a/n: this is a 30 day drabble challenge in which producktions sends me prompts to write and in return I send her some prompts to! Will try to get one done every day but also we're giving ourselves a day grace period. Anyway, enjoy!

title: Devotion
characters: Nishikage, Nosaka
pairing: nishisaka
summary: A simple moment shared after school, with thoughts of change on the mind but loyalty as well.

The school day had officially come to an end, including the club activities that followed the normal hours. For the soccer team of Outei Tsukinomiya, they had just finished their last round of practice, heard the coach's plans and instructions that would be coming tomorrow, and then they were dismissed. The team had all gone into the locker rooms in an orderly fashion, one by one, as each member made their way to their locker. The captain was usually the first in and first out, but today he was the last.

Nosaka's mind had been elsewhere during practice, Nishikage had picked up on his wandering mind. Although he could still perform flawless moves and find the perfect strategy for the team, there was something off about his movements. It was only slight and almost unnoticeable, Nishikage wasn't sure if anyone else had picked up on it. But, he knew, of course, part of his training was watching the whole field from his position.

He had intended to ask, to speak with Nosaka, tell him that if he needed anything, he was here for him. But was that really necessary to say? Nosaka was already aware of that, wasn't he? Nishikage was always there for him, no matter what the circumstance, big or small, grand or ordinary. It was an unspoken bond that came to be, one that had grown through time.

Instead of speaking, he decides to be by his side, accompany him, just as he always did.

They leave the locker rooms long after the others had already left. When they exit, it feels almost strange to be walking without a team to lead. Or perhaps it was the lack of students surrounding them as they left. It didn't help that the school felt emptier than usual, even as they walked by their soccer field, this world of theirs felt barren. Who knew leaving school later than usual could leave such an odd feeling behind?

"Nishikage."

Hearing his name cause his head to turn, eyes immediately fall to Nosaka. The shorter waits for the goalkeeper to look before a hand extends and he points to the vacant stairs that lead down to their soccer field.

"Let's sit there for a moment."

It's not a command, but a request. Nishikage takes it as the former, responding with a nod before they make their short walk over to the stairs. They sit on the highest step, side by side as they overlook the field before them.

Nishikage takes this time to think back to practice, to earlier when the field had been full and lively. He thinks of how different it is, how empty and desolate the field has become- how the whole school had become. It feels like an empty stadium after a game, although it feels more personal when it's on a more familiar pitch.

His mind begins to wander to Nosaka, begins to think about his slightly unusual and off plays. Grey eyes glance over to him, finding nothing more than a still and emotionless image. Nosaka's gaze is transfixed on the field, mind filled with thoughts on, what he could guess, were future plays. But then, he notices a movement, his eyes narrow and a forlorn expression flashes on his features. The hands that had once been resting on his lap had been lifted, palms up as his head tilts down to stare into them.

Ah. So, thats what was on his mind.

It was always on his mind, Nishikage things, the reason why he was playing soccer and what he had to do for the sport. The burden that he was carrying on his shoulders was too much for one person- to be the one to change the world of soccer.

But he's not alone. It's something he wants to tell him, but doesn't. The words never seem able to come out, at least not in a straightforward way that he'd like. But with everything he's done and said, surely Nosaka knows that this burden doesn't have to be carried alone? He hopes so.

Nishikage's eyes hadn't moved off Nosaka. He couldn't tear his gaze away from this sight, from watching his hands beginning to tremble, that look of doubt on his face, those lightless eyes just searching for an answer, some hope that was just within his grasp. He wanted to reach out, to grab hold of an intangible thing, but he couldn't. It was never easy to watch him like this.

Nishikage doesn't quite imitate the action, but he does glance over to his own hands, look at one of his palms. There's a difference between their hands, he doesn't need anyone to point it out. Anyone could tell. Nosaka was a forward and tactician, Nishikage was a goalkeeper and protector. His hands were smaller, more delicate than his big, rough hands. His were pure, unmarked, while he had the occasional scar that stained his skin.

"Those scars show your history, your battles. It shows how you've overcome hardships and continue to pursue your own goals. You protect what is important, don't you? And you haven't failed to do so. The goal that you strive for will always be safe. I believe in that- I believe in you, Nishikage."

