Chapter Text
"I ended things with Megumi," Iwaizumi announces.
His head lowers in defeat, and he expects to hear some kind of consolation from his friends. Breakups are never easy. He's having a hard time keeping it together. He knows that his friends will sense his distress and come to his aid.
"Who is Megumi?" Matsukawa asks first, in all seriousness.
Iwaizumi's head jerks up just in time to see Hanamaki nodding his head in agreement.
"Who is Megumi?" Iwaizumi repeats the question. His previous despair is forgotten and replaced with anger. "Are you two fucking kidding me?! I've been dating her for the past two months!"
"Oh!" Hanamaki exclaims, a look of recognition on his face. "Yeah, her..."
Then Matsukawa chimes in. "Girl number 4? Oh..." he mutters dryly, "You two were in an actual relationship?"
Iwaizumi can't believe his ears. They’re talking about his girlfriend - ex-girlfriend - like she's some extra in a movie. He opens his mouth to answer Matsukawa's question with a string of curses when Hanamaki speaks up first.
"That's the fourth one this year, Iwaizumi." His shoulders shrug nonchalantly. "I honestly never expected it to last longer than it did."
Iwaizumi looks at Matsukawa to see if he also wants to contribute to the deterioration of his self-esteem. It feels like his friends have had this on their minds for quite some time.
Matsukawa glances over to Hanamaki. They share a glance, and then something telepathic passes between them.
This is the exact moment when Iwaizumi regrets everything. He regrets inviting them over to his apartment under the pretense of playing Mario Kart. He regrets telling them about Megumi.
And, a part of him, that he tries to ignore, regrets ever dating Megumi in the first place. He feels guilty for thinking that. But, it's the truth.
"Intervention time!" Matsukawa and Hanamaki yell simultaneously before placing their hands on Iwaizumi's shoulders to keep him from bolting for the front door.
Yeah, they're all at Iwaizumi's place, but, he doesn't mind leaving them there. He can go live somewhere else. Maybe change his name, get plastic surgery, and, move to another country. Antarctica seems nice enough.
Anywhere is better than being stuck here with these two assholes. Because an intervention with Matsukawa and Hanamaki means that Iwaizumi is in deep shit. It means that he didn't have a handle on things like he would have liked to believe.
Iwaizumi is dragged to his sofa, kicking, and screaming. When his back hits the soft cushion, he glares up at the traitors. "What's the meaning of this?" He demands, though deep down inside he already knows the answer.
For the past year, Iwaizumi has been in and out of relationships. Four to be exact, with the longest lasting for only three months. Iwaizumi is always the one to end things. He doesn't know why or how it happens.
One night he just goes to sleep crazy about the woman he's with but, then, he wakes up feeling as though a major part of himself is missing
So, Iwaizumi breaks things off. Because he doesn't like the idea of leading people on. He figures it's better to end it instead of pretending to be into someone. Iwaizumi thinks that he's being a good guy. Of course, good guys don't make girls cry. Intentional or not, it’s not cool.
Hanamaki starts the intervention off with a: "You've been acting like a real fuck boy, Hajime." Emphasis on the first name to let it be known that he means business. "When you're not dating anyone, you're in the clubs every weekend, hooking up with random girls. Then, one day you're introducing us to some chick, and you're all in love. The shit was cute at first but now it has gotten really old. How many hearts are you going to play with before you realize that you're not interested in women?"
Okay. Wow. Things just got real.
Iwaizumi is sitting with his mouth hanging open in shock. Has he really reached fuckboy status?
He isn't trying to play with anyone's feelings or break anyone's, heart. That's why he ended things with Megumi. She wanted to introduce him to her parents. Iwaizumi felt like they were moving too fast. They had their first argument, and Iwaizumi realized that it wasn't going to work out between them.
It's when Matsukawa starts talking that Iwaizumi remembers the last thing Hanamaki had said. What did the man mean by Iwaizumi not being interested in women? What in the fuck?
"...and we love the fact that you're more confident in yourself now," Matsukawa confesses, "But, dude you can't keep doing this. You're hurting people. You're hurting yourself. And we know that you're not trying to. But you are. So, can you just do us, yourself, and the female population, a favor and open your eyes, Hajime."
