"Well, well, well, look who it is." Tanaka's voice carried all the way from the other side of the court, the smugness in his tone ringing like a bell. "It's Suga. Suga and Machi."

"Together." Nishinoya matched Tanaka's tone with glee.

"Suga with Machi. His girlfriend."

"Look Tanaka, they're holding hands. Suga and Machi. Holding hands, because they're dating."

"Ok guys, give it a rest, before she kills you." Daichi murmured to the two troublesome second years, directing their gaze across the court where the aforementioned couple was standing together. Machi had walked with Suga to the gym to watch the first few matches before her own practice began, but now was emanating a murderous intent towards Tanaka and Nishinoya, their heckling very clearly overheard. Nishinoya gulped loudly and almost screamed when Machi started off towards them, hellfire in her eyes.

"Hey," A soft hand on her wrist and quiet voice in her ear pulled her back, "don't worry about them, we knew it was bound to happen." To be honest, his teammate's teasing was a bit annoying to him too, especially since he already got an earful from all of them when he hadn't returned from his and Machi's date until the early hours of the morning. Even if they were good natured in their intentions, it was starting to grate at his nerves too.

"Oh come on Suga," Machi curled into him, but not without sending daggers across the court to the round of 'oooohhhs' that could be heard, "Can I just scare them a little bit, they'll shut up after that." She had barely even had time to fully let the news sink in before having to deal with the ridicule, and it pissed her off more than she thought. Could she not enjoy being Suga's girlfriend for even a few hours before becoming the butt of everyone's jokes? Luckily she at least got a bit of reprieve from her own team; the only one who knew so far was Kaido and that was only because he had caught her sneaking back into the building just as the sun was rising. But the worst he had done was jump around in a circle, clapping his hands like a maniac. None of the outright mockery that Tanaka and Nishinoya now whispered towards her.

"I think you did already." Suga whispered with a laugh. And true enough, Tanaka and Nishinoya both had disappeared into the utility closet in order to avoid her, leaving only Daichi and his smug silence. Seeing Machi was still clearly thinking about confronting them, Suga let his hand trail softly along the small of her back, hoping to try and soothe her growing, albeit well-placed, frustration, "If they keep it up I'll talk to them after practice. They may be a pain in the ass but we definitely need them on the team."

Only somewhat mollified, Machi gave a harumph and returned her attention to Suga. "Fine. But remind them to keep their mouths shut if they show up to the gym later. Otherwise I really will kill them." That would be just what she needed; one of the two pinheads spilling the beans to the wrong person.

Suga's eyes softened as he laughed, thinking how cute she looked when she was pouting, "Deal. I can't guarantee they won't follow me there, but they'll be as quiet as a church mouse."

A whistle blew from the other side of the gym, breaking their sweet moment together. Fukurodani had finally arrived for the practice match and had begun warmup drills. Seeing the rest of his team following suite, Suga gave Machi's hand another squeeze before leaning forward for a quick but tender kiss. "Make sure you cheer extra loud, even if we lose, alright?"

Previous annoyance forgotten, Machi hummed to keep from smiling too much. "Always."

***

"Aw, did we miss the start? Told you we should have gotten here earlier Naka."

"Well if someone didn't take so long messing with their hair, maybe we would have been here on time."

It was halfway through the first set between Karasuno and Fukuordani, Machi had chosen a spot in the balcony overlooking her team and was leaning casually against the railing when Kaido and Nakagawa suddenly appeared on either side of her. The start of the set hadn't been too exciting, as both teams were still trying to establish the best strategy to win, but the points were slowly ticking upwards for the opposing team. Machi had spotted the energetic Bokuto almost right away; remembering the enthusiasm he had shown yesterday, she was not at all surprised to see he was a key player. The ace had already scored three spikes in a row, and while it meant trouble for Karasuno, it was still impressive to watch.

"I didn't know you two were so interested in volleyball all of the sudden." Machi tossed her head from side to side to stare at each of them momentarily, narrowing her eyes slightly at Kaido, who only shrugged half heartedly.

"Oh, my dear Machi, how little you know—"

"We're not." Nakagawa interrupted dryly. He rested his chin on his crossed arms and watched as two players he didn't know traded places on the Karasuno side. "But you like volleyball, so we knew you'd be here." He didn't like volleyball at all; it was boring and only proved a reminder of things he didn't necessarily want to remember. But Kaido had dragged him here anyway under the pretense of at least getting to spend a little time outside of practice with Machi. Uninterrupted time when that other third year would be too busy to interfere.

"Yeah that's right," Kaido interjected before his friend could ruin the mood with his sour gloom, "Can't two friends hang out with their other friend while watching a competitive sport played by their other other friends?"

