I should be updating Rainbow Drops first, but I had the urge to do this one, and well, so.. Anyway, there's some changes in the method of story deliveries, but I don't think it's really that noticeable. It's been quite a long time since I last update, so thanks a lot for sticking to this story! I'll try so that the next update won't take too long of time~
Pairings : Shina/Seijūrō
Warnings : AU Universe. Teikō Middle School Days. Overprotective Akashi.
Disclaimer : I own only the OCs.
Chapter 10 - Evil Lord and Devilish Princess
Following the discussion to recruit a new player to the team, the two players responsible for the team are currently engaged in a conversation regarding the course to take.
As it's an important decision, the older Akashi had to leave his precious little sister in the care of his friends as he talked with Nijimura.
Seijūrō's POV
"This is the guy you want us to recruit...? You're not serious, are you, Akashi?" Nijimura asked in disbelief as he read over the file for the third time.
Written there is the guy's complete personal information, which includes his problematic behaviour records. It is no wonder that Nijimura-san asked for confirmation.
Even I had to think twice about picking him and ignoring the other one, if only to save Shina for more troubles the other guy is likely to bring.
Nijimura sighed as he smoothed the wrinkles around his temple. "So this is why you want my help..." he muttered in a low voice.
It means that he will be the one to keep the troubling boy in line as he's the Captain. Not only to recruit, but also after the recruitment.
I offered a smile to ease the troubled look on Nijimura-san's face. "Please have strength, Nijimura-san. This is for the club's best interest."
Of course, it's more of Shina's best interest, but that doesn't have to be mentioned here.
Another exasperated sigh escaped the raven-haired boy. "I get it." he replied, finally giving in. "Boy, why did I accept this troublesome position in the first place?" he ran his fingers over his hair.
I watched with amusement, not because of Nijimura-san's messy hair after what he did, but because his hair remained sleek and smooth even after that rough ruffles.
Shina often complains about her bedhead, which struck me as a miracle when I first witnessed it. It never fails to make me wonder how her hair even sticks out in all directions like it have a will of its own.
I know hair is a girl's crown, but Shina is my princess even without her crown. She is just that precious.
"Then." Nijimura huffed, calling out attention. "I'll be leaving to meet this guy," he waved the paper in his hand. "so I'll leave it to you to manage the guys in my absence."
"I'm counting on you, Vice Captain Akashi." he put emphasis on the last part, earning a smile from the redhead as he walked out the door.
"I understand, Nijimura-san." I managed to reply before he exited the building, and a back wave confirmed that he heard it.
"Oh, right. I almost forgot." Nijimura stopped in his tracks and quickly turn to face his junior, now quite a distance away from each other.
I blinked at this. I kind of didn't expect that, but this seems important. Nijimura-san looks serious, and almost intimidating.
"Akashi. I don't think I need to remind you, but I'll still say it." Nijimura began, scratching his head. "Training is equal for all and no exception is accepted."
Ah. I see where this is going. He is implying how I might play favouritism on Shina. Probably due to the constant talks I made to convince him that Shina is expected too much of the training menus.
Nijimura feels satisfied when he noticed that very very slight twitch of the boy's brow. It feels nice to see the mighty Akashi loses his composure sometimes.
"..I understand, Nijimura-san. Please don't worry." I assured him with a slight cough to retain my dignity.
I have given my word, so I will not do what I said I won't. But I am still not giving up on lessening Shina's part of training.
Even with Seijūrō's affirmation, Nijimura still feels slightly doubtful. He decided to trust his Vice Captain's words, so he left the gym without another word. Though he did leave the gym with a heavy sigh.
Now then. Nijimura-san is out on business, so I have to manage the first stringers on my own. The other strings have their own Captain and Vice Captain, along with a Coach, so I will not have to worry.
I returned to the First string gym, and the first sight that caught my eyes is Shina, smiling and giggling as she conversed with Momoi-san.
I suppose there are things girls only talk about with other girls. I can't hope to interfere with that.
"Sei-nii." Shina noticed her brother and flashed her sweetest smile. She motioned for him to join them.
I walked closer and stopped before the two girls. Then I pat the unsuspecting head of my little sister. "Are you feeling well enough to participate in training?"
This is not the first time I asked Shina this question today, to be accurate, it's the fourth time. I know her answer won't change, but I still find it in me to ascertain her condition before training actually began.
Shina giggles at the protective brother her Sei-nii is being. He is just too sweet. "I am fine, Sei-nii. Really."
An Akashi doesn't need any weakness, it is unacceptable. But if I have to say, Shina is my weakness and my strength at the same time.
Even Father himself can't pressure me to change that beliefs. I think somewhere deep down, Father got a soft spot for Shina, too.
"..But Aomine-kun might not be fine."
I quickly snapped up at that. "Aomine? What about Aomine?" I can feel something bad brewing here.
The childhood friend of the mentioned boy quietly prays for the safety of a certain idiot she came to know since baby diapers. May Heaven protects him.
Shina smiles sweetly, but this time, there's a slight difference in which it contains a mischief only her brother could notice.
"You see, Sei-nii.." her tone sounds playful, a side she rarely shows unless she is in the presence of the people she is truly comfortable with.
The petite girl tilted her head adorably, maxing out her cuteness. "Aomine-kun, he challenged me into a speed race."
Oh. He DID NOT.
"He said the fastest one to finish his or her assigned laps win." the words rolled off her tongue smoothly.
Now where could I find this blasphemy of humanity. Finding him is only a matter of time, dumping him is an even easier matter.
"..and I accepted!" Shina continued with her joyful tone, playing along to the situation as she is secretly pleased at how her brother's face changed colour almost instantly.
I retracted my hand from Shina's head, and plastered a smile on my face as I turned to Momoi-san for information.
