HINATA
TWO WEEKS LATER
"Good job everyone," says Kuroo. "We are now going to be moving on to play in pairs to see who best matches who for combos as well as practice." I have been waiting for this moment. I am shocked we didn't get into this sooner, but we do have more time on our hands compared to before.
"Sugawara and Daichi," says Bokuto. "As seniors on the team we already know you guys mesh well together. However, I want you to show these rookies what I am referring to." Daichi and Sugawara head out to the court as Bokuto proceeds to hit balls their way. I am not talking about just spiking either. Daichi and Sugawara counter every ball perfectly while working together and having good awareness. They hit the ball over the net at different spots. After 5 minutes Bokuto stops. "Perfect." He turns his attention towards us. "We are going to be pairing you all up to see how you fair."
"Sugawara and Tendo," says Kuroo reading off his clip board. "Daichi and Oikawa. Akaashi and Asahi. Kageyama and Hinata. Noya and Lev. First two pairs up is Daichi and Asahi. I want to see how our newbie pair. Everyone else watch closely for areas of improvement. Oikawa walks over confidently. Oh boy…..Kuroo is going to go in on him. I can feel it in my gut. Bokuto tosses the ball to Asahi to serve. Asahi face darkens before he hits the ball aiming at Oikawa. Oikawa perfect ass receives the ball. I watch as Asahi competitive side comes out. For the first time I watch Oikawa struggle. Kuroo blows his whistle after 5 minutes. All of them are breathing hard. "What the fuck was that Oikawa?" Oikawa looks shocked.
"Excuse me?" he questions. This might get nasty. Kuroo doesn't like to repeat himself. Kuroo walks closer to Oikawa almost getting in his face.
"I said what the fuck was that?" he repeats with more base in his tone. I see Noya cover his mouth hiding a snicker. Had Oikawa not acted so confident walking out there he would not be getting this treatment. I actually feel sorry for him. Oikawa swallows.
"I'm usually better," he states.
"Oh really," says Kuroo before chuckling. "Can someone please tell me what he did wrong?"
"He didn't work with his teammate," says Sugawara.
"He panicked," states Lev. "Although he kept up his pace his panicked mind set lead to many oversights." Kuroo glares at Oikawa as he blushes from embarrassment.
"If your teammates and I can see that," explains Kuroo. "The opponent can see it."
"I'm sorry," he apologizes.
"Um hm," says Kuroo sliding the clip board under his arm. "I'll take the apology, but you need to open your eyes. You may have been the shit in high school, but this is the Olympics, we are all the shit." He looks at Akaashi. "Akaashi, I need you to work on your speed. Your observation and skills are on point. Daichi, as team captain you are exceeding expectations. Asahi, I loved that intensity. I need you to keep that monster fed. Sugawara and Hinata, NEXT!" I walk out to the side Asahi and Akaashi was on. I glance at Kageyama.
"You ready?" I ask him.
"Yeah," he mutters. "Stop staring at me and pay attention." I frown.
"I am paying attention," I snap lowly at him. We haven't even gotten started yet. Bokuto tosses the ball to Sugawara. I take a deep breath think Sugawara is going to serve Kageyama first, but it comes to me. My training kicks into high gear as I bounce the ball into the arm off my forearms. Kageyama acts quickly before I could blink hitting the ball. Tendo easily hits the ball back towards me. Kageyama easily steps in front of me hitting the ball. That was my fucking ball! I am trying to get in sync with Kageyama but it impossible. He clearly doesn't trust me. He was constantly cutting me off every chance he got. So selfish. I hear the whistle go off and I have never been so happy.
"Sugawara," says Kuroo. "Excellent work. I feel that you can easily get distracted. Make sure you stay focused 110%. Tendo, we talked about this. Cut back on the taunting." A few of us snicker. Tendo tends to get into the players head by talking to them. Tendo shoves his hands in short pockets. He nods acknowledging coach's feedback. I am use to Tendo talking shit ignoring him during practice but Kageyama on the other hand. "Hinata, you need to relax a little. You seem like you were too desperate to get your hands on the ball. Opponents can see that. You guys are going to hear me say that a lot so get use to it. Kageyama, you need to have faith in your team mate. You cut Hinata off when the ball was clearly going to him. During a game a stunt like that can cost us everything." I see a flicker in Kageyama eyes. Oh no… "Next!" The last pairs step on the court as we stand off to the side. I see Kageyama ball up his fist, but he doesn't say anything. I see Tendo stealing glances. He probably wants to tell Kageyama he didn't mean what he said but we know better than to talk right now.