Iwaizumi feels like shit now. He feels like he's being scolded by his parents. (Damn that emphasis on his first name)
It's true, he's no longer as insecure as he was in high school. After losing his virginity his freshmen year of university, Iwaizumi started to gain more confidence. Maybe that confidence has gone to his head.
Sighing heavily, he combs his fingers through his hair, tugging on the strands in frustration. "Fuck, you guys are right," he agrees, "I need to open my eyes..."
Matsukawa claps his hands in relief. "So, you're finally ready to come out of the closet? You know that we got your back!" He looks excited about this new revelation.
"Thank fuck, Iwaizumi!" Hanamaki is equally excited. "Matsu and I will take you out this weekend. You can finally come to the club with us..."
They're both chatting excitedly about Iwaizumi's first time coming with them to the gay club they frequent. It'll be Iwaizumi's first time going to any gay club. They are acting like proud parents who found out that their kid wants to grow up and be like them some day.
Meanwhile, Iwaizumi is on the brink of a panic attack. His palms are sweaty, his heart is pounding against his rib cage. Did all of his relationships fail because he's actually interested in men? That doesn't make any sense. He has been intimate with women, and he has enjoyed it.
And, yeah, he's always felt like something was missing. He's stumbled into bed with different women, always searching, but, never finding what he was looking for. Could that be the reason why? Is it possible that he's...
"I'm not gay!" The loud outburst puts the celebration to a screeching halt. Iwaizumi jumps up from the couch, with murder in his eyes. "Don't you think I would know if I liked guys or not?! I've never been attracted to the same sex! How in the fuck did you two dipshits come to that conclusion?"
Let it be known that Iwaizumi isn't homophobic. He is not disgusted by homosexuality. People should be able to love whoever the hell they want, in his honest opinion.
Iwaizumi is pissed because...Well, he's just pissed. Doesn't really know the reason why. Maybe because he doesn't like being told things about himself that he should already know. He also hates being cornered like this.
Matsukawa and Hanamaki are aware of that. Still, they don't back down. While they could write a five page, MLA style paper on how they'd concluded that Iwaizumi is gay, Matsukawa takes it upon himself to save everyone the trouble by only asking one question.
"Well, how do you know you're not gay?"
The question is simple. It's straightforward. Iwaizumi should be able to answer it, no problem.
He can't.
Iwaizumi has lived his entire life believing that he is straight. He's never experimented with the same sex. He's never really given it much thought. However, now it's the only thing that he can think about.
What kind of guy would he even be into? Someone more like him or his polar opposite? What about their body type? That didn't really matter long as the guy's personality was tolerable. Who would do the...do? How did they go about establishing that? Or would they take turns?
Iwaizumi's already lost the battle by this point. The fact that he's standing there, contemplating the kind of guy he's possibly attracted to is enough to confirm that he isn't completely against the idea of being with another man.
"Fuck," Iwaizumi groans in defeat. He flops back down on the couch. "I can't believe this is happening..."
"I can't believe it took this long for us to have this conversation with you." Matsukawa flops down on the couch as well. As if the short intervention has exhausted him. "We've been trying to figure out how to go about it since you dumped Girl number 2."
Hanamaki nods his head in agreement, yet remains standing. He's not accustomed to Iwaizumi admitting defeat, especially so soon. He's still standing just to be on the safe side. "Look, just hold off on dating anyone for like...the remainder of the year. That doesn't mean that you have to wait that long to figure out this little problem of yours."
"How in the hell am I supposed to figure out if I'm gay or not?" Iwaizumi still can't believe that they're actually talking about this. There is a possibility that he's gay. It's life changing, yet mildly exciting. Why is he so anxious about getting to the bottom of this dilemma?
The bottom of this dilemma.
Bottom.
'Oh god' Iwaizumi internally screams. He can't even use that word in a sentence without thinking about things he shouldn't be thinking about. It's nerve wrecking. This isn't how he had imagined his day going when he got out of bed that morning.
"It's simple," Matsukawa continues, oblivious of Iwaizumi's crumbling sanity. Or maybe he is aware and doesn't give a shit. "We know a guy."
Hanamaki's face lights. There's a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Damn! You want to enlist the help of the Grand King for this? You know it'll cost us." He doesn't seem to care too much really.
Grand King? Who in the fuck...
"It's worth it. Besides, Iwaizumi can just pay me back later."
