Just as you are

ArokuRaita

Disclaimer: 'Haikyuu!' is Haruichi Furudate's work and this fanfic was written nonprofit.

4. Help me, captain!

Although Hinata wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, even he realized that Kageyama's situation was almost out of control. If it hadn't been for Sawamura, the first year setter would've ended with a traumatic brain injury thanks to Tsukishima, Nishinoya and Tanaka's idea. Added to the blow he had already received because of Hinata. This seems like a nightmare, I have to talk to him and ask him to try to be like before, he thought.

Classes advanced as always. Then, it was the volleyball class' hours and the afternoon improved for the red haired boy, but as soon as he set foot in the gym, he felt chills. Tension was still among his teammates.

"Hey, Kageyama, can I talk outside with you for a moment?", he asked, while they were resting after a hard workout.

"Sure, Hinata"

Once outside, Hinata took a deep breath before speaking. It would have been easier if Kageyama had hurried or insulted him as before, but now he looked at him innocently. Why was it so hard to talk?

"You see... You're a very nice guy, but I think we're not used to that. That's why I wanted to know if it's possible for you to be more aggressive..."

He looked at the tall young man and regretted having opened his mouth. His dark blue eyes showed an enormous sadness.

"Oh, I'm sorry, it's just that... I don't know how to be otherwise... For some reason, I feel like I should be like this. I'm sure I wasn't happy before. Now I'm at peace with myself and with others. Is it so bad?"

Shouyou blushed, embarrassed. He moved his hands in a gesture of denial.

"No, no, no, Kageyama, you're wrong! You're great like this, really. You are..." He couldn't finish the sentence; he had too many adjectives stuck in his throat. And each one of them was romantic...

Kageyama laughed, relieved.

"I'm very happy, Hinata! If you want, I can try to be aggressive, but it'll be really difficult for me"

The middle blocker sighed. He didn't want to force a change in him and, as he struggled to find his voice, he discovered that he didn't want Kageyama to be the same as before. If necessary, he would fight against his own teammates, only to defend and protect his friend. He lowered his eyes, discouraged: "It's not like that".

"What do you think if... if I'm nice just to you? I'll try not to talk much with others, but with you, I'll show myself as I am". While saying that, he gave him an adorable smile. In less than a second, Shouyou forgot all his worries.

"Deal!" Hinata replied, smiling back.

When they got to the gym, number 10 could notice two bad vibes' flows. One came from Tanaka, Tsukishima and Nishinoya, who watched him with suspicion. The other one was more powerful: Yamaguchi, Asahi and Kiyoko-san's eyes sent it. Were they jealous? This will be impossible, he thought, with anguish.

When everyone left, Daichi and Suga stayed to tidy the gym.

"Tension within the team has increased, Daichi. Have you noticed?"

"Yeah. I thought having a 'problem guy' like Kageyama would be a challenge, but now that he's kinder seems to be worse than when he was in high school".

"Well, I think he even improved his grades, because more people want to help him. At least, that's what Yachi and Hinata told me".

Daichi stopped passing the mop on the floor and stretched, hands on his back.

"Why is this happening, Suga? You are much sweeter than Kageyama, but you don't cause such a ruckus. You could teach him..."

"'Sweet' isn't a good adjective for a man, Daichi"

The team's captain took again his mop and smiled to his teammate.

"I'm sorry. I couldn't help it"

The grey haired boy laughed, blushing. Nothing had happened with Sawamura, they hadn't even talked about their feelings, but there were the looks, the smiles, the flirting... It's a matter of time, the setter thought, but I would prefer it if Daichi took the first step. That way, I'd feel more secure... I don't want to force him.

Suddenly, Hinata opened the gym's door, with Kageyama holding his hand. The dark haired setter had his eyes wide open, as if he didn't understand what was going on around him.

"Sawamura-san, Suga-san! Sorry for interrupting you! The thing is that they started arguing with Kageyama and getting close to him, so I thought I could hide him here for a while..."

"Who?" the captain asked as he put on his jacket. His face was grim.

"Er... Kageyama's lovers and haters"

"OK. I'm going to make them clear a few things..."

"Daichi, if you want, I can go" Sugawara went ahead. Perhaps the captain's bad temper could make matters worse. In addition, dialogue is best for complicated situations. After a few moments, the captain agreed.

"I won't be late. Meanwhile, Hinata, Kageyama, can you help Sawamura-san finishing the cleanup? We would appreciate it"

Both of them nodded emphatically and got to work. After a few minutes, Shouyou tightened his stomach. The tension from which he had fled with Tobio had passed him the bill. With a small voice, he asked permission to use the bathroom and, when Daichi gave it to him, ran at full speed.

"Hinata is a very nervous guy, don't you think?" the senior said, mostly to break the ice with his kouhai.

"Maybe, but he's very brave and cheerful. I'm happy that he's my friend", Kageyama replied, looking towards the place where his partner had run.

Daichi laughed.

"I don't know if 'brave' is the best word, but is true that he faces his fears and overcomes them. That's very important"

Kageyama nodded and kept talking about Hinata, while a big smile was forming on his face. Sawamura, felt strange. Not because the 'King of the court' was smiling without causing fear, but because of the sweetness' sensation his whole being was transmitting. He wanted to care for him, protect him, caress him...

Even more than to Suga. That idea made him tremble a bit.

"I think... I'm going to see how Sugawara is doing out there" Daichi murmured, suddenly. Tobio cringed.

"Please, senpai! Don't let the others in yet!"

Sawamura turned around and saw true fear in his kouhai's blue almond-shaped eyes. Without even thinking, he got closer to Tobio and hugged him in a tight embrace.

"Er... Captain, is something wrong?"

"Don't worry, I won't let them hurt you"

"Oh, alright..."

It was just a hug. His kouhai was frightened and it meant nothing, but... Why was his heart beating so fast, then?

While returning from the bathroom, Hinata saw his team captain hugging Kageyama. What is Sawamura-senpai doing?, he asked to himself, paling. The first year setter had a calm expression, but he wasn't smiling. Before he could do or say anything, the gym door opened and Sugawara entered, looking slightly back.

"Well, Daichi. I talked to the guys and they agreed to a truce, so Kageyama will be quiet for a while..."

The captain turned white and separated from his kouhai, but not in time. Suga had already turned to look at him and noticed the hug and his friend's guilty look. Something in his expression made Hinata to tremble with fear.

It's the same look of Kageyama's haters...