Iwaizumi’s mother calls Tooru at six in the morning. “Tooru, dear, would you please excuse Hajime in school? He won’t be coming. He’s… presenting.”
Tooru can’t focus in school. He messes up all his tosses during practice, and when training is finally over, he runs to Iwaizumi’s house as fast as he can. His mother hasn’t said whether he’s presented alpha or omega, but that doesn’t matter. Tooru’s been through this shit one year ago and he knows that it’s bad, that a good friend and physical comfort (like long cuddling) can help.
When he knocks, Iwaizumi’s mother opens quickly. “There you are. I made some tea and sandwiches, could you take it upstairs? He’s not feeling very well.” She smiles, but there’s worry in her eyes. Tooru bows down politely before taking the tray she hands him. The door to Iwaizumi’s room is closed but there’s a sweet, honey-soft and warm scent curling from underneath the door, making Tooru’s skin crawl wonderfully. Omega. Somehow, he’s unsurprised.
“Iwa-chan, it’s me. Can I come in?”
“Yeah.” Iwaizumi’s voice sounds exhausted and quiet. Tooru swallows and takes a deep breath, focusing himself onto the warm scent of his best friend. He’s glad that presenting isn’t as horrible as their teachers sometimes try to tell them. Just because he’s an alpha, he won’t jump Iwaizumi like some animal.
“Alright, coming in.” Tooru manages to push the door handle down with his elbow and navigates himself and the tray into the room. Iwaizumi’s curled up inside a nest of blankets, only his face peeking out. His cheeks are dark red, eyes half-lidded and tired. Tooru feels pity rise in his chest. Presenting is exhausting, annoying, and it hurts. He sits by Iwaizumi’s side and carefully reaches out, hand stopping before Iwaizumi’s chest.
“May I hug you? Y’know, I told my mum that I’d stay here. If you want to cuddle, or just want me to sit here – I’m going to leave if that’s better for you, too – “
“Come here already, jeez,” Iwaizumi grumbles and one of his hand appears, pulling Tooru into a firm, warm hug. He’s shaking, sweaty and in pain, and Tooru feels his instincts kick in. “There, there. It will be fine. We can watch movies all night, okay? And I’ll get you new tea when you’re too weak, Iwa-chan.”
“I’m not weak.” Iwaizumi buries his face into Tooru’s neck. His fingers dig into Tooru’s back, blunt nails scratching a bit, but it’s okay. Tooru struggles a bit to lie down, letting Iwaizumi drape himself across him. “I hope it’s over quickly,” Iwaizumi whispers into his neck. “But – are you really gonna stay?”
“Of course,” Tooru says. “I won’t leave you alone. I’m here.” And Iwaizumi smiles. He falls asleep on Tooru, who pets his hair and keeps him warm.