"Well, this was fun," says Bokuto. "Looks like we got some work to do. You guys are going to work in pairs switching every week starting with your partner now. You guys should be ready for the games in time. As of right now I we know our big 3 is Oikawa, Asahi, and Kageyama. We will be relying on you guys a lot for combos." Say what?
"Will we be alternating?" I ask. I am really asking why the fuck am I not included in this big 3. I busted my ass not to say that my teammates didn't, but Oikawa and Kageyama just fucking got here.
"No," says Kuroo. "Not for now. Get started on drills with you partner. That is what you will be doing until practice is over." Great. I fight to not roll my damn eyes. Kageyama quickly walks off the court mumbling something about bathroom. I am standing there waiting for him with a ball in hand for us to hit back forth to get a feel for our movements. Is it just me or has he been gone for a while.
"Where is Kageyama?" asks Bokuto.
"He went to the bathroom," I replied.
"It's been over 10 minutes," he says glancing at his phone. No wonder it felt like forever. Every single moment lost is crucial.
"I'll go check on him," I reply. Bokuto nods as I sat the volleyball down jogging off the court. I head into the locker towards the bathroom. I can hear the sniffles right away. I stop walking. He's crying….. I walk slower.
"So fucking stupid!" I hear him hiss. It was low but not enough for me to not hear.
"You're not stupid," I state. I cover my mouth. Shit I didn't mean to say anything. The air falls silent including his sniffles. I take a deep breath trying to decide what to say. "I'm sorry for walking in on you. Just coach is looking for you."
"I'll be right out," says Kageyama. His voice still sounds shaky.
I stand there not leaving. Kageyama takes a few minutes to come out of the bathroom. He sees me right away with his face turning red.
"What are you doing here?" he asks. I walk over to him. Seeing the look on his face I know I did the right thing in staying. He is clearly upset about how our practice went. It could also be something else. Either way I want I sooth him if I can.
"I wanted to make sure you're okay," I state. "Come here, your face and eyes are a little puffy." I turn on the cold water grabbing some paper towels. I wet them before instructing him to close his eyes. I begin patting the cold cloth lightly over his closed lids. "I know today was really tough. The fact that they want you to be a part of their big 3 says a lot."
"I didn't even think about that…" he mutters.
"I know you didn't," I reply trying to keep the bitterness out of my voice.
"I didn't ask for it," he replies.
"None of us do," I reply. "Kuroo and Bokuto are good at noticing skills and what pieces will fit together." Kageyama takes a shaky breath. I can tell he is trying not to cry.
"Sometimes I can't believe I'm here you know," he admits in a hushed tone. "Then its moments like this where it's like am I not good enough." I softly touch the side of his face before I realize what I am doing. Deep down I'm pleased to know he didn't pull away from me.
"You're amazing," I say softly. "Don't ever think you're not." Kageyama places his hand on top of mine lightly squeezing lightly. Thank god he can't see me. I don't want to feel what I am right now. All I want to do is take away his pain. He is clearly hurting. Emotionally, not physically.
"You are always so kind to me," he says shaking his head out of the cloth I am holding. I stare at him not moving my hand. I am barely breathing. Those deep ocean blue eyes swarming with emotion. This is the most I have even see of Kageyama. I want to look away, but I can't. "Thank you for believing in me." I swallow hard.
"I trust you," I inform him. Sure, Kageyama is annoying at times, but he is a good player. Just like Oikawa he is good in every area. He just needs to work on a few things…..team work….trust…. Kageyama begins to stroke my hand with his thumb. My mouth drops open as my breathing begins to quicken. Is he doing this on purpose? He is going to arouse me if he keeps going. This is such a simple movement, but it feels like there is more to it. Kageyama eyes trace over my face that has me blushing. Is he feeling the same thing? I-Is he attracted to me? Kageyama cheeks begin to tint as his mouth drops open slightly. Oh….
"What the hell is going on!" demands Bokuto causing me to jump. I didn't even hear him walking. I quickly swallow down anything I was just feeling.
"Kageyama got sick," I lie. "I was helping him clean up." Bokuto walks closer studying Kageyama.
"Are you okay?" he asks. Kageyama nods his head yes. "You sure? You both look rather flustered."
"We can practice," I say speaking for the both of us. "You ready Kageyama?"
"Yeah, let's go," he replied. "We lost some time being in here."
"We can stay later to make it up," I offer as we head out the locker room.
"Okay," replies Kageyama. I smile not thinking he would agree.
"That's the spirit!" exclaims Bokuto slapping us both on the back.
Author's Note: So sorry everyone. For those who don't know, I am a manager. My team is severely understaffed so it is all hands on deck.