Brave
by Collapse Overture
Disclaimer: They didn't throw me out of the playground yet, so I guess this is fine.
A/N: Spread the IshiRai love! XD I have this infatuation with the neglected pairings recently. Bear with me, please. :3 And, I'm sorry that I've been making only drabbles. I've realized that they're really fun to write. XD Enjoi!
Being one of the strongest members of the team didn't give him much bravery. He preferred doubles to singles, and didn't like how his older brother always defeated him. But one thing he didn't understand was his regular doubles partner. The shorter boy was brave enough to go for singles, even though his match never came, and he admired him for it. He wished that, in some way, he'd be able to be as strong as his partner.
"Hey, Ishida. You've been quiet for a while," Sakurai began, gently poking his partner's side. "Something the matter?" The two of them, being close doubles partners, knew when there was something wrong with the other. It was just a matter of figuring it out, or getting the other to say it.
The taller boy smiled, hands held behind his back as if he was nervous. "Ne, Masaya. . ." Ishida stopped, thinking for a moment about what he would say. "I, uh. . .well." Sakurai gave him a questioning look, and he finally continued. "I know it's a little late. . .and I know that you, uh, didn't get me anything in the first place, but. . ." That was where he stopped, pulling his arms from behind his back, and holding a small gift in the palm of his hand. "Here."
Sometimes, he wished that he was as brave as his doubles partner - brave enough to give something without running away - but unfortunately, it'll probably take a little longer for that to happen. Ishida Tetsu would have to grow used to it, first.
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