- The Fruit of Labour -

Characters: Kageyama Shigeo, Hanazawa Teruki

Relationship: Kageyama Shigeo/Hanazawa Teruki

Genre: Romance, Slice of life

Rated: G

Warning: none

With a sigh, Shigeo dropped his school bag and sportsbag containing his workout clothes to the floor of his room. With the end of the week it was time that they got washed, even though he's been working out for a few months, he still drenched them quite much. His training buddies showered him in praises and complimented his progress but at times he wondered how much he really managed to change.

Eyes zeroing on his reflection, Shigeo approached the mirror. The most noticeable change was the slightly darker complexion, as the Body Improvement Club ran 5 kms each session as warm up so the sun could turn his sickly pale face into still pale, but definitely healthier looking. That was a sweet plus admittedly, overusing his powers often led to sickness or excessive fatigue, but that wasn't the main objective. What he aimed for was…

He took off his school uniform's jacket, wearing only his short sleeved white T-shirt. He lifted the shirt to examine his flat abdomen. He didn't see much outer change. He then raised his other arm beside him in a 90 degree angle, flexing his bicep with all his might.

"Hey Kageyama...kun?"

Shigeo jumped and whipped his head back hearing Teruki's voice behind him. The blonde stood in the doorway, flabbergasted. His mother must have spotted the blonde boy before he could ring and let him inside.

"Ah, Hanazawa-kun," he dropped the hem of his shirt, letting it drift back to its place and cover his belly. Shigeo was visibly quite embarrassed but unlike his former self, he didn't splutter to explain himself. "Welcome. Come on in, I was just, uh, trying to see the result of my training."

Accepting the invitation with a nod, Teruki stepped inside and closed the door. He flashed a smile in Shigeo's way. "I see. So what do you see?"

"Well, my skin is a bit darker but muscle-wise it is hard to tell."

"Well, I can say for sure that your comportament is much better, you're no longer slouching but holding yourself with a straight back. It makes you look a bit taller and a lot more confident."

A small smile blossomed on Shigeo's face hearing Teruki's encouraging words. "Is that so? That's good." He once again pulled back the sleeve of his shirt, flexing his muscles.

Shigeo looked up with mild surprise when Hanazawa stepped close to him and with his index finger he prodded his warm flesh, the touch sending a bolt of electricity through him. "I definitely feel muscles," he stated with a smile. "Good job, Kageyama-kun."

Warmth filled Shigeo's cheek and heart at the compliment, matching the one fanning within Teruki. At first he thought Shigeo's emotions didn't reflect his feelings at all, but with time he realised the subtle little changes in his expression, like that light of joy flicker in his maroon irises. It was a wonderful sight that made the butterflies in his stomach flutter with excitement.

"Thank you, Hanazawa-kun," he said with a lovely shade of flush tinting his cheeks. "I'll change in a few minutes and then we can go."

Hanazawa nodded, turning away as Shigeo pulled his short over his head, feeling warm and fuzzy seeing Shigeo smile. "I'll get something to drink in the meanwhile." He went downstairs, following the path he memorised long ago.

Shigeo shouted after him. "There's juice in the fridge, help yourself."

True to his words, Shigeo was ready in 4 minutes. With a small smile, he accepted Teruki's friend, cheek glowing with warmth at the prospect of another wonderful date.