"Strike! Batter out!"

The crowd roars and Sawamura yells happily running to the dugout where he's met by his teammates. They surround him smiling, hugging and patting on the back.

Chris watched them from the bench delighted. It was good pitching, Eijun definitely did his best. As a mentor, he was so proud of his dear pupil and as a mentor, he also had to keep his face. He couldn't just run to Eijun to share the emotions in an embrace or even cheer loudly as others did. He could only watch calmly with a small smile gracing his lips.

As if sensing his gaze Samamura turned and brightened up even more. His already big smile became radiant and it took Chris all the self-control he could muster to stay still.

The way Eijun smiled at him was always special.


Eijun enjoyed the cheers, he was high on emotions from successful strike-out. But the moment he glanced at Chris-senpai, everything around disappeared in silence. Chris gave him a small smile looking calm and collected as he always did. Compared to the loudness of the crowd it could seem that he barely even reacted. But for Eijun it spoke volumes. His eyes were so gentle and kind, Eijun noticed a glimpse of pride there and soft encouragement.

The way Chris looked at him was always special.


Sawamura was too fired up to sleep. He threw ball after ball into the net wishing to keep the feeling of today's game engraved in his body.

"I knew I'd find you here." Hearing Chris' voice made Eijun instantly lit up, he spun on the foot eagerly.

"Chris-senpai!"

Chris chuckled lightly at the enthusiasm.

"You did well today, Sawamura."

"You think so?" If Eijun had a tail it would definitely be swinging frantically right now.

"No need to feign ignorance, you know it yourself."

Sawamura pouted, clearly wanting to hear more compliments, so Chris gave in looking amused.

"You were unstoppable. It was really pleasing to watch. How much you've grown."

Eijun grinned. He heard a lot of praises today, even coach Kataoka expressed his hope for him as a pitcher. But nothing compared to the soft gentle words Chris graced him with. But It wasn't so much about the words. Just hearing anything said to him by Chris made Eijun's heart skip a beat and knowing that he didn't disappoint his dear senpai made it a thousand times better.


Sawamura wanted Chris to catch for him while they were here, proposing it like the best idea ever. It was hard to refuse these eyes sparkling with excitement but he did nonetheless.

"You need to rest. There is no point in making progress if you exhaust yourself."

"But..."

"I know you can keep going, but it's just adrenaline from the game. It'll waver off soon."

Eijun looked disappointed for a moment but then quickly regained himself.

"All right." And sent a small unsure smile. His hands were fidgeting like he didn't know what to do with them once he resigned not to throw any balls tonight.

"Come on, let's just sit for a bit." Chris gestured to the nearby bench. It was something he came up on a whim not thinking about it too much but he was glad Eijun went along with it.


They set in silence, Eijun trying to calm down. He was itching to pitch but he knew that he should take care of his body and if he didn't take care, Chris did, because Chris always had the best intentions for him as an athlete and he always trusted Chris in these matters. So he accepted the need to rest even though he wanted Chris to catch for him. But just sitting there with Chris also wasn't bad. Stealing some glances at the elder boy's calm and relaxed face Eijun felt as if this calmness slowly reached him too. Soon his body relaxed and Chris noticed the change in posture.

"Feeling better?"

"Y-yes." Sawamura stumbled a bit, his heart refused to calm down beating louder and faster with each second Eijun spent aware that he is alone with Chris.

Eijun wasn't a complete idiot. At least when it came to his own feelings he always was honest with himself not trying to deny anything. Like he usually just screamed whatever he thought about, almost the same was with feelings, he just knew when they came and what they were.

For quite some time now he knew that what started as immense admiration for his senpai slowly transformed into something more serious. He liked Chris, not just as senpai, teammate, mentor or even friend. He liked him wholeheartedly and it was suffocating at times to think about his capacity to hold so much love for one person. Most of the time he just left these thoughts at the back of his mind focusing on pitching, running or studying.

