A/N: Greetings everybody. I've started up writing again after a long break due to school (which is about to start yet again so I'm still unsure of why I particularly picked now to return...). As I've completely forgotten my old account details, you've probably noticed that this is a fresh, new one (appropriate as this will be the first POT story/drabble that I've written). Recently became obsessed with this pair yet again so hope you enjoy!
1 : Post National Quaterfinals Match
The air was thick with disappointment. Feet trudged along the dirt path back to the bus while heads all looked down in shame and anguish. Yet again they had been narrowly edged out of the competition by their arch rival school Seigaku. Not even Oshitari or Shishido could muster up a witty or snarky comment about their beloved captain's new hairstyle. The latter however still took it upon his shoulder the responsibility of encouraging his miserable partner.
"Hey Choutarou" he called to the sullen junior next to him. Said junior lifted his head up to respond to his senpai.
"Yes Shishido-san?" he meekly replied.
"You know your determination near the end of our doubles match there was impressive. We would've never pulled out that win if you hadn't whipped out those nasty scud serves near the end. Your arm's ok though right?"
Otori smiled a bit at his partner's attempts to cheer him up. "Oh… thanks. Yeah my arm's ok. It wasn't that bad of an injury. Plus I was only motivated by your drive to win at the end. It wouldn't have been right for me to hold anything back after you still gave it your all then."
Leave it to the ridiculously humble and respectful Ootori to bounce back a compliment like that. Shishido had to settle for a grunt for lack of a better thought-out response. As the other regulars also began to follow suit in breaking the silent tension in the air, Shishido continued to shuffle next to his quiet kohai. As they reached the bus he spoke again,
"Choutarou."
"Mmm?" Otori barely responded at Shisido's second attempt despite his rather dreadful mood.
"I was just thinking – you know you're the only regular left who has actually never lost an official match? Technically you should be the only person who can rightfully hold his regular spot now." Shishido remarked as he stepped onto the bus behind a now chattering Mukahi.
Otori stopped behind him, stunned as he began to process what he was just told. He grinned when he realized it was true; not even the magnificent Atobe lived up to the strict Hyotei standards anymore. He immediately felt guilty about taking even the slightest pleasure at Atobe's defeat, but he still couldn't force down the beaming grin on his face as he took his seat next to an equally satisfied and successfully smirking Shishido.
Looking forward to uploading more if there's demand for it! Until next time
