At six foot three Kabaji had a hard time fitting in at school… Japan too. By his twelfth birthday he was already six foot and towered over his aged grandfather.
His grandfather had given him his first ship in a bottle that year for his birthday. 'There's a place for everything, Munehiro,' he said patting his arm. 'Big and small.'
Atobe Keigo was the boy who gave him his place, tutoring him in English until his grades were reasonable enough keep his place with the regulars. Atobe was kind in his own way, and while Kabaji had never been a very bright student, he could see Atobe's influence in everything at Hyoutei.
Their captain made places for everyone, like he'd made a place for him. Seeing in others what they couldn't see themselves. Partnering teams who could fill each other's weaknesses.
'Kabaji-kun?' Mukahi's scarlet head peaked around the corner. 'Atobe wants to see you in the clubhouse.'
When Mukahi had a secret he smiled just a little too wide. For the first two months of the year he'd been grinning like mad, but Kabaji thought this might be a different secret.
Kabaji nodded and slowly rose to his feet, looking down into Mukahi's upturned face. 'Better bring Jirou,' his sempai pointed out.
Everyone was waiting in the clubhouse, and it seemed they were waiting for him. A little uncomfortable with the attention, Kabaji propped Jirou up on the bench beside him. The tow headed boy shuffled in closer until his blonde head was resting on his arm, Kabaji didn't mind.
'Can we do it now?' Mukahi asked, bouncing a on his heels. Atobe gracefully waved his hand.
Kabaji was surprised when Mukahi held out a present for him. Tentatively he took the little package from the hands of his small sempai.
The yellow paper was covered in grey kittens all sleeping and the ends were taped down with enough packing tape to survive a six-month transatlantic journey. Definitely the work of Jirou and Mukahi. Kabaji tugged helplessly at the tape, trying not to tear the paper, until Oshitari wordlessly handed him a pair of scissors.
'I picked the paper,' Jirou murmured tiredly from his side. 'And Gakuto-kun wrapped it for you.' Mukahi nodded enthusiastically.
'We all picked out a gift we thought you'd enjoy,' Atobe interjected gracefully. 'Happy birthday, Kabaji-kun.'
The rest of the team chorused in with their good wishes. Kabaji peeled back the paper to reveal a build-set of tiny tall ships; the Bluenose, HMS Rose, and the Picton Castle. His fingers ran over the pictures on the front of the box, small ships were very difficult. He'd never before attempted to work with ships so small.
The team pressed in close around him, to see the box. 'I can't read it,' Mukahi complained, almost sitting in his lap.
Kabaji nodded a few times happily, 'Thank you,' he said gruffly. The regulars smiled back at him, and he was happy.
Mukahi grabbed his arm, 'let's go eat, Atobe booked out the coolest restaurant for you.'