He might be honest with himself but he wasn't ready to put these feelings into words just yet. So he did what he was used to doing the most. Smiled widely, hoping this way to express how happy he was at the moment. He saw no reason to hide the fact that Chris made him happy so he always smiled whenever Chris was at the proximity and it wasn't any different now.

When Eijun looked up he was met with those eyes, kind and almost admiring. Eijun was suddenly very aware of how close they were and his heart started beating like crazy. Blushing slightly Eijun averted his gaze morphing his smile into a more relaxed one.

They didn't talk much nor did they do anything, they just sat in each other's presence, sharing the moment of being together. There wasn't any reason for them to stay here for long. But Eijun wished they could be like this just a little longer.

Nothing special happened but it was still a very special moment. One that Eijun knew he would always cherish.


Chris knew Sawamura wasn't completely comfortable in this situation with his quick glances and blushes but his body was relaxed and that's what mattered. He wasn't completely uncomfortable either as he didn't try to break the silence or run away. Chris himself was willing to go on like this as long as it helped Eijun to rest. He knew from experience that adrenaline from the game can mess you up and make it really hard to sleep despite the tiredness. So if it helped Eijun to break away from the fired up state he was happy to stay beside Eijun in soothing silence.

He watched him carefully from the corner of his eye trying not to impose too much. When Eijun caught his glance smiling like a sunshine Chris knew he was worried for nothing. Eijun wasn't overwhelmed by his presence or prolonged silence. When he looked away still smiling happily Chris released a breath he didn't know he was holding.

He had to admit that as happy he was to help Eijun, he was as much happy to stay beside Eijun just for whatever reason.

How much time had they left to spend together, as a battery, as mentor and pupil, as friends? Summer will end soon and year's end will follow just as quickly. To be able to share this moment together right now... He knew it'll become a special memory he'll always hold close to the heart.


Several weeks passed since that moment of closeness with Chris. Sawamura did as usual at practice, always energetic and giving his all to pitching, switching between focused and relaxed. But whenever he saw Chris or allowed a thought about him, everything went rushing through his heart and he felt suddenly very exposed. He tripped several times while running, pitched stronger than necessary or spaced out when someone talked to him. He was able to brush it off most of the times. He knew he could get back to normal in mere moments and no one would think much about it as they already knew he was an idiot.

Strangely enough, he was still able to pitch to Chris normally. Just knowing they connected in a way with each thump of the ball hitting the mitt made it worth concentrating to the maximum of his ability.

He knew deep down that the reason for his restlessness was the memory of that moment, it was proof of how close they could be and how far they actually were. While he was somehow able to deal with his feelings before, once Eijun experienced something barely even counting as intimacy he wanted more. He wanted to be closer.


"Oi, Sawamura!" Miyuki's voice broke through his foggy thoughts. Eijun blinked realising he just froze over the rice bowl barely chewing. "Make sure to eat properly. It wasn't even that intense of a practice today."

Sawamura just nodded absentmindedly picking up chopsticks and concentrating on the food. The last thing he needed was for Miyuki to catch on that something was amiss. The teasing he'd have to endure wasn't something he was looking forward to. He managed to finish his food without bringing more attention. He stood, returned his tray thanking for the food and then walked through the door, or that was his intention. Somehow he miscalculated and went right into the wall head first falling to the floor. So much for keeping it low. It wasn't all that painful but the collision woke him up good. He heard snickers spreading through the hall, almost all of the team staring at him, murmuring or outright laughing, calling him an idiot and asking if he was all right. It was a natural reaction, so Eijun smiled assuring everyone in his usual loud voice.

"I'm ok! I'm ok!"

He attempted to stand but it didn't work out much as planned.

"Are you sure you are fine?"

Without even looking up Eijun knew it was Chris. Only Chris would sound so nonchalant while still conveying how much he was worried. What an idiot Eijun was indeed, he thought bitterly. He was embarrassed as it is but now Chris had to choose this exact moment to walk in and see him in such a predicament.

Deep breath.

"Nothing to worry about, Chris-senpai!" he said cheerfully. He couldn't help it, when he eventually looked up and saw the face he liked so much his lips spread into a grin, all other troubles forgotten. The helping hand appeared in front of him and he stared at it suddenly feeling very conscious.

