On Black Wings

Chapter 4: Unreasonable Crows

A/N: It's been a while I know, but that last episode of Haikyuu ; season 2 episode 14 was just beautifully amazing and gut-wrenchingly hilarious! Very inspiring too! Don't you just love going to the bathroom at the volleyball games? All of the tough and scary players go there and apparently at the same time. It's dangerous to go alone. X3

...

"Uggghhh!" Moving too suddenly made Oikawa stiffen up and then crumple back onto the mattress tensely with a groan, he felt instantly sore all over and his chest and right arm throbbed. His left leg ached tremendously as did the area below his right knee, it burned and everything past it was so numb that he couldn't feel it; it was just raw pain slowly intensifying. He grimaced as he peeled his eyes back open to see that Kageyama was still at his bedside looking at him with a face of concern, he didn't know why in the world he was there but he wasn't too happy to see him at all. At least seeing Iwa-chan on the other end gaping down at him brought him some relief. He blinked again when he noticed the coach at the end of the bed along with Kindaichi and Kunimi, even Karasuno's shorty was within sight and looking on at him curiously.

He didn't understand what was going on and why he was surrounded by these people, he tilted his head to the side a bit when he noticed his hand was wrapped up tightly with a sort of metal clasp wound over two of his fingers, the setter also took notice of an ivy-drip sticking out of his arm. It was then that he remembered the accident close to his home, he was running to his house before getting struck by a car and then he woke up to a numbness before shortly blacking out. Then that meant that he was in a hospital and-

He froze in place and his breaths shortened, there was something about his right leg that wasn't right; he couldn't feel anything past the raw pain close to his knee and he remembered a disgusting sound when another car came at him. He forced himself to lean up again with a hiss.

"Damn it Trashykawa, just stay down; you're in no condition to move." Iwaizumi placed a hand carefully on Oikawa's shoulder but he couldn't stop the setter from sitting upright. He knew that what Toru was going to see was just the beginning of a long trial of troubles and a lot of downs. Why delay the inevitable?

Mahogany eyes widened and stared unblinkingly when they landed on his legs; leg, now it made sense as to why he couldn't feel his right foot. His world slowed down to a crawl as he gazed emptily at the flat spot next to his left limb, his right was gone; nothing but a stub shortly past his kneecap and nothing beyond. He took a long and deep breath as reality began to settle in, it's too bad it all came crashing down on him all too fast. He was missing a leg, he was missing 'HIS' leg; the one he walked, ran, and played 'volleyball' on. He felt frozen, like time stopped or slowed significantly just so that he could stare at the horror before him.

"Oikawa?" Iwaizumi carefully prodded, his voice low.

This couldn't be happening, his eyes were tricking him.

Toru instantly lurched forward and patted away at the empty spot in a panic-like fashion; no longer caring about stretching his bruised flesh and increasing the tenderness of his fractured arm. The pain could not deter him from trying to find his leg, he wanted to believe that he was just seeing things, that maybe he was just dreaming; it all seemed so surreal anyways with Karasuno players present so why not hold onto the hope that his eyes were only fooling him.

Kageyama tensed up as he watched Oikawa pinch and tug at the thin sheets in search for his limb feverously, it was pathetic but also very gut-wrenching; the third-year setter hadn't quite come to terms with the loss and it unsettled him to a level that he could barely comprehend. He also noticed that Hinata, Iwaizumi, and the other two of Aoba-Johsai's teammates were also ridged and as stunned as himself. What could even be said for someone like Toru in this situation? He didn't even know where to begin.

So why did he come again?

Iwaizumi found himself getting angry and balling his fists, not at Oikawa; certainly not at him but rather at the distressing sight of him slowly coming to grips with reality. No one should ever have to go through this, especially not someone like a hard-training volleyball player such as the bedridden teammate of his. He waited for the ace-setter to realize what he was seeing before he spoke his name again. "Oikawa?" He gaped as Toru immediately turned towards him and grabbed a hold of his shirt before tugging desperately.

"My leg... where's my leg Iwa-chan?!" His grip tightened and his wide eyes pleading with great fear. "Where is it?! What happened? Where did it go?!"

He could honestly say that he was even frightened, he's never seen Oikawa this broken, the guy was nearly close to tears and practically hysterical with his tone sounding hoarse and desperate. Oikawa had grit his teeth and tugged at Hajime's shirt, like he wanted an immediate answer and solution. Gritting his own teeth, Iwaizumi lowered his head and pulled Toru's good hand off of him and set back on the mattress and held it tightly; the setter's distress was making him feel as low and lost but he couldn't go there when Oikawa needed every bit of the support and strength that he could lend to his teammate. He had to be strong. "It's gone you dumbass!" He didn't mean for his words to come out in a shout nor sound so cold, he was still trying to fight the inner pain himself; after all they promised to rise to the top and become victors in future leagues. As much as he hurt, he tightened his grip over Oikawa's hand to assure that he was in this mess with him no matter what outcome there would be.

