His Turn
Disclaimer: Prince of Tennis (c) Konomi Takeshi.
A/N: Based on the first episode of the PoT OVA where they're at the Nationals so it'll be different from the manga version. In this case, since Ryoma is the one returning from the US, he's the one whom Oishi plays against to determine the new line up for the Nationals. Obviously, Oishi lost.
This is what happened after.
"Oishi."
The vice captain turns, smiles, acknowledges his old friend. "Tezuka."
The captain almost seems perturbed. Almost. But Oishi thinks it might be a trick of the fading sunlight of evening. He waits patiently for Tezuka to piece together his next phrase.
It doesn't come. Tezuka merely stands there, eyes piercingly clear, asking a question that would not come out in words. He knows Oishi's pride isn't as vast as most, but it's still there and he doesn't wish to tread on it any further than it might have been.
Then again, thinks Tezuka to himself, what Oishi had done proved that his pride wasn't as important to the vice captain as compared to other matters.
The next smile that tugs on Oishi's lips is a slight one, a small quirk of the lips. And were this not Oishi Shuichiro, some would say almost wistful. He looks away, to the tall spotlights of the court and the sunset's glow of orange red, marked by thin, dark indigo clouds behind it.
"Eiji commented earlier that he didn't know which is worse: Echizen not playing in the Nationals or me not playing. I don't think I know either."
Oishi looks down at the wrist that cost him his place in the line up.
"But what I do know is this: the absolute worst case... is us not doing all we can to win the Nationals."
He looks up at Tezuka again. His glance rises from the captain's shoulder to meet hazel coloured eyes with the assurance that he doesn't regret his actions.
"This is my turn now."
Tezuka regards Oishi for a long moment, the kind that stretches in time and appears to have no end. His poker face would have fooled plenty but Oishi, who shared the dream of reaching the Nationals one day, this day, from the very beginning, is not among them.
Then, the spell is broken. Tezuka nods, an acknowledgement... and perhaps a motion of gratitude and respect.
Oishi's smile reverts back to it's calm cheery self. "Well, we better get going. Taka-san's father's expecting all of us at his shop to celebrate Echizen's return!"
Another nod and the two friends fall in step, walking towards the small group of teammates waiting for them in the short distance. Before they reach them though, a voice speaks out, low in tone.
"...Oishi."
"Yeah?"
"When that trophy is presented to us, you will be the first to hold it."
Oishi starts, turns to stare at the captain who walks steadily beside him. Tezuka doesn't return the stare, instead looking only forward.
A moment passes before Oishi lets out a small laugh. "You never give anyone a chance to argue, don't you?
...but then that's the reason you're captain."
Now, Tezuka glances at his friend through the corner of his eyes. Oishi holds out a fist and a smile that is grateful.
"I look forward to that moment."
Tezuka bumps his own fist against Oishi's, a smaller smile on his own face as he replies.
"So do I."
-
End.
A/N: Oishi-fukubuchou, you are love. No doubt about it.