Pay for what? Iwaizumi isn't liking the whole cryptic bullshit. They're talking about him as if he isn't right there.
"Can someone please explain to me what's going on?" asks Iwaizumi. Matsukawa and Hanamaki share a look. Iwaizumi hates it when they do that. "What kind of pretentious asshole goes by Grand King anyway?"
What kind of idiots would address a regular person as Grand King in this century? Iwaizumi is looking at two of those idiots right now, apparently.
"Oikawa Tooru," Hanamaki says the name like Iwaizumi is supposed to know who that is. "He's kind of a big fucking deal in Seijoh's LGBTQ community."
Was that even a thing? Iwaizumi thinks. Did they hold monthly committee meetings and host bake sales? The imagery is hilarious. Matsukawa and Hanamaki at a bake sale. Matsukawa and Hanamaki actually being productive. The shit is hilarious.
"Okay. But what is that supposed to mean to me? How does this Grand King bastard supposed to help me figure out if I'm gay or not?" Iwaizumi knows the answer before he asks. Still, the insanity of the entire situation has him asking just to be sure.
Hanamaki smirks at him. It's a smirk that spells trouble. "Oh, I think you know the answer to that, Iwaizumi."
Iwaizumi shakes his head. He nopes the fuck out of all of this. "Fuck no! I'm not going to just have sex with some guy I don't even know. If that's the only way to prove if I'm gay or not. Then I guess I’ll never find out!" He crosses his arms defiantly, like a stubborn child.
Matsukawa laughs, patting Iwaizumi on the back in a comforting gesture. "Relax, Taka's just messing with you. Oikawa doesn't have to have sex with you. The guy's got a fool proof gaydar.”
"Wait," Iwaizumi chuckles dryly. "You want me to put something this delicate in the hands of some guy's gaydar?"
"Not just any guy! He's the Grand King!"
"The Jewel of Seijoh!" Matsukawa chimes in, and Iwaizumi knows that they're just fucking with him now.
Iwaizumi isn't impressed. "This is my life we're talking about here," he tersely reminds them.
Hanamaki finally takes a seat on the opposite side of Iwaizumi. "We know. That's why we're leaving it up to the best. Oikawa is never wrong about these things." He looks over at Matsukawa to back him up.
Iwaizumi feels cornered again. Technically, he is, seeing that he's currently sandwiched between his two friends.
"After meeting Oikawa, you can take baby steps. We'll help you find a decent guy to test the waters with. Be sure to let him know your situation, and I'm sure whoever he is, he'll understand. You're not the first person to go through this, Iwaizumi."
Hearing that from Matsukawa eases Iwaizumi's distress. If only a little. He also notes how certain Matsukawa is that Oikawa's gaydar will go off when he sees Iwaizumi.
Still, this isn't the end of the world. In fact, it can be the start of something new. Perhaps, Iwaizumi will finally find that piece of himself that he's missing.
Baby steps first. Iwaizumi has to meet this mysterious Grand King who will decide his fate. He can't believe there is some asshole out there that goes by that title.
He's judging the hell out of this man he's never met, or even heard of for that matter.
He's judging his friends for knowing the Grand King.
Matsukawa and Hanamaki tell Iwaizumi that they need to make an appointment first. Seriously, Oikawa Tooru is sounding like the biggest fucking prick in the universe the longer they discuss him.
The appointment is scheduled, via text message, for that upcoming Saturday night. Apparently, people consult Oikawa for his expertise often so he's booked until then.
With Iwaizumi's appointment being three days away, it gives him enough time to mentally prepare himself.
Iwaizumi can't shake the feeling that there's something his friends aren't telling him. Matsukawa and Hanamaki have been dating since high school. Their ability to communicate with mere glances is unrivaled. They are up to something, and Iwaizumi just knows that he isn't going to like whatever they're planning.
He also knows that neither of them gives a flying fuck.
Absently, while Iwaizumi's friends chat happily about their favorite club, Industry, which is also where he'll be meeting the Trash King, he notes that he is no longer depressed over his breakup with Megumi. He realizes that he was never depressed over it in the first place.
Iwaizumi decides, then and there, that whether he's gay or not, he's done with relationships. At least until he knows for certain that it's the real deal. Not just for his sake. He can't keep wasting people's time like he has been.