"Gone?" He repeated lightly before staring blankly at the disheveled sheets, it really was gone.

"You were struck by a car and then partly crushed by another, it's a miracle that you even have one of your legs at all." The coach explained. "It could have been much worse."

He dug his nails into the sheets and clenched his fingers as tightly as he could; even ignoring the pain from his injured fingers. "This isn't fair!" He shouted aloud, "This isn't fair damn it!" He shouted more loudly and fought back the wetness forming in the corners of his eyes, he didn't care for the people around him at the moment. Everything that he's ever worked for was gone with his limb, it was very terrifying and heartbreaking; so much time just gone and wasted. The immense pain that his body was in now couldn't compare to the pain he was feeling in his heart, losing the ability to play the sport hurt so much more since it was everything to him. If that pain wasn't enough he still had to factor what else he would be losing. He wouldn't be able to walk right, he didn't want to even imagine himself stumbling or living on crutches or walking on an ugly plastic stick; yet worse, be stuck in a wheel chair. There would be no more playing nor practicing volleyball; that perhaps hurt the most, not only was it a way of life but also the most fun way to exercise and pass time, plus getting better and winning matches as they came. He'd also be letting the team down and would lose all of his fans, and Ushi-waka… oh he definitely didn't even want to think on that guy nor talk to him ever again; he'd probably say something smart and scoff at him for being so inattentive and getting nearly killed like an idiot. There was so many things to say, so much anger and distress that he wanted to grab his head and scream out, so much to take in all at once; the air was feeling much thinner and stifling. His chest felt heavy, his eyes were on the verge of watering and he could barely steady his breathing. His gaze never moved from the spot where his leg was supposed to be, it was all just too much to handle at once. This was a nightmare that he wasn't waking up from.

This was absolutely the worst day of his life and he hadn't been awake for more than a few minutes.

"Alright now, all of you leave now except for Iwaizumi." Sadayuki spoke up as he pulled his chair close to the bed and took a seat, he had a long talk coming and he knew Oikawa was going to take a long and difficult time to process his dilemma. "It's time that I have my talk with my setter, we need our space."

Kendaichi and Kunimi respectively nodded, shallot-head gave a soft pat on Oikawa's back; his silent attempt for support went without notice but he was okay with that. Him and his friend left the room and only took a glance back as the ever persistent crows continued to ignore the coach.

"The both of you as well, leave us. Please, for the sake of regard?" The coach asked to both Karasuno's players.

Hinata wanted so much to stay since watching The Grand King space out from realizing his loss, someone this distressed needed as much support as possible right now but he knew that him and his friend wouldn't do any good for the stunned setter; the guy had just now woke up and still appeared to be struggling with coming to grips of losing a leg. He dreaded the thought of himself being in that same position, he didn't even know if he could do better in that situation; running, jumping, and skidding; he didn't know if he would be able to handle giving either of those up as well as the sport of volleyball itself. Oikawa-san just lost them and just realized right now, they came too soon. As annoying as it was, they needed to wait at least a little while for Toru to come back down to earth; realize his situation and get a leveled head.

His orange eyes darted to his side when he noticed Tobio starting to shake again. Hinata reached out and placed a hand on Kageyama's shoulder. "Come on Kageyama, let's give them some space for a little while."

Just as shorty finished speaking and tugged even a little on the black jacket, Kageyama suddenly shot forward and grabbed Oikawa by the neck of his hospital gown and immediately tore his attention away from his missing limb. Toru yelped lightly before stared widely in surprise after being forced to look at Tobio who adorned an expression he wasn't all too familiar with, Tobio never reserved such a face for him ever. One of determination but also desperation, and anger with a touch of fear.

"Please Oikawa-san, just tell me that you won't ever give up?!" Kageyama asked with a forced shout, both of his hands clang to the fabric around Aoba-Johsai's best setter's neck and kept the guy's face directed at his; he was pleading as much as he hated to but he knew he had to and it had to be now. "Don't let this be the end, you have to keep playing somehow! Just don't quit! Promise me! Please?!"

"Kageyama?" Hinata's arm was left stretched out and his hand empty but was too surprised himself to really do anything but gape, at least the setter was getting some words of encouragement but so forcibly and this soon? It was starting to look like a bad idea. … And wait- was Kageyama saying please? And …begging? Hinata's jaw dropped and his eye twitched at the odd circumstance of his aloof teammate behaving quite the opposite of his usual behavior, especially towards a rival that he seemed to always silently sneer and glare at.