"Uh, sure?" Not quite sure it she followed his line of reasoning, Machi tried her best to let it go. It all seemed a bit fishy to her, but she didn't press it any further. Kaido looked genuinely excited and Nakagawa was at least acting civil. Maybe they really did just want to spend some time together? The way things had been going with school and training lately, she hadn't had as much time with them as previously.

"Alright then." Settling in to a more comfortable seat along the railing's edge, Machi patted the floor next to her, "But I'm not going to explain every single detail of the game to you, so you'll just have to pick it up as they play." Both third years scrambled to take their seats next to her, their attentions turning to the court.

As it turned out, Machi did in fact spend quite a bit of time explaining the rules and mechanics. Kaido was eager to ask questions every time something new happened, and after shushing the first few of his inquiries, Machi caved and tried to explain things as quickly as possible. Soaking up the information like a sponge, Kaido would nod along like he was in a classroom taking notes while Nakagawa watched the game progress through glassy eyes. Every once in a while he'd make a comment that proved he was paying attention, but bored out of his mind. By the time the second set was almost done, Machi could tell he'd reached his limit.

"Why don't you two go make sure everything is ready in the gym," She offered, "I'm sure my dad would chew us out if everything wasn't in the right place for later."

Latching on to the idea like a scapegoat Nakagawa tried not to sound too eager, "You sure? It looks like this round is almost over, we could all walk over together."

The referee's whistle sounded the end of the match, and on queue Karasuno took their penalty lap around the court's parameter. Following behind Daichi and Hinata as they started their diving drills, Suga caught sight of Machi and gave a quick wave, which both Machi and Kaido returned. A little unsure at first, Suga had spotted Kaido and Nakagawa somewhere in the middle of the second set, when Kaido had been a bit too enthusiastic about Asahi's service ace. Whether it was from concern, or something worse, Suga kept one eye trained on the balcony from that point on, noticing the way Kaido and Machi were actively involved in the game while their third wheel watched without interest. Nakagawa locked eyes with him now, creating any icy pause as neither one made to acknowledge the other, but also didn't break their staring contest.

"You two go on ahead, they play at least three sets and I don't think Naka could find the energy to try and look interested for another match." Machi's teasing broke Nakagawa's concentration and he turned his head to reply he actually could manage one more game, but the words never formed. Her eyes were sparkling so brightly, but clearly weren't focused on him, "I'll walk over with Suga when they finish the set. He said he wanted to sit through our practice too, for moral support."

Another nail in the coffin, Nakagawa didn't respond. He didn't need to. Rather than stick around and feel worse about himself, Nakagawa lead the way towards the stairs, only offering a quick wave of his hand to Machi, who had already turned her attention back to the court. Pushing the door to the stairwell with a bit of extra force, Nakagawa and Kaido were silent on their walk out of the gym, at least until they were outside and Kaido slapped a hand across his friend's back. "Dude, you have got to chill. Can't you just let it go and be happy you're still friends?" But Nakagawa jerked his shoulder forward to brush off his best friend's hand and kept walking, eager now to get as far away as possible from the gym.

***

A few hours later and it was Suga's turn to watch from the balcony in the opposing gym as Machi and her club mates had their practice. True to his word, he was joined by half the volleyball team, who were so quiet it was like they were statues instead of the real McCoy. After another loss against Fukurodani, some of the more "dedicated" team members stayed behind for more practice time, but the rest now happily sat eating snacks and trying not to grimace too much when Machi's dad started yelling.

"I think I get it now." Daichi whispered in between bites of food, watching closely as Reo barked a correction to Kaido, "With a coach like that, Machi never stood a chance of being a normal athlete." When it appeared Kaido didn't understand the new instructions, Reo was shouting again, this time ordering laps for the entire team. Machi alone didn't seem to struggle or complain, but finished the laps and went straight back to work. Daichi whistled softly, clearly impressed by her resolve.

"Yeah," Suga was past being impressed by the amount of blood, sweat, and tears Machi seemed to put herself through, and now was only ever worried. "She doesn't exactly know when to quit though."

As if to prove his point, Reo finally called an end to the almost two hour practice, but not before reminding his daughter to "meet back here in 20 minutes" for what could only be more training. Anyone else might have complained at the idea, but not Machi. She knew what to expect from her father at this point. Sure, she was tired just like the rest of her teammates, but why fight it when there wasn't much of a choice in the matter anyway. And besides, part of her knew she could use the extra sparring help. Qualifiers were just around the corner.

"Great job today Machi!" Kaido offered her a water bottle before tossing another to Nakagawa, who was leaning against the wall behind them, drenched in sweat. "I still don't know how you can manage to be fine while the rest of us are dying, or are you secretly a robot or something?"