Saturday night, the trio arrive at Industry an hour before Iwaizumi's scheduled meeting with the mysterious Oikawa Tooru. His friends want Iwaizumi to loosen up a little first, have a drink to help him relax so he'll stop being so on edge.
Iwaizumi denies being on edge, yet he's having a hard time convincing them otherwise. He's had three days to prepare for this night. Of course, three days wasn't enough to really prepare for this. Whatever this is.
How long does it take for Oikawa to figure out a person's sexual orientation? The sooner the better, he decides.
At least he won't be bored while he waits. Industry is every bit as lit as Matsukawa and Hanamaki had described it as. The two-story, gay club is jam-packed, and the House D.J. is playing nothing but greatness. Out on the dance floor, it's hard to tell who's dancing with who, it's so crammed.
But no one seems to mind the tight space. Everyone looks happy, or too wasted to care.
Upstairs is a bit of a mystery. There's a rope on the staircase with a V.I.P sign dangling from it. Since they've been there no one has been granted entry.
So far, Iwaizumi likes the atmosphere. Gay or straight, he knows he wouldn't mind returning. It's not like he's avoided the place purposefully.
In the past, Iwaizumi only went clubbing for one reason. He saw no point in going to a gay club when he was convinced that he was strictly into women. Now that he's done with pointless one-night stands, and rushed relationships, he can come here just to have fun with his friends.
Matsukawa returns to their table with a tray of shots. Two each, for now. Depending on how the night goes, Matsukawa and Hanamaki decided to not get totally hammered. If after meeting Oikawa, Iwaizumi wanted to leave for some reason, they would all leave together. Tonight isn't about getting shitfaced with his boyfriend.
It's about helping Iwaizumi get his life together. (And hopefully find his soulmate. But Iwaizumi doesn't know about that small detail.)
The shots are distributed. Iwaizumi knocks his glasses back in record time. He barely registers the burn of the vodka until the second shot. The alcohol feels hot on his stomach, as it settles there and he hopes it'll burn out all his anxiousness.
Feeling eyes on him, Iwaizumi turns his head to see a guy leaning against a wall, staring at Iwaizumi as if he's something to eat.
"Pay up!" Hanamaki demands, slamming his shot glass on the counter.
Tearing his eyes away from the stranger, Iwaizumi looks back at his friends to see Matsukawa reluctantly handing over money to Hanamaki.
These assholes have made a bet about something. What a surprise. "What is it this time?" asks Iwaizumi. He's used to this kind of behavior from them.
Matsukawa is the one to confess. "We made a bet on how long it would take the vultures to descend on the fresh meat," he jerks his head back, pointing to something behind him. "There's a bald guy behind me, the one leaning against the wall over there, and two others have had their eyes on you since we came in."
True enough, Iwaizumi currently has four admirers who are shamelessly watching him. Iwaizumi's outfit isn't anything flashy. He's wearing dark jeans and a black V-neck. But it's how the clothes fit his muscular body that really matters. His body isn't his only attribute. Iwaizumi's warm, sun-kissed skin, and hazel eyes give him an exotic kind of appeal. He's gorgeous really.
It's also the fact that Iwaizumi looks so out of place. He's not one of the regulars, that alone makes him more desirable. Hanamaki had taken all of that into consideration before he placed his bet.
"I said it would take ten minutes," Matsukawa continues. "Taka said two minutes."
Hanamaki smiles smugly. "I plan on winning our other bet as well. Just a heads up." He winks at his boyfriend.
The sexual tension between the two of them spikes with that one gesture. They've always been like this. One small spark is all it takes to ignite the flame of passion. Hanamaki and Matsukawa start making-out.
Iwaizumi rolls his eyes and averts his gaze. He's used to this. It doesn't bother him, never has. It completely slips his mind to question them about the other bet that they've made.
Clever bastards.
While his friends make-out like a couple of horny teenagers, Iwaizumi notices that he has a new admirer.
Unlike the others, this guy isn't looking at Iwaizumi like a piece of cattle. That's a relief. This new guy is fucking beautiful, though. It's the first thing that comes to mind. The first thing that Iwaizumi thinks about the stranger is that he is the most beautiful man he's ever laid eyes on.
Aside from this one guy in Iwaizumi's Biology class. Akaashi Keiji is hot, okay. Iwaizumi found himself checking Akaashi out just yesterday when he was still trying to figure out if he was actually attracted to men.
