I’m better, we’re going to go on a winter date,” His voice was thick with sleep, eyes still shut as he spoke, “We can take a walk in the snow, maybe get some hot cider at the saloon.”
You smiled, chuckling quietly, “I promise.”
He smiled, faint and tired, his breathing slowing down as he finally fell asleep. You watched him silently for a few moments, your heart swelling unbearably in your chest. Your husband was far too kind and too good sometimes, you were truly the lucky one to have him.
𝐷𝑎𝑦 𝑂𝑛𝑒 (12/1/24): 𝑆𝑛𝑜𝑤𝑦 𝑁𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 (𝐾𝑢𝑟𝑜𝑜 𝑥 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟)
𝐷𝑎𝑦 𝑇𝑤𝑜 (12/3/24): 𝑆𝑙𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ 𝑅𝑖𝑑𝑒 (𝑆𝐷𝑉!𝑆ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑒 𝑥 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑡. 𝐽𝑎𝑠)
𝐷𝑎𝑦 𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑒 (12/5/24): 𝐶𝑜𝑙𝑑 (𝑆𝐷𝑉!𝐻𝑎𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑦 𝑥 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟)
𝐷𝑎𝑦 𝐹𝑜𝑢𝑟 (12/7/24): 𝐻𝑜𝑡 𝐶𝑜𝑐𝑜𝑎 (𝑆𝑎𝑘𝑢𝑟𝑎 𝑥 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟)
𝐷𝑎𝑦 𝐹𝑖𝑣𝑒 (12/9/24): 𝐺𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑 𝐻𝑜𝑢𝑠𝑒 (𝐵𝑜𝑘𝑢𝑡𝑜 𝑥 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟)
𝐷𝑎𝑦 𝑆𝑖𝑥 (12/11/24): 𝑊𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝐹𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑡 (𝑈𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑦𝑎 𝑥 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑡. 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠)
𝐷𝑎𝑦 𝑆𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 (12/13/24): 𝑀𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑡𝑜𝑒 (𝐾𝑒𝑛𝑚𝑎 𝑥 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟)
𝐷𝑎𝑦 𝐸𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 (12/15/24): 𝑆ℎ𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 (𝑁𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑚𝑖 𝑥 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟)
𝐷𝑎𝑦 𝑁𝑖𝑛𝑒 (12/17/24): 𝐺𝑖𝑓𝑡 𝐸𝑥𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑔𝑒 (𝑆𝑢𝑜 𝑥 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟)
𝐷𝑎𝑦 𝑇𝑒𝑛 (12/19/24): 𝑆𝑛𝑜𝑤 𝐴𝑛𝑔𝑒𝑙𝑠 (𝑁𝑒𝑘𝑜𝑚𝑎 𝑥 𝑀𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑟!𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟)
𝐷𝑎𝑦 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 (12/21/24): 𝐼𝑐𝑒 𝑆𝑘𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 (𝐺𝑜𝑗𝑜 𝑥 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟)
𝐷𝑎𝑦 𝑇𝑤𝑒𝑙𝑣𝑒 (12/23/24): 𝑀𝑖𝑙𝑘 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐶𝑜𝑜𝑘𝑖𝑒𝑠 (𝑈𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑖𝑦𝑎 𝑥 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑒𝑟)
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆𝕭𝖔𝖓𝖚𝖘 𝕯𝖆𝖞 (12/25/24): 𝕻𝖗𝖊𝖘𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖘 (𝕸𝖚𝖑𝖙𝖎 𝖝 𝕽𝖊𝖆𝖉𝖊𝖗) ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