Title: Second-rate
Author: Krizzie
Summary: Drabble. To be stronger than his dreams.
On some days, Tachimukai thinks.
He wonders what it would have been like to stand in Endou-san's place. To become the captain and goal protector. To become the one who is idolized than being the one idolizing. He thinks about having people trust him with their burden. He thinks about living up to a legend, of techniques that no other than he could perform. He thinks about teammates, about friends.
Such moments are pithy but it leaves a bitter taste in his mouth and he is disgusted.
Disgust turns to drive and he trains. He trains until his hands are bruised. He trains until his legs are shaking under the meager weight of his body. He trains until his lungs feels like they would burst in flames. He pushes his limits. More, more, MORE! Until his will gives in to his body's call for rest.
But at night, when the darkness is absolute and the silence is ringing in his ears, he is too weak to keep his mind from wandering. It twists and crawls and creates dreams, visions, that make his heart pound with terror and excitement all at once and he feels like breaking, shouting– rejoicing. Because in his dreams, he is strong and powerful and loved.
Morning comes. Tachimukai washes his face, empties his mind of the lingering images and prepares himself for another day to get stronger.
Because he believes that one day, he would be stronger than his dreams.
A/N: As with all Inazuma characters, I admire Tachimukai's drive. And I imagine it must come from loving and wanting to defeat Endou-kun at the same time.