He thinks Akaashi noticed but didn't care enough to acknowledge it. He's dating some owl looking dude anyway.
Whatever.
That's beside the point. The point is, that while Iwaizumi had found Akaashi attractive, staring at his classmate did not make him feel like he does now. This is different.
So different that it's kind of scary. Iwaizumi quickly looks away from the stranger when his heart rate starts escalating. When he glances up, he finds Matsukawa and Hanamaki eyeing him closely.
Had they been watching him this entire time?
Before Iwaizumi can open his mouth, a loud, shrill scream can be heard. The D.J. scratches his record and the music stops playing. It's the most dramatic shit ever that Iwaizumi almost bursts out laughing.
However, what happens next leaves him speechless.
From across the club, someone screams "Tooru!" and, then the rest of the club starts cheering and screaming this asshole's name.
Instinctively, Iwaizumi turns to look in the direction of all the commotion, and his mouth literally drops. Because the person currently being surrounded by people is the same beautiful guy he was just staring at.
Three security guards appear out of nowhere, keeping the swarm of people at bay while Oikawa makes his way across the club. The sea of people parts for him like he's the Moses of gay clubs, or someone equally profound.
Iwaizumi is still staring with his eyes as wide as saucers, and his mouth gaping open, fish-out-of-water-style. Even he can't deny that this guy is nothing to bat an eye at.
Oikawa Tooru makes it look easy as if perfection were a game, and he designed all the rules. The all black suit fits him like a second skin, accentuating his toned physique, long legs, and broad shoulders. His short brown hair falls effortlessly in waves framing his pretty face.
Up close, Iwaizumi can see how vibrant Oikawa's brown eyes are.
Wait...up close?
Oh fuck. Oikawa Tooru, the Grand fucking Trash King of Seijoh, is standing right in front of Iwaizumi. Sex on legs or not, Iwaizumi is never going to not use 'trash' in Oikawa's ridiculous title.
Oikawa is so close that Iwaizumi can smell his expensive cologne. He finds himself transfixed on how Oikawa's mouth forms every syllable as he talks.
Shit! Oikawa is talking to him, and Iwaizumi is sitting there like an airhead. Great. Iwaizumi finally snaps out of his stupor and catches the end of what Oikawa is saying.
"...gay as the fuck. Possibly bisexual, but, definitely gay." Oikawa is speaking to Matsukawa and Hanamaki while he says this. His voice is not what Iwaizumi would have expected. It's kind of high-pitched, whiny even. "He's hotter than you described. Shame on you Matsu!" He pouts playfully.
Iwaizumi doesn't catch that last part because he immediately withdrew into himself after Oikawa's confirmation.
For some reason, this embarrasses Iwaizumi. Everyone in the club is practically looking in their direction. All eyes are on him while he tries to cope with what Oikawa has said about him.
The man's gaydar has confirmed it; Iwaizumi is gay. He has his doubts in the man's reliability. If only because he's stubborn like that.
Still, Iwaizumi can feel it, down to the marrow of his bones, that he can't deny what Oikawa said. He's never given it much thought until the intervention.
However, during the past three days, it was the only thing that Iwaizumi could think about. He's mulled over it long enough. Not once during that time had he felt upset about the possibility.
It's just a lot to take in. It's even worse with all these strangers around. He'd thought that it would be done in private. There's a hand on Iwaizumi's shoulder, and then another on the opposite shoulder. Matsukawa and Hanamaki give him a reassuring smile. He isn't alone, they silently remind him.
"What happened to the music?" Oikawa asks loudly, taking the attention away from the trio. "I thought this was supposed to be a party!"
And, just like that, the music is back on. People rush back to the dance floor, others to the bar. A crowd of people stays behind, hoping for a chance to get close to Oikawa, but the security guards aren't having any of that. They protect Oikawa like an iron wall.
Oikawa turns back around to face them, with a serious expression on his face. "Let's finish this discussion upstairs." He starts walking towards the staircase, his bodyguards close behind.
Iwaizumi thinks there isn't anything left to discuss. Still, he follows his friends up the stairs.
The V.I.P floor is Oikawa’s. Like, the man owns the entire floor.