Those words echo in his mind, a memory that he'd never forget. Yet, he hadn't asked the explanation for such words. There was a reason behind it, there always was when it came to Nosaka.

Perhaps he was telling him that he trusted him. That he could protect him when it came down to it. Nishikage wouldn't let him down, he couldn't.

As his mind had been recalling that memory, his hand had been inching to reach out to Nosaka's. Whether it was on command or simply upon instinct, he couldn't tell. Within seconds, he finds his hand grasping onto a smaller one. Compared to his, they felt soft, smooth, almost fragile in his own hand.

Nishikage's gaze is removed from their hands, it settles back onto the field. He doesn't catch Nosaka's eyes widening, how he's taken out of his own thoughts and sucked back into this world with a single touch- a familiar one.

Dull grey eyes stare at their intertwined hands before they look up to the one sitting beside him. This wasn't planned, none of this had been really. Leaving later than usual, sitting here for longer than necessary, worrying over his place in the world, and then finding a hand in his.

Nosaka lips begin to part to speak, but are closed shortly after. He feels something squeeze his hand. It's a sign of comfort, reassurance. What Nishikage doesn't say, he speaks with his actions. There was no need to question why when he spoke so much already.

It makes a small smile inch upon Nosaka's face, one that could easily go unnoticed. His gaze returns down to their hands. The feeling of another touching his own was foreign, but it was more than welcomed. Fingers begin to curl around the more rugged hand and a moment later, his free hand is placed over it, covering the goalkeeper's hand. There's a slight tense feeling from Nishikage, most likely in surprise to the action, but he doesn't recoil.

Nosaka's gaze tilts up, wanting to read the one beside him. For now, he decides against it, decides to just push his shoulder against his. His hand begins to move over Nishikage's, feeling the tough skin, the marks that were left behind. He's never trailed them before, never felt them. He's seen them, noticed them, but never really examined them.

The tactician is tempted to close his eyes, to rest beside him. He has faith in this protector, he'd be safe if his walls were to fall around him right now. If only this moment could last longer, he thinks. Nosaka's thoughts had been filled with so much worry lately, with changing soccer, with school, with teams that had captured his eyes, but it had all vanished. They would be back, those thoughts would haunt him until he completed his mission. But a moment of respite wouldn't hurt. A moment to forget, to moment to be with Nishikage.

"I want what you want. Whatever you will do, I will follow your lead. Nosaka…Your path is the only one I will walk."

The memory makes him hum, makes him wonder about what he had said what seemed like ages ago. Nishikage was willing to follow his ideals, to be apart of this change he wanted to thrust into the world. He was the first, the only to have come to him and say such things. It was a nice thought though; he wasn't alone.

"It's getting late."

Nishikage is the one to speak, though it sounds as if he regrets even opening his mouth. But, he's right. The sun was setting, soon the mood would be covering darkness over the field, their home. They couldn't stay like this forever.

Nosaka slowly removes himself from Nishikage's side, his hand above his following. He glances down to their hands one last time, then to the evening lit field.

"Let's go home."

Nosaka didn't need to reply, but he wanted to give a verbal response. He opts out of stretching, forces himself to his feet, but finds a weight holding his arm down. A quick look to his side and he can see Nishikage still sitting, still holding his hand.

There's a flash of confusion on his face, wondering as to why the other hand't moved yet. Nishikage is still, only looking at him. When he does move, it's not to stand, but to press his lips against Nosaka's held hand. It's a soft touch, a fluttery one compared to the rough texture of his hand. This made him think how much of a gentle giant he could be.

After the kiss, his hand is freed. Nishikage gets to his feet afterwards and silence fills the empty air. Nosaka doesn't say anything- did he need to say anything after something as tender and meaningful as this? Maybe he did, maybe he didn't. Maybe he was reading too into the action. For once, he wouldn't mind it.

With everything that's been said and done by the protector, he wouldn't be surprised if he knew the reason for this action. And it makes him smile, a bigger one that before, one that Nishikage is able to see. And that's followed by a simple-

"Thank you, Nishikage."

I can always rely on you.