"Can you stand? Are you hurt somewhere?"

Eijun shook his head smiling weakly and accepted the hand. The touch was burning around his fingers. He managed to stand with Chris' help but swayed a bit so Chris had to catch him in an embrace.

"Nice catch!" he vaguely heard someone whistling. When his body came into contact with Chris', every sound disappeared in an instant. Were they lost for words? No, it wasn't it.

He felt the heat flood through him. Was it always this hot in here? No, it wasn't' it.

Cheeks flushed, Eijun peeked at Chris expecting to see his usual calm expression. It wasn't it.

Eijun's breath hitched. Pure longing mixed with genuine concern and infinite fondness were all intently directed at him.

Eijun laughed briefly, joy washing all over him. Everyone already knew he was an idiot. He was unpredictable and obnoxious. He also wasn't a master with words so no need even trying there. Eijun smiled softly hiding his face in Chris' chest. He was probably red as a tomato now but wasn't he always the one who moved forward no matter the obstacle? He wasn't new to embarrassment either. He was straightforward, acted on emotions and with all honesty. He slid his arms around Chris tightening the embrace and leaning closer. Wasn't he the one who wished to be closer?

His heart was almost jumping from his chest at this point but it was beating in unison with the other heart, just as loud.


Chris' eyes widened. He didn't expect Eijun to lean into the touch, if anything, he was wary that the boy won't even accept his hand. For some reason touching Eijun seemed as something sacred, almost forbidden. Even though he saw others touch him Chris convinced himself that he couldn't, like it would break something. Or was he just afraid of Eijun's reaction? That the boy would jump away from him or cringe at the touch.

It was shocking to realise that Eijun's reaction was so far from his fears and if anything broke it was the wall that kept them at a painful distance.

Just one moment felt like an eternity. Chris barely had time to process his thoughts and what to do next when Eijun already pulled back. As if emerging from deep water all the sound returned. It seemed like their interaction went smooth and not at all suspicions as nothing indicated that anyone noticed anything, usual chatter filling the room.

"Thank you, Chris-senpai!" Sawamura was as loud and full of energy as always. Chris smiled at him warmly.

"Not at all. Be careful." And feeling daring he briefly ruffled Eijun's hair, something he wanted to do for quite a long time now. Such a simple gesture but it made him feel giddy with relief at being able to do this. Sawamura chirped at that "Yes, sir". His eyes were full of sparkling stars and Chris wondered how he possibly managed to withhold this long. Only awareness of them being in public allowed him to compose himself. Also, the very reason all this was happening now.

"You should probably still check if everything is all right. You could be hurt and not realise it yet. We wouldn't want such a promising pitcher to be exposed to any injuries."

"Oh, Chris-senpai." Eijun's eyes were gleaming with some tender emotion and warmth. "I'll be sure to check, I promise!"

Chris knew he would, he trusted Sawamura to follow his advice as the boy proved it countless times before.

And then like a storm came Eijun's next words, "Or maybe you could help me check it? So you won't be too worried... and I probably wouldn't know what to look for?"

Chris stared at him in wonder. What a tempting suggestion, he wasn't sure if Eijun realised it himself. But seeing how sharp and expectant his eyes were, he definitely did.

"If you are not busy, that is." Eijun blushed and smiled sheepishly.

"I'm not..." Chris tried to sound not as excited as he felt, "Busy, I mean."

"Then!"

"I'll come by your room later when I'm done here." He smiled while Eijun almost jumped at the spot but still mindful not to stress his body. Chris could only admire how attentive the boy was. One would expect him to be reckless and Chris himself considered warning him not to do anything that could hinder his state. But as if Eijun knew what Chris expected of him, he met those expectations straight on.


