A/N: Hope you enjoy, Kame (meilleure technique pour passer le temps en géo)!


The moon was high when Nitori stepped outside, somehow too glum to enjoy its shine in the clear night sky. He took one, two, three deep breaths in an attempt to chase the dark thoughts away from his mind, in vain. Even the stars seemed to outshine him, and he felt more worthless with each step he took down the staircase. Discouraged, the young boy sighed and sat down, leaning his head against the brick wall.

He managed to doze off despite the cold breeze of the night, but soon enough heard steps approaching and stop behind him. Nitori didn't have to turn around to know who it was.

"Yo, Ai, what are you doing up so late?"

He remained silent for the span of a few heartbeats, uncertain what to do. Eventually he turned to look at his captain. "Can't sleep."

Rin arched an eyebrow and stepped down, sitting next to him. For several minutes he just sat still, silently looking ahead. A car passed by somehwere further away, a dog barked. Neither spoke.

Finally, Rin heaved a sigh. "You can tell me, you know. I'd be happy to help, should you need me."

Nitori wanted to answer that yes, yes he needed him very badly, but kept quiet. Somehow the words remained stuck in his throat, his lips dry. When he couldn't handle the heavy silence, however, he whispered:

"I'm scared."

He felt Rin stare at him intently, but didn't look up as he continued. "I lost today's relay. For a year I've been trying my best to improve my breaststroke, but Momo-chan outmatched me with almost no effort at all. I don't diserve a place in Samezuka."

Tears threatened to spill, and he very nearly chocked on his words. "I don't deserve a place by your side."

Suddenly, he felt warmth embrace him. Turning around he saw Rin lean against him, one arm wrapped around his shoulders. All at once Nitori became very aware of how close they were, of his own heartbeat quickening and Rin's breath tickling his cheek.

"Ai, you worry too much." his voice was low but had the edge of a smile to it. "As your captain, I've been keeping a careful eye on you and there's no way you haven't improved. You have, actually - quite a bit. If anything you must be working the hardest out of us all. I can't tell you how proud I am."

"But I lost-"

"So what? Losing doesn't mean definite defeat. It means being able to pick yourself up and stand your ground again. Defeat just means another chance for victory, another chance to work harder and try again. Momotarou won because his speed was at its peak of efficiency. He trained hard and so have you – your efforts just have yet to bear their fruits."

Nitori stared at the ground. Rin always knew how to reach out to him, and his cheeks heated with more than shame. A small smile bloomed on his lips despite himself.

"You're right." he spoke softly. "I just- sometimes it feels like there's no use in trying harder."

Rin ruffled his hair affectionately, chuckling. "Idiot, of course there is. No pain no gain, huh? I can tell you've made a lot of progress since last summer, you know."

"Really?" Nitori exclaimed, hope rising in his voice.

"You bet! It'd be a shame to give up now, wouldn't it?"

"I guess so..."

"Don't brood too much over it. I know you can do it, after all you're my precious teammate." Rin winked at him, smirking.

"Y-yeah!"

Laughing, Rin ran a thumb over Nitori's cheek to swipe away tears the young boy hadn't even realized had spilled. He brought their foreheads together and looked into Nitori's eyes.

"I'll always be here for you, Ai."

Nitori only blushed deeper, smiling sheepishly as he whispered. "I know."