In complete shock, Oikawa didn't have anything to say; getting what looks like an attack from Tobio-chan took him completely by surprise only the attack was more like a desperate request. It would have been easy to just scoff at him and turn away if only the stupid-face had not just ask him to not give up when he knew he wouldn't ever be able to play volleyball again. Wouldn't have been easier to prod him in the other direction and kill motivation and rub salt in the wounds other than trying to steady a crumbling tower of pride? Did stupid Tobio not know that with a big competitive setter out of play that he can move forward and try to become the best setter in the Prefecture this year? Yet here he was, those eyes more fierce than they have ever been that he's ever seen in any game against him so far.

"Just tell me!" He shouted again and bit back the urge to tell Toru that he's the best setter that he's ever known and had to surpass him fairly to become the best, but his gaze soon traveled over to Iwaizumi who looked as though he was about to come from around the bed and ring his neck.

"Let him go!" Hajime warned. "He's injured you dumbass so back off!" He raised a fist to his side.

With his better arm he could have easily pushed him off, only he hasn't… yet. Oikawa wasn't sure what he should do or why he hadn't done anything to get one of his most detested rivals off of him, sure Tobio meant no harm but it was 'Tobio-chan', the setter 'genius' prodigy. Perhaps it was the way Tobio acted, it was far out of the norm and to him off all people. By all rights the shorter and not so 'great yet' setter shouldn't even be here, why was he even here anyways? Why ask him such a question? His surprised expression deflated a little after moving his gaze away from those eyes, Tobio-chan's begging orbs were- unreasonable.

"Leave now Tobio before I call the hospital personnel to come and escort you out." The coach piped in with his arms crossed and his eyes narrowed sharply. "You're dealing with an injured patient that is now recovering from a hit and run as well as surgery, he's in no condition to move so abruptly. By all rights he shouldn't even be sitting up yet."

Acknowledging this and as much as he wanted to stay despite the distraught coach, Shoyo reluctantly nodded. He was about to yank at Kageyama's jacket before the door opened with several bodies moving through the doorway; it was Aoba-Johsai's team minus Shallot-head and Akira. Two of them walked in before they froze and blinked at the scene before them.

"Hey, what's going on here?" Came Matsukawa's voice.

"What the-? Why are they here?" Yahaba questioned.

"Hey, he's got Oikawa-san!" Hanamaki shouted aloud.

Suddenly some voices from behind had Kageyama going ridged before he felt himself being pulled off by multiple hands and arms, he let go of Oikawa's gown and stumbled backwards as he was being pulled towards the exit of the room.

"What in the hell are you doing with our captain?" Kentaro glared and he was just as intimidating as ever after seeing Iwaizumi's heated expression.

"Get him and his friend out of here, they've overstayed their welcome and I have a very important matter to discuss with Oikawa. Me, Irihata, Iwaizumi, and him… alone."

"But what about us?" Watari asked innocuously. "We want to talk to him too, he's finally awake. We've been waiting to, worrying for too long."

"I know, but he'd just woken up and now Irihata and I have to have the conversation. I will send out Hajime when Oikawa will be ready to see you."

Oikawa blinked before looking back at his kneecaps, the team already looked confused, stunned, and even dejected from his appalling state; he hated the pity train but felt guilty for letting down his team; or for soon to be letting them down. He almost didn't want to see them, at least not for a while anyways. Actually, he just wanted to be alone; he'd rather not let out his frustrations in front of anyone; well maybe with the exception of Iwai-chan, but no one else.

"Wait a minute." Kageyama felt another tinge of anger and spoke out disregarding his normally composed manner before these people, the coach wasn't going to allow any team support and he was going to drill the notion that Toru would never play again when he knew that all of it was bull. He's played against Oikawa-san enough times to know that the guy was a fighter, albeit a showoff too but not a quitter when it comes to his life's work. Hinata was pretty much the same way but much more modest and in it mostly for his dreams of following his idol and winning the nationals. "You can't just kick him out of the club, what happened was an accident! He was not at fault!" He barked. These words had most of the team gaping and centering their eyes on Irihata as he passed them while moving towards the bed.

"Aoba-Johsai has its own club policies Kageyama," Irihata said rather loudly in the now still room. "It's not up to me nor Sadayuki unfortunately, but to the student council and headboard of the club committee. Every club has its rules and those unable to participate will be dropped out to save on club funds." The head coach ambled over to the side of the hospital bed and gazed down, he didn't need to see Oikawa's face directly to know that he heard and understood this.

"So you can't let him get a say in it? You can't make him a team manager or give him time to adjust on a prosthetic?" The shorter of the two Karasuno players added.

This automatically made Toru gape. He hadn't thought of that, but still-.

"I have taken such the idea into consideration already, but Sadayuki and I have already come to a conclusion." He turned around and crossed his arms. "He can't for two reasons, and one is what the assigned physician had told us. Firstly, the damages to his shinbone and fibula is too great, or what's left them anyways. Using a prosthetic leg would be terribly uncomfortable to play on, it would also risk fracturing the remains and damaging his knee joints since this is a sport that requires a lot of jumping and running at various angles. Second, even if he could work with the risks he'd never be the same as he once was; meaning that his play would be mediocre at best or possibly substandard."