What he thought was a silly accident he'd like to avoid turned out into yet another special moment with Chris. Sawamura covered his face with a pillow barely containing the scream. He recalled every little second of that small embrace and the touch, and had Chris actually ruffled his hair? Eijun was bursting with emotions rolling on the bed like a complete idiot. He was lucky Kuramochi and Masuko-senpai went straight to the practice after lunch even though they still had free time. Usually, Sawamura joined them eager to pitch more and more but today he waited for Chris to come by. Chris who not so long ago was so, so close to him. Eijun nearly squealed with excitement as he sat on the bed deciding he should probably calm down before Chris saw him acting so foolishly. As he thought about meeting Chris so soon his heart raced frantically. Was it ok to be this greedy?

Sawamura didn't know how he managed to be so bold as to invite Chris to check him for injuries but he was so glad he did. It was time he started being more active. He couldn't allow himself to be distracted anymore — walking into the wall once was more than enough — and he learned through baseball that it's always worth pursuing his dreams no matter how unachievable they seem. Granted, it wasn't all the same with people and relationships. They either worked or not and there weren't any steps as with gradual practice one could follow, not to mention it was also tricky emotionally. But he'd never know if he never tries.


As he thought, the recent commotion didn't linger as the most discussed topic. After all, It wasn't uncommon for Sawamura to trip over and it wasn't uncommon for Chris to help him out.

Chris was going through the lunch patiently not wishing to rush things. As he was excited for the upcoming meeting with Sawamura — in his room, probably alone — he was just as anxious.

Ever since he first met Sawamura his feelings for him grew exponentially. In the beginning, he didn't have as much as even respect for the selfish annoying brat, then slowly he started to see potential in him and couldn't deny that the boy at least worked hard and wasn't just all talk. Later came the phase when Sawamura learned about his injury and started to act as his personal errand boy. It was the sort of attention Chris wasn't used to but he would lie if he said he didn't enjoy it at all. It was not only amusing but also a welcome distraction from depressing thoughts. And eventually, Sawamura even managed to place hope in his heart, something he was sure he long abandoned. Sawamura became a symbol for the new chapter in his life and the more time he spent with him the more he wished this chapter would never end. Spending time with Eijun gradually became a highlight of his days. Each smile Eijun sent at him was like a spell putting Chris under his charm further and further. Until one day Chris realised there was no magic involved, he simply fell in love.

Keeping his cool right now wasn't that easy. His heart's pace quickened as he thought about the way Eijun acted earlier. Was it a hint? That he could hope for something? For something more than just joyful smiles and warmest glances. What did he hope for? He shouldn't set his hopes high. It could just mean something else or have no meaning at all, who knew what went through Eijun's mind anyway?


There was a knock at the door and Sawamura rushed to meet his visitor. He opened the door and sure enough, there was Chris.

"Hi," he greeted casually. Chris just nodded and proceeded into the room, briefly glancing around the surroundings.

"Shall we?" he suggested going straight to the business.

"Yes, Chris-senpai!"

Eijun was a bit jumpy, nerves getting the better of him but he stayed cheerful and somewhat excited. Chris, on the other hand, was very composed, he acted like a professional that was here to see his patient and this attitude put Eijun at peace. He didn't want it to turn awkward or in some way disastrous so the calmness of the other boy helped him to calm down as well.

Chris told him to stay upright and asked where he was hurt. Eijun confessed that the pain already dulled out but still lingered in his limbs and shoulder, mostly on the right side but it probably shouldn't be a big deal. Chris dismissed this assuring that it's better to check anyway. Touching Eijun's shoulder he started carefully pressing into it going down the hand occasionally asking if it hurt here or there, while Eijun tried not to think much about the fact that Chris was touching him with such care and concentrated more on his physical sensations answering honestly. He wasn't in serious pain and nothing seemed broken. Chris looked satisfied and then crouched down to continue the same process with the lower part of Eijun's body. This made it harder to concentrate, just looking at Chris from above in such proximity and position and all the touching made his head spin so he had to purposely look away to keep it cool and be able to answer coherently. Chris seemed nonplussed but occasionally the touch lingered longer, gentle fingers brushing along Einjun's thighs or soothing motions in places where he admitted the pain felt the most. Eijun's heart skipped a beat at these moments making his resolve to pursue his feelings more and more solid. He couldn't possibly ignore it any longer nor did he want to somehow hide it.