It turns out that Oikawa is a co-owner of Industry. Oikawa and his friend Kuroo bought the nightclub two years ago. Kuroo used to be a crowd favorite until he settled down. He's still thirsted after, but his boyfriend is a not to be trifled with. So, yeah, people just stay away from that.
"Sorry about that," Oikawa says to Iwaizumi once they're all seated in his large office. "I let my excitement get the best of me. I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that."
The apology is sincere. Iwaizumi is stunned; he also appreciates it. "Don't worry about it." He pauses. "Are you sure...about what you said?"
Oikawa snorts. "I'm positive." There's a Rubix cube on his large desk. He picks it up, idly toying with it. "You were a tough one. It took me longer than I'd like to admit. You're very hard to read," his voice lowers in concentration, "But, in the end, I solved the puzzle of Iwaizumi Hajime!" He sits the now, solved, Rubix cube on his desk.
Iwaizumi is staring at Oikawa like the man just turned water into wine. Who even plays with Rubix cubes anymore? He doesn't care. What Oikawa just did was suave as hell.
Now, the smug bastard is leaning back in his chair, head tilted slightly. The top two buttons of his black dress shirt’s unbuttoned, revealing smooth, pale skin.
Matsukawa muffles a laugh behind his hand. "You're terrible, Oikawa." He shakes his head.
Hanamaki is just smiling with a knowing look on his face.
Suddenly, Iwaizumi gets that uneasy feeling he gets whenever he’s being cornered. There is something happening inside of that chic office. He doesn't know what it is exactly.
Whatever it is, his instincts are telling him that it's too late for him. He was screwed the moment he stepped foot inside of Oikawa's office.
"Iwa-chan~," Oikawa coos sweetly. "Would you like a tour of this floor? We've had it renovated recently." His gaze is intense as if he's trying to compel Iwaizumi to agree.
And it works. It works so well that Iwaizumi hears the nickname that Oikawa gives him, but he doesn't care enough to correct the man. Honestly, right now, Oikawa can call him whatever the fuck he wants. That's how smitten Iwaizumi is.
"Sure," he clears his throat. "I'd like a tour."
Behind Iwaizumi's back, Matsukawa discretely hands Hanamaki 20 bucks.
Oikawa stands up from his leather chair. He removes his suit jacket, leaving it on the back of the chair. While he rolls up his sleeves, flashing a gold Rolex, he continues to watch Iwaizumi. Like he's giving the man a private show. "Matsu, Makki, tell Yahaba that the drinks are on me tonight." The dismissal is clear.
"Iwaizumi, we're going to be right downstairs," Hanamaki says for good measure. They would have never introduced Iwaizumi to Oikawa if they did not trust him. He just wants to make sure that Iwaizumi knows that they'll only leave if he's fine with it.
Iwaizumi never takes his eyes off Oikawa. "Yeah. I'll be fine. You guys go have fun."
This time, Hanamaki has to stifle his own laugh. "Sure thing. Catch ya’ later!" He drags a wheezing Matsukawa out of the office. The idiot is laughing so hard, it's barely audible.
. . .
Oddly enough, with the absence of his friends, Iwaizumi feels more at ease. Probably because Matsukawa and Hanamaki won't be around to witness if he makes a fool of himself.
After Oikawa's apology, Iwaizumi no longer feels embarrassed. He reminds himself that he's surrounded by people who understand what it's like to struggle with one's sexuality. He is still coming to terms with this new realization, but he feels more at peace with himself.
Oikawa plays a part in that. The Trash King is surprisingly down to earth. During the tour, Oikawa shows him the private rooms that will be reserved for celebrity clientele. Kuroo's absence of late was also due to his marketing ventures that have proved to be successful.
Kuroo and Oikawa are the youngest club owners in the region. It's impressive that they're doing so well for themselves.
While he talks, Iwaizumi notices the difference in Oikawa's entire demeanor compared to how the man was in front of everyone. Even the entrepreneurs' voice is different. Oikawa's voice is slightly deeper now, it's less whiny, and entitled.
The change is welcome. Though, Iwaizumi honestly likes both sides, so far. He'll admit that he isn't completely sold on the whole 'Grand King' crap, but even he has to admit that Oikawa is someone to admire.
The last room on the tour is similar to the others except there's a fully stocked bar included. A large, leather couch wraps around the entire room. Two decorative ottomans are scattered around the room. A chandelier is hanging from the ceiling, adding elegance to the room.