Oikawa's eyes widened for a brief moment before narrowing thinly, he gnashed his teeth and did his best to hold composure. He didn't dare lift his head after hearing his coach say that, those stinging words made him feel useless and pitiable and it was coming from his head coach at that. He's only ever received praises and pats on the back for playing his best, so often hearing his name used in compliments or boastings. Oh how the tides have turned now.

"Wait you can't mean-? You can't say that about Oikawa!" Yahaba was infuriated and now understood why the Karasuno players were looking so edgy, Oikawa and shoddy don't mix; not his senpai.

"Oikawa would never be anything 'average' or below." Mastukawa said defensively but with a respectable tone, sure the guy was annoying as hell but he was an excellent captain and setter; one of the best he's ever known.

Kentaro only grunted with his arms crossed.

Even hearing his own teammates stand up for him could not lift the heavy weight that lingered in Oikawa's chest, he wasn't feeling so great anymore.

"I've already tried telling them, the Karasuno boys I mean. But as a reminder and word for the team-" Sadayuki reclined back in his chair with a deep frown. "As much as I would like to keep Toru on the team I know that I can't; not even with a prosthetic. His jump would be considerably reduced, and after his hand and arm heals he would only smack the ball into the net if he still has the strength to make serve spikes. There would be no more serve spikes so there goes the point maker setter. Then there's defense and attack while the volleyball is in play, he'd be slower and not jump as high to keep the ball on the other end of the net so he wouldn't be much of a middle blocker. He'd still be able to set but I am afraid that is where the limit is, reduced and restricted movement will not allow for tricky plays and neither forceful ones that we've had in the past. I hate to admit it but for Oikawa, there is no longer a special place for him on Aoba-Johsai's team."

The head coach sighed heavily. "As much as I hate to agree, I must."

The team looked stunned from this revelation, if the head coach said he couldn't play either than it really was over for their captain.

"It'll be too costly and risky to play again, he will most likely never get into a volleyball club at college level with his hindrance."

Irihata smiled faintly in spite of the loss of the team's control tower and the desponded looks from the players. "You're right, it wouldn't be fair to oust him since the accident wasn't his fault. Now we can still allow him to become a team manager or even a coach in training, but he'd have to re-register for the club's position if he chooses to. That is something that we can consider since he enjoys the sport so much, that thought never crossed my mind. We can thank you for throwing that idea out there Hinata and Kageyama, perhaps dropping in for a visit wasn't such a bad idea."

"Doubters. You underestimate him." Kageyama replied coldly, instead of fighting back against a brick wall like he wanted to he just ripped himself out of Hanamaki's, and Yahaba's grasp, he was tired of listening to the coaches. Oikawa-san was ignoring him; still staring at the empty spot. He huffed to himself before turning to the door and weaving through the team without another word, staying was pretty much pointless right now; at least … for now. He shot a glance at his partner on the way out as a silent gesture to follow.

The orange-haired teen followed behind but stopped shortly after, he turned around for one last thing. "You know, what's the point of putting someone down now when they haven't even said anything to defend or prove themselves? Why not let him try and prove you wrong?" He placed a hand over his chest. "I am short, always have been and this is what limits me in volleyball; and yet I've shown you that even with my size hindering me; I can still play. I can jump because I pour every bit of my will and strength into every leap just to reach the ball and hit it, battling in the air is where I 'want' to be and I won't let nothing stop me from getting there. So long as I can move I'll never give up. Can the Grand King say the same? The court is where he 'wants' to be right?" He asked with hope for a reply but got nothing as he stared at Oikawa, the guy seemed to be lost in thought. Hinata lowered his head a bit and looked dejectedly at the floor before turning his attention to the sound of a dissatisfied quiet grunt. Kageyama waited for him at the doorway and he was just as disappointed with the show of a partial scowl with his head tilted to the side a little. It was time to go.

Kageyama was pissed off for being unable to say much let alone receive any actual response from the third-year; not even a simple 'get off me', he couldn't fight against a whole team or simply get Oikawa-san to reply back with even a change in expression. It was out of the norm for the older setter to not even complain at his presence or forceful actions. Perhaps it was too soon? Or… Sadayuki and Irihata had no faith in the star setter and didn't want him to get any kind of hopes this early in the wake of the setter's issue. That annoyed him most. What kind of coach would just drop such a skilled player like that and tell him they'll never amount to a valued player in his condition now? Oikawa would be just as skilled on a fake leg as he would with his real one, setters moved the least out of the team anyway. Just as he thought about that he just remembered something. He looked back to see Iwaizumi looking directly at him and surprisingly so was Oikawa-san, although not directly. "Is there a library anywhere near here?" He asked, not quite accustomed to the more populated areas of the Miyagi district nor the fact in asking for directions like a rural ditz.