When Chris was done, concluding that everything was indeed fine, nothing was broken and the pain was just on a surface caused by collision, Eijun brightened relieved.

"Thank you, Chris-senpai!" They were both standing now, Chris looking relieved as well. "Sorry I took your time for nothing though," he added feeling as if he somehow cheated his way into the whole process and being conscious now that they were done with it.

"I'm glad it was for nothing. One could never be too careful in such matters."

Eijun nodded in understanding looking at Chris' injured shoulder solemnly.

"How is it?" He asked reaching his hand to touch the shoulder lightly.

"The progress is slow but stable, I just have to be patient." He looked at Eijun's hand and then at Eijun as the latter didn't let go. As if mesmerized he kept brushing it carefully wishing to chase away any pain and damage that was left there. Snapping out of it he stopped but instead of pushing away took both Chris' hands in his as he stepped closer and looked straight in the eye.

"I hope you'll get better! I want to say soon but sooner or later doesn't matter as long as you'll get to play baseball one day again! I hope..." Wasn't able to keep the gaze he cast it down feeling shy and courageous at the same time. He squeezed the hands tighter. "Maybe it's wishful thinking or impossible dream but I hope we'll get to play baseball together again. As a battery!" He looked up again feeling how Chris' hands twitched but Chris didn't attempt to let go or pull away, readjusting a bit into a more comfortable hold instead. Confusion mixed with genuine happiness was clear on Chris' face. His eyes grateful and gleaming with some other emotion, something that Eijun thought reflected his own feelings.

"Eijun..." Chris whispered. It was the first time he called him by the name and Eijun shivered with pleasure. "I wish that too. To keep playing together. To be with you." There was a pause.

"Not just as battery," Eijun blurted out not able to stop himself. Chris' eyes widened but then he laughed lightheartedly.

"Not just as battery," he admitted and Eijun's smile became wider as he laughed too, butterflies of joy making their way out. They shared a look full of mirth and then leaned closer. Their lips touched softly, their fingers entwining.

Eijun never thought it was possible to be this happy. But as they kissed and kissed again, his emotions intensified, he couldn't imagine how it was ever possible to live without this.


Chris wasn't blind as he saw the way Eijun reacted to his touches, he could totally relate. But he was an adult here and should act as one especially in such a serious matter. He didn't want Sawamura to suffer any consequences of carelessness. He couldn't keep his cool all the time though, Eijun's body was so close and literally in his hands, as he could freely roam around it. This made it complicated because as much as he enjoyed the touches just as much the briefness of it all made his head spin. Not to mention he had to listen to Eijun's replies, he could tell the boy tried his best, so he couldn't be distracted either. When they were done his head was a bit foggy so he was caught by surprise when it was Eijun now who touched him and didn't seem to let go. There was a fire in Eijun's eyes and his words were just as burning with passion. His hands warm and sweaty but firm, no hesitation in the touch. Chris squeezed them reassuring that he wasn't against the touch. He didn't remember when he started referring to Eijun by the name in his mind and finally saying it out loud felt good on the tongue.

"I wish that too. To keep playing with you. To be with you..." he hesitated, not sure how to explain it, he couldn't just admit how insanely in love he was — or could he? — and he didn't want to downgrade his feelings either making up something that would sound appropriate — what even could sound appropriate when they were holding hands and the air around them was so tight it almost cracked? — but Eijun seemed to understand him perfectly.

"Not just as battery." And it wasn't even a question.

Joy flooded him and he couldn't help but laugh, all the bundled tension releasing him. Eijun's laughter echoing his, Chris took in his expression as bright as sunshine. Chris always tried to act properly, responsibility of being older weighing on his shoulders, but part of being an adult is also to stay true to your beliefs and feelings if it wasn't harmful to those around you. Seeing Eijun like this made him certain that the only harmful thing in this case would be denying and hiding. He had no doubts now, finally sure that he can act on emotions, he can touch Eijun and he can kiss him. They leaned simultaneously and their lips fitted perfectly. It was a soft touch in contrast how tight their fingers were tangled together.