"Care for a drink?" Oikawa asks Iwaizumi. He's already walking over to the bar. "I don't know about you, but I could really use one."
Iwaizumi walks up to the bar, taking a seat on the bar stool, he watches Oikawa move around the bar effortlessly. "Long day?" He regrets the question immediately. Was it his place to inquire about the man's day? Or was he overthinking it?
The question catches Oikawa off guard. He answers despite that. "Yeah, actually." Two glasses of whiskey are sat on the counter. One is slid in front of Iwaizumi. "I take you for a man who prefers whiskey over vodka."
Right again.
Iwaizumi neither confirms nor denies the statement. He's fully aware that Oikawa's knows that he is right. Iwaizumi's initial shock has worn off. He's still convinced that Oikawa is a god in disguise who came down to the human realm to fuck with unsuspecting humans. (Oikawa seems petty enough to do that if he actually were some omnipotent being)
He'll never tell the Trash King that. Although, he gets the feeling he doesn't have to. The way Oikawa looks at him, the intensity of his gaze, makes Iwaizumi feel as if the man can see right through him. Like he already knows his deepest, darkest secrets.
The feeling is terrifying as well as thrilling.
"Tell me about yourself, Iwa-chan," Oikawa says after a long silence.
Iwaizumi, feeling more comfortable now, snorts. "You seem to already know everything about me. What's the point?" Bringing his glass to his lips, he takes a slow sip.
Mixing his alcohol isn't a wise decision. He'll be sure not to drink anymore after that.
"I only know the obvious," Oikawa leans over the counter, voice lowering to a seductive drawl. "I'd rather you tell me what makes you tick, Iwa-chan. Unless you'd prefer for me to find out for myself..."
Iwaizumi almost chokes on his drink. His face heats up. He's blushing, legit blushing like some lovesick teen. All because some asshole is flirting with him.
"Shut up, Trashykawa!"
Oikawa's sputters at the nickname. Iwaizumi feels childish for the outburst. But, then the entrepreneur starts laughing. It's a pleasant sound that makes Iwaizumi feel warm, like when the sun comes out on a cold day.
"Red looks good on you, Iwa-chan."
"Fuck you."
"We'll get to that later," Oikawa replies casually, as though he is discussing what comes after the appetizer during a four-course meal. "For now, talking like this is just fine. How about we go have a seat over there?"
Again, Oikawa makes moves without waiting to see if Iwaizumi will follow him. Because Oikawa is accustomed to people following his every whim with no questions asked. He knows that no one will deny him of anything.
Something inside of Iwaizumi wants to break Oikawa from that habit. He wants to break the man down, piece by piece, down to his core, and, then, build him back up again. It's primal; a primitive desire to utterly destroy this prideful man.
Instead, Iwaizumi decides to lay off the liquor for the remainder of the evening, because, damn, that was some intense pondering just then.
"Why did you invite me up here?" Iwaizumi just must know. The question has been eating at him since back in Oikawa's office. He really wants to ask if this is a common occurrence.
Does Oikawa always give the 'fresh meat' tours of the club?
Jealousy tries to find a place in him. Iwaizumi slams the door in its face before it can get a foot in. It's pointless and really stupid to feel that way. He doesn't even entertain the thought.
Oikawa is giving Iwaizumi that knowing look again. His chocolate eyes are swimming with mirth and, something else, dark, and obscured. "Oh? Didn't Makki tell you? You and I are on a blind date, Iwa-chan!"
"Huh?" Iwaizumi doesn't believe he heard that correctly.
"Well, it's not really a date. More like an ice breaker. If things go well tonight, we'll go from there."
Iwaizumi just sits there, blankly staring at Oikawa. There'd been signs. Since the day of the intervention, he's felt like his friends were up to no good. He never thought the scheming bastards had gone this far.
"I can't believe them!" Actually, Iwaizumi can believe that his friends would do this. "Has any of this been real?"
Oikawa chuckles. "It's pretty real, Iwa-chan. There are no hidden cameras."
"No. What I mean is; is the whole gaydar thing real?"
"Very real. It's like a sixth sense. Instead of dead people, I see gay people. We're everywhere."