Hajime blinked before nodding, not expecting a question of the sort. "Yeah, six blocks down from here heading east, take a right turn at the forth and it's just two blocks; it'll be on the opposite side of the street. It's a big building, hard to miss."

Kageyama merely nodded back in appreciation, Hinata followed shortly behind taking a minute to look back at the bed-ridden setter one last time before heading out the doorframe.

"Finally." The coach exhaled loudly and rubbed the side of his head with a bit of relief as the Karasuno boys exited. "Didn't think I was ever going to get them to leave, they were persistent here as they are in games. Stubborn too."

"But at least they have good intention if anything. They've opened up more possibilities at least and gave some form of encouragement despite the situation, I respect that. That's crows for ya; them and their strong desire to fly, even on broken wings. I wonder what gave them such aspiration to come all the way out here though." Irihata finished, bemused.

Hearing that, Oikawa lifted his head and looked towards the door to see that Kageyama and Hinata were gone. 'Aspiration?' He muttered silently to himself.

…

"Kageyama?" Hinata picked his pace and walked next to the setter with a puzzled look. "Why did you ask where the library was?"

Tobio shot a weak glance in Hinata's direction before making a small pant. "Because I have an idea, and it's going to take a little bit of research and probably a lot of work."

"What do you mean?" Hinata asked curiously with a raised eyebrow as they ambled down the hall, he pocketed his hands in his jacket as he thought and blinked. Without even an answer he suddenly knew what Kageyama's plan was. It had been mentioned a few times already, by the Aoba-Johsai coaches and even his own coach to him.

"We're going to get Oikawa-san up and moving again, even if it's on a prosthetic despite risks and costs. I know that Oikawa-san would do anything to continue playing volleyball so were going to help him whether he wants us to or not."

"Wait, really?"

Kageyama gave a nod, he found himself with a momentary grin when the shorter's eyes lit up.

"Alright!" The orange-haired teen pumped his fist. "So I take it that we'll use the library's computers to find one right?"

He nodded again. "And the price tag too."

Hinata suddenly came to a stop in the middle of the hallway. "Wait. Price?" He asked suddenly with less enthusiasm, neither of them were made of money and were currently jobless. Noticing that Kageyama was getting further away Hinata bolted after him, he wondered just how much it would cost out of pocket to get Oikawa a leg up. It was certainly not going to be easy to get one, and whether Oikawa-san gets back up on his own to play volleyball was riding on something that was invaluable and unaffordable, so priceless to anyone but himself.

Determination. Motivation. Resolve. Drive. Grit. Will.

…

"Let me guess, they didn't come did they?" Came Oikawa's solemn voice. He's been sitting in his bed awake for hours at the hospital, still staring at nothing in particular and still unable to leave or move around much. He was still enduring terrible pains and not just the physical kind either; the medication could only do so much, everything that was considered remains of his leg burned continuously and yet it didn't hurt as near as much as his pride. His desire to do anything had been as low and stale as it was when the coach told him that he was getting kicked off of the team and would never play volleyball again but could come back for a 'lesser' position or what Oikawa considered a lesser place; but he had absolutely no desire to do that, he only wanted to continue playing and soon get into a prestigious university with a great volleyball team. Now he had no hope and was buried by the feeling of abandonment and uselessness to add to his misery. Not even being offered as a coach-in-training, manager, or team assistant could get him enthused; there wasn't much of the year left anyways so it would be pointless to learn anything. A waste of his time is what it would be. But who was he kidding? Now he was an average person; a patient in a hospital bed with nothing to do but talk to the last person who remained with him and eventually go back home to live out a life without his favorite sport or pastime. The team got to speak with him for a short time, but he didn't have much to say and nor could he find it in him to apologize like he should have. Sadayuki and Irihata at least tried to seem sympathetic and understanding, but their words were as harsh as his aching pains.

He was so useless and feeling isolated. At least he had his best friend.

It was the painful truth that Iwaizumi didn't want to speak about but Oikawa already knew so there was no reason to lie; it wouldn't make him feel any better if he did anyways, there was no reason to get hopes up just to be later disappointed. "No, the coach tried to get a hold of them but only got the answering machine from both. He tried this morning and lunch and still got nothing, he said he'll try again later this afternoon; maybe we'll get lucky then?"

Oikawa groaned in discontent and kneeled forward to bring both of his hands over his face before moving them up to his hairline where they loosely separated locks of auburn just above the bandages, frustration and distress was clearly evident in his body language and it was intensifying with him lightly shaking. He's already been through enough today but the troubles wouldn't stop adding up. "I can't get their attention as a star volleyball player and now I can't even get them to care enough as an injured amputee?! Damn it!" He shouted and fought back the next wave of tears, nothing he did; not even losing a leg or nearly dying could get his parents to care enough! "They don't care, they never do!"