"Momoi-san. Where can I find this Aomine bastard?" I tried to sound pleasant.
Only one thought crossed the pinkette's mind; 'You are dead, Dai-chan.' She lifted her finger and pointed to a direction towards the locker room, a shaky laugh accompanying her speech.
"I saw him went that way.." she supplied.
I nodded. "Thank you for your cooperation, Momoi-san." I cut our conversation short and walked off to find this soon-to-be-disposed-of man.
It wasn't even five minutes before I found the man I was looking for. Aomine is crouching on the floor, comparing two different pairs of shoes on his hands.
"Hmm... Maybe I should go with this N*ke sneakers after all? It's light and specifically designed for indoors use.." Aomine stared hard at the dark blue sneakers with white streaks.
"...but this Air J*rdan one is my personal favourite of all times! They always helped me win my matches!" He mumbled, looking very troubled.
"Gah! Why can't I use both?!" Aomine groaned in exasperation, failing to notice the dark aura of impending doom behind him before it's too late.
A shiver down his spine finally made Aomine turned his head slowly that it cracked, as he felt his blood ran cold when he noticed an ominous figure looming over him.
"Hello there, Aomine." I greeted with pleasantries, more than I usually do. A smile is perfectly plastered on my face.
Akashi is definitely smiling, that, Aomine can see with his own eyes. But what's more prominent is the dangerous air surrounding the male, which turns his smile into one of an Evil Lord's.
What goddamned spells did he conjured to summon a high ranking evil such as this? The redhead looks ready to throw him down into a Hell pit, never to see the light again.
"Y-Yo, A-Akashi.." Aomine can feel the corners of his mouth twitching as he tried his hardest to smile. "I-Is something wrong?" he bargained his luck.
Something is indeed wrong. And I didn't see a point to go around this. Of course, without changing my smiling expression.
"Aomine." I called out as the boy shuddered terribly. "If Shina overexerts herself and worse, she collapses.." I paused for a dramatic effect.
"..you better be prepared to run for your life." And I left it at that. I turned my back moments after I said that.
I keep my back on him as I stopped just before the door. "I wish you good luck, Aomine."
The only sound I heard before I leave the vicinity is a sound of something (or someone) falling to the floor with quite a loud noise.
If you ask me why I spare that sunburned teen, it is because I still have a need for him to keep Shina safe.
We are already short on members as it is, having one player less is going to put more unnecessary burden on Shina.
I will keep him alive just until then.
Shina's POV
Sei-nii is dependable, responsible, and he does his works very quickly at a snap of a finger.
This time, too. He waltzed back into the gym with a visibly more relaxed expression. That would mean a certain problem with once a name of 'Aomine Daiki' is taken care of.
I can easily speculate what transpired in that small room. It is one reason why I accepted Aomine's challenge without much consideration.
Sei-nii is sure to interfere, without fail, and my victory is ensured, with or without his interference.
Besides, what's more interesting than knowing your usually composed and calm brother goes frenzy for his beloved little sister?
And there's also the whimpering teen who is full of energy until he is spirited away by an unknown dark power.
Honestly, what's more is there to say? It is just so much fun to tease a dummy like Aomine. At least he looks cute while he is being silly.
I will have to clarify that I am most definitely not a sadist. I only happen to share some forms of amusement from a certain situation, like Sei-nii does.
Sei-nii must have noticed the masked joy on my expression as he came closer and knocked his fist lightly on my forehead.
"You took your joke too far this time, Shina." Seijūrō softly reprimanded his sister with a stern yet gentle expression.
At that, my deadpan stare returned. "I wasn't joking. I am never good with jokes." I clarified.
It is true. I don't go around making jokes at people. When I do or say something, I truly mean it.
"..Are you really doing this challenge?" Seijūrō asked his sister, his worries clearly shown in his tone.
I smirk at this, confirming Sei-nii's suspicion. "I am. And I will win."
I never had any intention to back out from a challenge, and I know I will win. Perhaps with a little cost.
Knowing he can't change Shina's mind, as she is as stubborn as he is, Seijūrō sighed in defeat. He settled with a gentle pat on her head. "Don't push yourself too hard." he reminded her kindly.
"I don't like it when you fell sick and weak." Seijūrō continued, a pained look crossed his crimson eyes for a short second.
I must have reminded Sei-nii of Mother, as she wasn't the healthiest person. But she is overflowing with affections.
Like Mother, I too, am not the healthiest child. So, Sei-nii makes sure I rest properly, and don't tire myself out.
Illness took what's important from Sei-nii and I - it took our Mother. Even now, the child in me dislikes the smell of antiseptics, it reminds me of the hospital room Mother was in.
I know the doctors are not to blame. My mind knows it all too well. But I still can't help but ask, 'Why my Mother?'.
"...I will be fine, Sei-nii." I finally answered after a few moments of delay. I mustered a smile, just to relieve the stress on Sei-nii's mind.
"It is just a little race, I can tell Aomine-kun to limit the laps, too. So... don't worry." I assured him again.
For a while, Sei-nii doesn't reply. He is not convinced, that much is clear. Then out of the blue, he smiles.
"I understand. In that case, you have to beat Aomine good, okay?" Seijūrō levelled his gaze to his sister. "Show everyone here that the most agile player on court is none other then you, Shina." he spoke with pride.
Hearing that elates me. Sei-nii supports me! That thought alone is worth more than any other concern I could have.
"Mm!" I nod eagerly. "I will win for sure, Sei-nii. So, watch me, okay?"
Seijūrō smiles wider and he gently ruffles her hair. "Of course."
So yeah, how is it?
Read and Reviews~
Next time it will be Shina vs. Aomine! Who will prevail?