The joke is corny. Still, the way Oikawa said it, in all seriousness makes Iwaizumi crack up. When he stops, he looks over to see Oikawa staring at him with an unreadable expression.
Feeling self-conscious now, Iwaizumi frowns. "What?"
"You look really good when you laugh like that."
He's using the same serious tone as before and it unnerves Iwaizumi.
"Why did you agree to this? I know they at least told you that I'm not going to have sex with some guy I've just met..."
"Honestly, I didn't really agree with it until I saw you. They explained the situation to me, not in full detail, but they told me enough."
"God, I hate them."
Oikawa laughs, yet it isn't lively like his laugh earlier. This time it's fake. "You sound disappointed..."
For the first time that night, Iwaizumi hears the uncertainty in Oikawa's voice. It's a pleasant reminder that the Trash King is only human. He finds it endearing.
Iwaizumi smiles. "Actually, I'm shocked that they put so much effort into hooking me up with someone like you."
"Someone like me?" Oikawa presses for more even when he knows what Iwaizumi is trying to say. He's one of those people who needs to actually hear it - it's more tangible that way.
"Well, you're beautiful, Oikawa."
Oikawa stares at Iwaizumi, big, brown eyes wide and sparkling. He's looking like no one's ever complimented him a day in his life. "Thank you, Iwa-chan," the response is sincere, humble. "But, I don't think you've looked in a mirror lately. You're not so bad looking yourself."
They're closer now. Somehow, during their conversation, they just ended up like that. Knees touching, their lips dangerously close, but not quite there. The space between them is buzzing, like that little space between magnets.
Iwaizumi swallows thickly. The tension in between that small space is palpable. It's suffocating, and something inside of him convinces Iwaizumi that he will find the air that he needs inside of Oikawa's lungs.
The very idea is ludicrous, but he decides to give it a try. What the hell!
"Oikawa," his voice is thick, guttural. It is painful for him to even get that one word out. Still, he just needs to get this formality out of the way before the last of his resistance cracks. "Can I kiss you?"
Oikawa's consent isn't coherent. He makes a small sound, almost like a needy, impatient whine. That's good enough for Iwaizumi.
Iwaizumi doesn't hesitate. He doesn't second-guess himself, he just allows instinct to take the wheel.
For the most part, the kiss starts off slow, sans tongue. The chaste kiss lasts maybe ten seconds, and then Iwaizumi's hands are tangled in Oikawa's hair, the latter purrs at the roughness. He rewards Iwaizumi by shoving his tongue down the man's throat.
Iwaizumi fucking loses it. His grip on Oikawa's hair tightens. There's a gasp, and then a moan. It's a beautiful moan, honestly. Apparently, Oikawa likes it rough.
And, Iwaizumi thinks, that perhaps he's found his soulmate. It's too early to be sure. Until then, he'll just keep tongue fucking this guy he just met.
Unfortunately, Oikawa pulls away. "Iwaizumi,” he drops the endearing nickname.His voice is deep, slightly harsh. "We should quit while we're ahead. If we don't, I'm going to fuck you right here on this couch."
Iwaizumi feels a shiver run down his spine. God, he hates how much he really wants that to happen. How did he go this long without knowing that the idea of being fucked by another guy would make his dick rock hard?
Because he's never met Oikawa Tooru until tonight.
Nodding his head, Iwaizumi moves away, resting his head on the couch. "Fuck. I'm really gay." If his current boner is anything to go by.
"Yep~"
"So, how is this going to work?"
Oikawa recovers quickly. One arm is resting on the back of the couch. He looks cool and collected while Iwaizumi looks as if he's already been bent over and fucked senseless.
"Neither of us is interested in a serious relationship so this will work out fine. Your friends suggested we go on dates first to get a feel for each other."
"Let's skip the dates," Iwaizumi suggests. "I like this. Just talking, sharing a drink...we can do those things without leaving the house."
"Friends with benefits then?"
"Yeah. Friends with benefits."
Things will be easier that way. Iwaizumi thinks. Oikawa is thinking the same thing. He's relieved that Iwaizumi suggested it. Sex with no strings attached. No falling head over heels in love, or any of that crap.
Though they've both seen enough movies to know that they're all ready, equally, screwed. Ignorance is bliss. So, they'll just fake it, and hope they'll make it.
.
.
We all know they won't. But it'll be fun watching them try and fail.