"Don't say that!" Iwaizumi suddenly barked and grabbed Oikawa by the collar of his shirt and carefully forced his friend to look up at him. "You know that your mother really loves you and your father too. They're just really busy is all."

Oikawa growled and grabbed Iwaizumi's hand and pulled it away to free himself. "So busy that they can't even call and check up on me every once or so often?!" He snarled. "Ever since they moved to Ikeburkuro and became 'office puppets' I haven't heard much from them at all, they're so busy that they can't even take the time to come and visit or make a lousy phone call; not even when I'm they're own son in a hospital bed." He then inwardly cringed from a sharp pain coming from his chest, he sat up too abruptly and felt as though he pulled something. "I- I definitely wouldn't expect dad to come," He hissed. "He wasn't there for me as a kid and he definitely won't be here for me now. I hate him." He angled his glare downward and seethed as he held the pained spot over his ribs.

There was no reason to argue that point even though he wanted to, Hajime remembered well that Oikawa's father wasn't around hardly ever when they were kids; he wouldn't call himself as a replacement but was there for Toru when times were tough. At least then he had his loving mom but nearly ten years ago she traded her hometown job for a cooperate one like her husband did years before and left Toru with his uncle; whom he didn't get too well along with. He knew Oikawa played off the loneliness many times as he got older but Iwaizumi always saw through those masks; fake smiles and careless expressions that were used so many times. It's one of the main reasons why he stuck it through with the brunette and made it a personal goal to always be there because he knew that Toru hardly had anyone else other than his older sister who got married almost eight years ago and moved out but still lived in town and occasionally visited. Not even his popularity or fanbase could fill the void of losing his parents and missing out the years with them in his younger and now older teenage years, they likely wouldn't be there when he graduates and goes off to a university either.

"I'm sorry Oikawa, I wish they knew; I'm sure that your mother would worry sick and rush down here if she had found out. And even though she's not here; at least you have your friends, your team. We've all been very concerned and unsettled since the accident, just knowing that you're alive puts us at ease though."

"How? I can't play anymore." He said blankly, still gazing at the covers with a deep frown. "Getting removed from the team should be very devastating to you guys, the morale will be at an all-time low and victory would be a huge struggle without me."

Iwaizumi furrowed a brow and then sneered lightly, Toru wasn't getting the bigger side of the picture; he needed to realize this and remember it well. Sometimes he could be so selfish without realizing it. He stood up from the chair and moved closer to the side of the bed with a fist visibly shaking. "Hey, you're alive. That's what really matters to us, it would have been more tragic to have lost you completely. I- I don't know what I would have done if you died you idiot!" He growled and then placed a hand on his friend's shoulder and squeezed absentmindedly, Oikawa looked up at him with a change in his expression; it was surprise mixed with hurt. "I got kicked out of the hospital for going into the operating room because I thought you were going to die, do you think I would care about you not being able to play more when your very life that is infinitely more important?! Don't ever think that!" He shouted and stomped his foot; holding back his strong desire to nail the idiot on his injured head.

This made Oikawa blink and look away as he thought more about it, Iwa-chan cared that much then? A smile graced his lips for a few long seconds before fading fast. He wouldn't ever expect anything less from him and was glad of it, he even wondered if Hajime ever considered himself a replacement of the family that moved out of his life too soon. He did have a point and Toru understood that he himself was so much more important than he ever thought before, that was certainty comforting coming from one so important to him. Only that comforting feeling didn't last long; too much plagued his mind now and most of it was regarding his life from this point forward. He's only ever lived to play his favorite sport and poured nearly seventy percent of his time into practice and games, watching alien movies and watching over his nephew. Then there was school, and time at home when he'd watch the previous games over or practice his serves out back. What more to life was there without volleyball when all that he's ever worked for was ripped from him so mercilessly? He did have himself to blame for being so inattentive like a child and walking right into traffic, now his team was going to suffer without him; the last stretch of volleyball games for the year will be filled with toil and strife because of his own stupid mistake.

There was no hope of even considering professional volleyball, it's a thing of the past as well as his promise to his friend that was broken.

He thought again about all of his teammates struggling and his fans losing their jovial cheer, not only would the team be devastated but so would the school and many fans that rooted for one of the best teams in the Miyagi Prefecture. They still had much to learn and there wasn't a better setter to replace him just yet, thinking on it; he realized that there wasn't anyone that could even come close to setting like he did because he hardly ever sat out in a game and was relied on ninety percent of the time to toss when he was playing. Who could possibly replace him now and be even close to his level? Yahaba was decent but still a work in progress as a setter, even in his second year he still needed more practice since he wasn't a gifted player. It was then when a certain crow came to mind; one that took his place years and years ago at Kitagawa Daiichi. Tobio Kageyama.