They parted breathing heavily, Eijun radiating with energy. Chris almost couldn't take it, the fact it was even happening was like a dream. Not giving themselves a chance to come to their senses they kissed again and again.


Eijun couldn't comprehend how after everything that transpired in his room he still managed to come to practice on time. He couldn't believe they even were able to remember about the practice and part their ways. Time spent with Chris seemed to go by its own rules and now it also felt like it was in a whole different dimension. He tried to leave all of the thoughts in said separate dimension as he came to evening practice but still was a bit flustered, his lips tingling and hands twitchy. Even Miyuki looked at him with some concern.

"You ok?"

"Yes! As always!"

"You sure you aren't hurt anywhere?"

"Hurt? Oh! Oh..." Sawamura totally forgot he spectacularly fell today, it seemed like so long ago. "No, I'm totally fine. I even forgot about it already," he laughed nervously, "I wouldn't have come here if I was, you know."

"Who knows." Miyuki shrugged. "You are such a pitching fanatic after all."

"The only way I'm hurt right now is because of the lack of trust you have in me!"

Miyuki rolled his eyes and motioned to the field. "You'll have to start with running anyway."

"Yes! Running!" Something perfect to prepare him for practice both physically and mentally as he desperately needed to clear his head.

Setting into familiar pace Sawamura soon managed to focus primarily on practice, a warm feeling spreading in his chest acting like extra fuel.

When he saw Chris at a distance walking into the bullpen, he started waving his hands on impulse as if he hasn't seen him just minutes ago. Approaching closer he saw Chris smiling and shaking his head as if he couldn't believe Eijun's antics, a slight blush gracing his cheeks. Eijun laughed wholeheartedly and continued running, he had too much energy to stop now and he was afraid of what he might do if he gets closer to Chris right now.

He didn't count the laps but it must have been a lot, more than necessary if after a while Kataoka himself stepped in to stop him and ordering to start pitching practice. Sawamura happily obliged, he was eager to see if his pitching would be somehow influenced by his pleasantly fueled state.

"Huh, Sawamura at last." Miyuki shot him a smirk. "What's up with you? You were practically flying around the field."

"I..." he didn't know what to say as he blushed at the reminiscence of Chris' lips on his. He turned around and caught Chris' gaze who was all composed now after warming up but there were stars dancing in his eyes.

"Hyahya!" There was a kick from behind, Kuramochi was over the water break as well as Haruichi. "Don't tell me it's Wakana! Is it?"

Sawamura barely dodged the grip that was about to come placating hurriedly. "No! It's not Wakana! And I told you, she's just a friend."

He was still blushing, he wasn't ashamed of his feelings or the building relationship with Chris but it was still fresh on the memory and he wasn't used to experiencing this kind of attention when he actually had some private secret to keep and he wanted to keep it private, for a time being at least, not because he didn't trust his teammates and friends but because it was something very special and he needed to process it by himself first to solidify the sensation, to be sure that he and Chris are indeed on the same page and it isn't a fleeting dream.

"I was worried you were hurt, Eijun," interjected Haruichi, he already knew it was better to change the subject as Kuramochi wasn't convinced. "I'm glad to see you're are as energetic as ever."

"Yeah! Thanks, Haruichi! I'm totally ok!" He practically was jumping now. "Now, now! Shogun said to pitch!"

"Indeed." Chris nodded as he came closer to give Sawamura the ball, their fingers brushed for a moment. Eijun's smile became even wider now as he watched Chris settle into position, prepared to catch.

Everyone around laughed lightheartedly apparently relieved to see Eijun in good spirits. It was good to have teammates like that, Eijun smiled at them while fetching the glove. He was lucky to come to Seido, to learn so much and not only fall in love but to have his feelings reciprocated.

His blush deepened at the thought as he wound up to throw his best pitch yet.