I'll Be Home for Next Year (IwaOi)

Chapter 1

It was the morning of Christmas Eve. Oikawa was fiddling with the ornaments on their small Christmas tree even though they had decorated it nearly a month ago. He had been more fidgety than usual lately. There were candles burning, filling the apartment with the scent of 'apple cinnamon'. There were only a couple presents under the tree, because the other gifts the boys had bought were delivered at Christmas parties. One was for Iwaizumi, and one was for Oikawa.

"KUROO, GET OVER HERE! I THINK I FOUND THE PERFECT ONE!"

"It's about time. Not to mention it's almost Christmas. It's almost like fate decided to drop it right in front of you just in time for some serious romance."

"Oh my god Kuroo. Shut up. That's so fucking cheesy!" Oikawa eyed the item in front of him. "It's perfect I love it."

He glanced under the tree at the box he'd spent hours wrapping. A whole roll of wrapping paper and seven YouTube tutorials later, he decided it looked perfect. He could hardly wait for Christmas Day.

Iwaizumi was laid out on the couch, watching his boyfriend adjust lights and ribbons. He sighed loudly, putting his arms out. Oikawa didn't hear him. Iwaizumi sighed louder. Finally, the other boy turned his head. "Iwa-chan! You should've just used your words!"

He walked over to the couch, laughing, and laid next to his boyfriend. Iwaizumi wrapped the blanket he had over the two of them as he gently kissed Oikawa.

The apartment was still as the two held each other in silence. This was a rare occurrence, so they both made the most of it while it lasted. Oikawa was about to drift off with his head on Iwaizumi's chest when he heard a phone ring. Iwaizumi reached over to the coffee table and grabbed his phone, trying not to disturb Oikawa too much.

"Hello?

Yes sir.

Yes sir, I understand.

At ten? Got it.

I understand. I'll be there on time."

He hung up, checked the time, and sat his phone down again. He squeezed Oikawa and sat up on the couch. Oikawa followed suit.

"What was that about?"

"Work. They need me to catch a flight at ten tonight to go to some meeting on Christmas. The ticket is paid for already-"

"Wait, did you say on Christmas? They didn't give you any warning before?? They can't just do that! That's not fair!"

"Yes they can, dumbass. If I get fired we won't be able to keep our apartment. I know that you love Christmas, but I can't just say no."

Oikawa bit his tongue and held back the tears that were threatening to spill over his cheeks. He couldn't let Iwaizumi know how upset he was, that would ruin everything. They would have to have Christmas when Iwaizumi came home.

"Okay. What time are you going to be leaving the house?"

"Well, we don't live that close to the airport but... I think I can stand to stay with you a little bit longer. They've got my ticket taken care of and everything. All I have to do is meet my people there." He pulled Oikawa back down on the couch. "I'll be home for next year, I promise."

"And we can celebrate when you come home?"

"Of course."

They spent about an hour napping on the couch together. Iwaizumi heard the soft snoring coming from his boyfriend, but he had to leave soon. He slowly inched away from the sleeping Oikawa, putting extra blankets over him and placing a kiss to his forehead. "I love you, and I'll hurry home."

He gently padded to their room, changing into nicer clothes and grabbing his emergency overnight bag from the top of the closet. He slipped out of the door without a sound, but Oikawa stirred ever so slightly. His eyes barely opened, watching the door close. He wanted to tell Iwaizumi that he loved him, but he had already started silently crying.