"Why were 'they' here?" He suddenly asked with a blank tone, still wondering why he woke up to that voice only to find the guy that spoke it right at his side too. Karasuno was many miles away on the countryside and they certainly had practice on the weekends.

Iwaizumi wasn't sure what made Oikawa change the subject so soon but was glad of it, he was done with listening and partaking in arguments for the day. The faint smile the guy flashed was conformation enough that he understood his importance outside of the club so it was time to shift the focus. But why ask this kind of question? Was it not obvious enough or was it just hardly believable? Oikawa could be so complicated at times, even more so in distress. Iwaizumi raised a hand up to scratch at an itch on the side of his temple, he placed his other hand on his hip and briefly closed his eyes. "You know- you should be glad that more people care about you than you think." His orbs opened back up to see Trashykawa with a dissatisfied expression. How could that not be reason enough? "Tobio is still your Kouhai, is it really that hard to believe?"

It wasn't that it was difficult to consider but why care that much for a tough rival? Then there was their interactions with each other, mostly of the negative kind for one or the other in confrontations. Even at Kitagawa Daiichi he disregarded the younger setter and shot him down when he could, it what competitors did to rising threats that had born potential ready to tap into. And as if that wasn't confusing enough, there was that face and that plea.

…

"Please Oikawa-san, just tell me that you won't ever give up?!"

"Just don't quit! Promise me! Please?!"

…

Those eyes. Those words. Why? What was there anything to gain for Tobio-chan? … And Chibi-chan? Why was the shorty so determined to reach out to him too? All he ever did to the little guy was taunt and intimidate, playing mind games and using his height and reputation to shadow the small jumper. What was the reason for either of them dropping in when they really should care less or really not at all?

"You still haven't figured it out yet?" Iwaizumi sat down next to the bed and turned his head to the side to face the window, the sun was high up in the sky now and rays of light shining down made him narrow his eyes a bit as he watched cars drive on by five stories below. He knew the reasons, he was told loud and clear by the two opposing team members. Actually, there was more reasons than he ever thought and maybe there as more that he didn't know. It was easy to understand Tobio and yet there was something he wasn't throwing forward directly. As for Hinata, he seemed to share some of the same reasons as well as have some of his own. But narrowing down the motives of the two to the most important it was just a simple word; although it had great meaning that even Oikawa would know about. "Respect." It was all he said for the moment, it was the easiest to recognize.

Oikawa glanced over to his friend but he was still staring out the window, his brown orbs then trailed over to a volleyball that was resting on a table close by; his whole team had signed it as a 'get well soon' present. Tobio-chan and Chibi-chan respected him as did his own team. At least that intention made sense, he never thought about it often but he knew that Tobio-chan respected him even though he had hardly any at all for his kouhai. It's why the gifted setter never 'vocally' boasted to him, never picked a fight or at least attempted to start one verbally nor physically, he never lashed out at him like some would if they lost their cool or like how he almost did to his underclassmen back in junior high, it's why he went to him for advice about his quick with the shorty and asked even though it made the guy uncomfortable. It was also the reason as to why he asked to be taught how to serve many times years ago. He now even took embarrassment and swallowed it down in open public when he begged for guidance before the volleyball tournament. It's why he came today. Respect. It seemed like Shoyo also had some too, even if he did sort of 'bully' the small middle blocker before their game. At least it made some sense, but it didn't clear up the reason why Kageyama wanted him to keep playing despite his setback.

After going a long minute or so without a response, Iwaizumi wondered if Toru was satisfied with that reason alone; it wouldn't hurt to throw more out there. The dumbass doesn't think about others enough; or enough people to simply put it. That is unless it's the team in practice or getting ready for a match; he's so conceited that he doesn't notice anyone beyond the team but a handful of people. Now he extends his 'fake' care and joy to acquaintances, rivals, and his fans, he loves the attention too; but they're all just people who matter little to him in reality. For someone who loves popularity and being a showoff; he sure gives little concern to the people he wants chanting his name. He's always been that way, ever since his parents left. At least that doesn't stop people from caring about him, even if it's a little and by people Oikawa rather detested. Hajime's eyes soon focus on his reflection of the window and he could see Oikawa in the background too; still sitting with that annoying miserable face that he's had since waking up, he was already sick of it and was half tempted to kick his ass out of it even though he knew he couldn't. But he suddenly had an idea, something to change that irritating pessimistic face.

Hajime sighed and turned his attention back to his bedridden friend. "I don't know how hard it might to believe this but he called you Oikawa-senpai earlier. Tobio did. Actually he said it twice if I recall correctly Trashykawa."

"Huh?!"

Toru's jaw-dropping expression was enough to make Iwaizumi chuckle lightly to himself with a small grin forming to match, Oikawa looked baffled and it was a better look on him than one of despair and self-loathing.