"I always figured she was Wonder Woman," Suga had joined them on the court, having nearly leaped from his spot with Daichi and the others as soon as practice had ended and Reo had stalked away. "Without the tiara and Lasso of Truth obviously."

"Fancy seeing you here Sugawara." Kaido smirked, eyeing the bag of food Suga was carrying, "Did you bring enough snacks for everyone, or do I have to go find my own?"

Temper already a bit short from fatigue, Machi slapped Kaido's hand away as it tried to reach for the bag of what she knew was strawberry flavored mochi. "Hands off, you free loader, go and track down a vending machine if you're that hungry." Pouting humorously, Kaido sighed dramatically and mumbled something about how terribly greedy she was, before pulling Nakagawa to his feet and disappearing out the door, winking back at her and Suga as he left.

Finally alone, the rest of her team long gone and Daichi having herded his team back to their gym for more practice, Suga couldn't wait any longer. Not even caring that she was still covered in sweat after the long workout, Suga cupped the side of her face gently, and drew her in for the softest of kisses, which she was quick to reciprocate, smoothly snaking both arms around his neck.

While Machi could have stayed in that moment forever, clearly Suga had other plans. Offering only the briefest of moments locked together before breaking their embrace, Suga chuckled when she whined her complaints. "I know, I'm sorry," he gave her cheek a quick peck to apologize, "But I really don't think your dad would approve if he walked back into the gym right now; better safe than sorry."

"Fine, I guess that makes sense." Sighing dramatically in a perfect imitation of Kaido,  Machi let Suga lead them both towards the spot in the balcony he had sat to watch the practice. Once finding a semi comfortable spot on the concrete floor tucked away from the railing and almost out of sight, Suga pulled her into his lap, wrapping both arms around her tightly.

"This is better, right?" He whispered softly, brushing her ponytail aside and tracing his thumb along the contours of her chin. Machi hummed in agreement, cuddling close and resting her forehead against his. With probably only 15 minutes alone (and without any heckling), Suga tried his best to get her to eat the mochi he had brought, knowing she probably skipped breakfast, but Machi only ate one, seeming to be much more content to sit in his arms and play with his hair. He didn't complain though, nor did he mind very much when her hand fell to rest along the side of his face, just as his had held her only moments earlier.

"I don't want to go back," It sounded so childish to her, but it was the truth. For once in her life everything felt right. Here, in Suga's arms, watching the light dance in his beautiful gray eyes, feeling his arms hold her securely in place, Machi felt at home. And while it probably seemed much too soon to even think it, she felt loved. Well and truly cherished for the very first time.

"Then let's stay a little longer." Covering her hand with his own, Suga closed the distance between them once again, never growing tired of the exhilarating spark that surged through him every time they kissed. Not even a complete 24 hours had passed since being able to call Machi his girlfriend, and yet already he felt an almost invincible happiness. Just to be able to hold her in his arms, to taste the sweetness of strawberry that still lingered on her lips, it was a dream he never wanted to wake from. A blissful happiness he was drowning in, but with no wish to swim to shore.

"What are you doing?"

The growing warmth instantly vanished, replaced by a sudden chill that emanated through the entire space like ice crackling on a frozen lake. Suga watched in horror as Machi broke their embrace faster than lightning, her face drained of all color as she turned towards the threatening voice of her father. Beside him, with an equally dark expression aimed directly at him, stood Nakagawa.

"Machi." Reo's voice was dangerously calm, having seen enough to confirm his growing suspicions, "I do not want to repeat myself."

Just like the last time at dinner with Kaido and Nakagawa, Machi was at a loss for words. Only this time, there was no Kaido to save her with his quick thinking, and based on the way Nakagawa was trying to shoot lasers from his eyes towards Suga, there was no way he would offer help either. So she just stood there, mouth agape and shoulders shaking as she silently pleaded with her father to forget what he saw.

Whether he was trying to defuse the growing tension, or his politeness was a gut reaction, Suga gave a polite bow, "Um, sir my name is—"

"I don't care who you are." Machi flinched when Reo turned his growing rage to Suga, and she moved involuntarily to intercept him. It seemed to work, because he refocused on her once again. Unbridled rage that she knew wouldn't end well, but would still rather have it all directed towards her than at Suga. "Let's go. Now." It was a simple command, but powerful enough that he didn't have to turn around to know she was already following behind him. A final trembling hand reached to grasp at Suga's for the briefest of moments, as if to try and communicate something that Suga couldn't quite catch on to. And then she was gone, leaving Suga terrified and unable to comprehend how things had turned south so fast.