heluvabtlr1: Ikr? I'm glad my updates make you happy! :D (And my apologies this took a bit longer than planned to publish!) And yes! Progress is progress, no matter how little it is! Mwahah, Assikawa will prevail in the end!

Tooru couldn't quite decide what to feel between amusement or pity upon watching his cousin sloppily trying to receive the ball he'd tossed her way. Of course, he'd gone easy on her, sending her an easy ball and all, but she really hadn't played before, that much was obvious. Still, it was nice watching her actually put in an effort to try. It was her first time, but she was still persevering, not giving up in frustration like most other girls he'd attempted to teach. He'd mostly offered as he wanted to make volleyball something they could bond over, but none of his potential girlfriends had held the same interest for the sport as he did.

Not that he considered Emi-chan to be a potential girlfriend. But still.

He'd so far ignored the curious looks his teammates sent him, instead conversing quietly with Iwaizumi, who was also watching Emi's awkward attempts to return the ball. Iwaizumi's face remained his usual serious one, as Emi no longer found him intimidating, but Tooru could tell he was amused.

Even their coach had a small smile on his lips, having given his permission for Tooru to bring his cousin along.

Tossing another ball her way, he found himself grinning when she managed to actually send the ball back, only to let out a loud whine a few seconds later, cradling his aching nose. Being so caught up in his cousin's success, he'd forgotten the fact that the ball was heading straight back at him.

His teammates merely stared at him.

"Should've paid attention, idiot."

"Iwa-chan..!"

Instead of the comforting voice of his cousin that he expected, the secret part of his mind wishing she'd cradle him in her arms even though his nose honestly didn't hurt much, he was met with a fairly different sound. Her giggles started out quite soft, barely audible and he wouldn't have even been able to tell it was her, had her shoulders not trembled, but they soon grew in volume until she was full out laughing at him. He found himself gaping dramatically at the sight, though he couldn't deny he enjoyed hearing her laugh.

"Emi-chan! That's horrible!"

She was crying of laughter now, and his teammates had joined her in laughing.

"Y-Your face! The look… on your face…! And Iwaizumi-san's..!"

A childish pout settled on his lips, but he couldn't ignore the slight swell of pride he felt having made her laugh.

When she finally calmed down, though she let out the occasional giggle, a soft smile had settled on her lips.

"Should I consider that as a receive or a spike, sensei?" she asked him, some slight sarcasm evident in her tone. Trying not to show his surprise at her sudden change in behavior, he sent her a small frown.

"That's not funny, Emi-chan. What if my nose is broken?"

The look of disbelief on her face was rivaling even Iwaizumi's.

"It's not even bleeding…"

Ah, how he wished the two of them had been alone instead. Not only would it have saved him from a lot of embarrassment, but he would've also had the courage to tell Emi she should kiss it better.

But a sort of group date was better than nothing.

Not that it was a date.