This was kind of a shocker, Toru has only ever recalled Tobio-chan actually call him senpai once; way back in the days at Kitagawa Daiichi. Right after one of the times that asked to be thought how to serve and Oikawa scolded him for calling him that and told him not to anymore, he didn't want to hear it from a born prodigy. That was years ago though, now Tobio was cold, aloof, and grumpy all of the time except on rare occasions that he's seen the younger setter. So to call him senpai now after their forged rivalry and strong antagonism to each other was actually hard to believe, in fact he wouldn't if he didn't trust Iwa-chan more than anyone else. Unless, he's joking? Wait? … His expression fell and he pouted. "You're kidding right? Ah Iwa-chan, you know how to get me going." He rubbed the back of his head with a faint halfhearted smile.

Iwaizumi folded his arms but he didn't lose his grin. "Kidding? I'm not you dumbass, him and Shoyo even stood up for you before you woke up." This captured the star setter's attention. "Those two even said more on your behalf than me and the rest of the team combined and I even argued out of place but not that much, they talked back to the coaches and Tobio even shouted at Sadayuki because of his respect for you; you should be thankful that he talked out of his place to his elders on 'your' behalf." He didn't know why, but thinking back on what those two did despite how disrespectful they were and how rough Tobio was to Oikawa made him feel little better. They cared enough to do that, even as Oikawa's best friend he should have done it and more but couldn't find the courage nor confidence, he settled for his idiot friend being alive and that was it while two rivals from another team went a step further and argued to get the trashy king playing again. Some teams would have even celebrated having a rival out of their way, but not Karasuno it seemed. Oikawa didn't know just how lucky he was to know people like that.

They say that respect is a two-way street and yet Tobio-chan and the short-stack ignored this saying, settling on giving it and receiving none in return. For Karasuno's setter it had been that way for a while now and he still accepted it that way. It was puzzling and somehow interesting, but it wasn't like it mattered now. Oikawa gently reclined back onto the bed and rested his head on the pillow and his aching arms at his sides, his mind now wondering back onto those two crows. As annoying as it was, he let his mind refocus on their words.

…

"You can't just kick him out of the club, what happened was an accident! He was not at fault!"

…

"Doubters. You underestimate him."

…

He couldn't even stand and yet there was still belief in him as a setter. Why want a rival around, let alone defend his strength? Nothing to gain. Stupid Tobio. Stupid respectable Tobio-chan. Perhaps he earned just a little, a pinch more if anything.

...

"You know, what's the point of putting someone down now when they haven't even said anything to defend or prove themselves? Why not let him try and prove you wrong? I am short, always have been and this is what limits me in volleyball; and yet I've shown you that even with my size hindering me; I can still play. I can jump because I pour every bit of my will and strength into every leap just to reach the ball and hit it, battling in the air is where I 'want' to be and I won't let nothing stop me from getting there. So long as I can move I'll never give up. Can the Grand King say the same? The court is where he 'wants' to be right?"

…

Chibi-chan didn't know how right he was, it's too bad; it didn't matter now.

…

"Don't let this be the end, you have to keep playing somehow! Just don't quit!"

…

Why defend him? Why fight to keep him in a sport that he can't play anymore? Why Karasuno?

"Hey Iwa-chan?"

"Hmm?" Iwaizumi raised his brows and sat up in his seat.

"Those crows just don't know when to give up do they? Maybe the team have bird-brains like Tobio and Chibi-chan? Tiny little things." He made a small pinch with his good hand to indicate a rather small size.

It wasn't the most hopeful thing to hear seeing as he wanting nothing more than to have his friend on his feet again but he took what he could as long as Oikawa was happy or content whenever he could be. "Tiny or not, maybe it's the drive they have that we could all need. Possibly, but who knows?" Hajime laughed heartily.

Oikawa tilted his head to the side and found a smile forming on his face, his friend was smiling despite losing his volleyball partner. "I'm sorry Iwa-chan." He said earnestly. He really should be apologizing to the entire team now that he thought about it, but Hajime was the one who deserved it first; always being there for him when no one else was or could be. Not even his team was there as much or as long as Iwa-chan was, he was a childhood friend after all. "I made you worry too much and did something careless and I didn't listen to you." He shot a surprisingly cheerier smile at the ace with his hand scratching the back of his head. "It's okay if you scold me though, I kind of deserve it."

Hajime beamed back and tilted his head to the side a little. "Its okay you idiot, stuff happens. …But don't let it happen again, got that?" He knew he couldn't strike the injured idiot like he usually would so he reached forward and flicked Toru on the nose, gauging Oikawa's sudden reaction meant that it would do for now.

"OW!" He yelped aloud and covered his face, he then proceeded to rub his reddened nose. "So mean Iwa-chan. That seriously hurts!"