KAGEYAMA

"Kageyama what is going on?" asked Daichi. I can feel the sweat dripping down my face. Daichi just called a time out pulling me from the game sending in our sub Lev. Lev is a really good player. Don't let him being a sub fool you. He is perfect when we want to shake things. Right now is the perfect time to use him because simply put I'm fucking up.

"Nothing," I lie. "I just need a minute." I haven't been able to gel with Ushijima. Not since I found out how he was beating the hell out of Hinata. He is lucky I'm not beating the shit out of him right now. The way he hits the volleyball with so much power knowing he hit Hinata like that. I want to make him suffer. That is all I can think about it. I ball up my fist just thinking about it.

"Usually after a break you're better than ever," states Daichi. "Something is clearly bothering you." I can see Tendou staring at me. I look away from his glance not wanting him to know how right Daichi is. "You're clearly off so I'm sitting you out for the remainder of the game." I don't even argue because I was seriously going to cost us the game at this rate. I sit on the sides watching the guys manage to make a comeback. We end up beating Italy by 5 points. It was a very close game. Interviews sucks today. They were demanding to know why I played so poorly of course. One shady ass reporter tried to blame my age. I nipped that shit in the bud. I know I came off rude but I don't care. Don't insult me, ever. I get to my room and my phone is ringing. I answer it quickly seeing it is Hinata.

"Hello," I greet.

"This is why I didn't want you to know," says Hinata softly. I roll my eyes. I can't believe this. He almost has me feeling guilty about me forcing him to tell me what happened.

"I'm sorry but you're hurting badly behind that asshole," I snap. "He is lucky you didn't call the god damn cops."

"Please calm down," says Hinata. Calm down! He almost fucking killed him. I growl in response. "Tobio, I'm healing up just fine. I want you to at least go to the Olympics one more time. For that to happen you will need to focus."

"I'm going to focus," I whine lowly. I know damn well that isn't true. "I promise." I don't want to break my promise. I will make this happen. I just don't know how…

"Do you really?" asked Hinata with his voice shaking. "You promise?" Hinata loves volleyball and shares in my dream. I know for a fact it will kill him to see me lose. He would never tell me but I know for a fact he would blame himself. This isn't his fault, it isn't mine. I am going to blame him to a certain fault. Asshole.

"I do," I replied confidently. "God, I need to work out this aggression."

"Wish I was there to help with that," says Hinata. I chuckle.

"That is the last thing you need to be thinking about right now," I reply. "You need to focus on healing."

"Why wouldn't I?" he asked. "I love you. I like having sex with you." I blush so hard I cover my face as if he can see me. I hear a knock on my room door. I clear my throat walking over to the door. I peak out seeing Tendou leaning up to the peep hole as if he knows I am looking.

"Hinata, I'm going to call you back," I reply. "My assistant coach is here."

"All right," he replies.

"Hey, I love you too," I tell him. I end the call knowing he must be blushing too under those bruises. I open the door with Tendou holding up a six pack of beer causing me to smile.

"Now you know I shouldn't be giving you this," he says walking into my room. "Sorry to intrude."

"You at least come bearing gifts," I say with a smile. I walk over sitting down in a chair. Tendou sits down in the chair across from me opening a beer handing it to me.

"So care to tell me what happened out there today?" he asked. "I know you don't want to tell Daichi." I nod in agreement. "It will be between us. You need to express whatever it is so you can move forward." Tendou is really cool. He is very wise and just may be able to help. I decide to open up a little bit.

"I found out someone I care about is hurt," I explain. "Really hurt, they could have died." Tendou stares at me allowing the words to sink in.

"You're dating someone?" he asked. "I thought you were single." Are we dating? Shit I don't know, I would like to think so.

"It's kind of new," I admit.

"Man, I thought I would never see the day," he chuckles. "Hmmmm…..interesting. Is this person the reason you are different?"

"What do you mean different?" I ask. I don't think I have changed at all. Tendou crosses his legs taking a sip of beer.

"It's hard to describe," he says. "Like there is this eerie calm to you when you have been playing so far this year well except for today. Before it's like you know who you are, what you want, and make it happen. I have only seen this happen with a few senior Olympic players, very impressive."

"Thanks I guess," I reply drinking my beer.

"No need to thank me," he replies. "I know prior to your absence you were very moody, almost angry. You were also aggressive with your game play, so emotional. Usually we can't read you during the game."

"I was," I admit. "I could see myself slowing down. I love this game so much. I want to keep playing."

"I get it," replies Tendou. "You are the most passionate person I have ever seen. You can't play forever." He drinks some of his beer.

"I am going to try" I reply. "I'm not asking for much. I just want one more round in the Olympics."

"Um hm," hums Tendou. He tilts his head a little. "I should be thanking the love of your life for your mind shift? Are they okay? I know you said they were hurt really badly."

"They are okay for now," I sigh. "They have some fractured ribs, lots of swelling." Not need in me going into details of every single injure Hinata has.

"Oh man," says Tendou concerned. "That sounds terrible, what happened?"

"Their ex beat them up," I replied.

"Oh!" he exclaims. "No wonder you were distracted." Not only that but his fucking ex is my damn teammate. I nod glad that Tendou understands. "All right so I want you to try this for tomorrow's game. Imagine your lover is here, right in the audience. They are healthy, happy, and cheering you on." That makes me smile. I would love more than anything for him to be here. "See, I can see your whole mind frame has started to shift."

"I promised them I would do better tomorrow," I reply. "Thanks to you I think I can do that." Tendou smirks.

"Uh huh….." he hums. "I couldn't help but notice that you call your lover them. Dating a guy?" I just stare at him. "No judgement here." I drink some more beer as Tendou and I chat about the remaining teams we have left. We are well on our way to getting the goal medal this year. I only had one beer not wanting to be bloated tomorrow. I have a slight buzz from that one beer. I end the conversation sending Tendou on his way. I call Hinata back getting under the covers in my bed.

"Hi," he says shyly.

"Hi," I reply smiling.