A/N: Hello! I plan on writing a long Tsurugi/Aoi fic and I've decided to start in the middle of things just...because that's how I start writing. Hopefully, the context can be easily understood. I really thrive off of reviews and it really helps me get things going :3 Please R&R, I love feedback!
Chapter: 1
Even on the sidelines, time seemed to pass so quickly. The sky had remained a light grey the whole day, hinting at an oncoming shower that never came. Regardless of the rain, I knew that the team would continue to practice as they always had. Mud didn't bother them, but I wish they'd take more consideration in not getting dirty for the sake of whoever did their laundry. Tenma of course always got the muddiest along with Shinsuke. I could only sympathize with Kino-san when we arrived at his house after practices…luckily, the rain had held out and all was well.
It was a tough decision on whether or not to work or attend practice today. I'd skipped one too many practices already for the sake of volunteering at the hospital. Coach always understood and so did Otonashi-san…but I still felt a bit guilty. To make up for my absence, I'd offered to do the cleanup myself. It was the least I could do.
"Are you sure? You really don't need to…" Akane uncertainty questioned.
"It's alright! I've got it all, you both should leave early for once anyway!" I gave them both a hardy smile as I slung the cooler duffle over my shoulder, hoping the action would appear effortless. Midori stood with her hands on her hips, brow furrowed. At last, she gave a sigh.
"Well…it seems like we'll only get in your way if you're gung-ho about this…" I almost lost my balance when she gave me a firm slap on the back and a large grin. "That's our long lost manager! Taking one for the team! Let us know if you need anything, alright?"
"Of course!" I replied happily.
We talked idly as they gathered their things. With a wave goodbye, they left the sidelines, their voices and giggles growing increasingly distant. I smiled inwardly to myself. It was a good feeling to finally do something for team again. I lifted my gaze to the overcast sky. It'd gotten darker since practice had ended, and a bit windier too. In any case, I'd best hurry…
"Nice one! Let's do that again!"
I blinked and turned to the field. I knew that the voice belonged to Tenma, who apparently was still on the field even after practice. A bit further down the field was Kyousuke who gave a quick nod to his call. I couldn't stop from smiling at the scene. Since when had they been practicing after practice? I remembered Tenma saying that Shinsuke hadn't been able to stay after practice in order to study harder, something admirable Tenma could learn from. It was nice to know that Kyousuke was keeping Tenma company, even though he didn't have to. Although he didn't seem to show it, I'm sure he was enjoying the scrimmage as much as Tenma was.
"Aooooi!"
Tenma waved from a distance. Kyousuke also stopped, the soccer ball rested underneath his arm as he waited patiently. I waved back at them energetically.
"Hey you two! Good luck out there! You don't want to get caught in the rain!"
"Rain's nothing!" He grinned. Meanwhile, Kyousuke seemed to be distracted.
"Sorano-san, are you the only one here?" He asked objectively. Tenma turned to Kyousuke, and then back towards me questioningly. For some reason, I also looked along the sidelines, even though I knew I was the only one there.
"It's not that much of a hassle, I told Akane and Midori I could handle it. Don't worry!" I gave them the same smile I'd given Midori and Akane a few minutes ago and waved my hand dismissively. Tenma frowned while Kyousuke still gave me the same expressionless look, as if he were waiting for me to change my mind.
"…I'm serious!" I emphasized as I turned away from their gaze and resumed collecting water bottles, hoping that I wouldn't drop one and prove an unsaid point. Just when I was sure Tenma was about to interject, I heard Kyousuke call out to him and the sound of a ball rolling in the grass. A content sigh escaped me as they resumed playing and I continued my clean up. If this was done quickly, I would be able to escape the rain. Inwardly giving myself encouragement, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work.
