Coach

Bundled in heavy winter coats and thick scarves, the children marched in a wonky line. Water dripping off their sneakers. They stood all together in a huddle upon entering the gym.

The coats and scarves ended up in colorful fluffy piles on the metal bleachers.

As more children arrived the piles grew higher and the sound of thunder on the gym floor grew louder. Feet and balls pounding. Shouting. Giggling.

Kagome noticed her son's hesitation. His eyes peered out over the crowded room. His hand reached out and squeezed her own. "What's wrong?"

"I'm nervous." Nishi's little voice was almost too quiet to be heard over the roar of balls hitting the waxed floor.

"That's okay." She ruffled his fluffy white hair and pulled his scarf off his neck. "You see all the other kids here?"

"Mhm." He was still staring at them all as she tugged on his sleeves and helped him out of his puffy coat.

"They are all just as nervous."

"Hn." He reminded her of his father. So quiet in his discontent.

"I'm telling you." She dropped into a squat and pinned him down with the all knowing gaze of a mother, "they might not admit it, but everyone's nervous. Even the older basketball team players that are helping coach."

Nishi's gaze found her own. "Dad's out there." He pressed his lips into a thin line and nodded once. As if he had decided to go into battle. His basketball in his hands. "I'm going in."

"Okay. Have fun!"

She watched him walk over to the group. His muscles tense and on high alert.

"Nishi's nervous?" Her husband's hair was up in a messy mass of a shimmery silver bun. Strands hung loose around his stern looking face. The only indication that he'd been hosting the basketball tryouts all morning. It started at dawn for the older kids, and now the younger ones were pouring in. No matter how much the man worked out, he never broke a sweat.

He held a basketball against his side and took a long drink from the squirt bottle she'd brought for their son.

She glanced from him to Nishi on the court. Still stiff. He slapped his ball like it was an enemy to be destroyed, but like he was also afraid to destroy it. Which in his case was a valid fear. "I think he's having a hard time finding the right balance."

"I was surprised when he said he wanted to come try out. He's never been as interested in playing as Minami."

"Well, I don't think it's the sport that he's interested in." As she said it, Nishi ran over.

A bright grin on his face, "Dad!" He puffed up his chest as he ran back to them, "Did you see me?!"

Sesshomaru ruffled his son's hair. A proud smile on his face, "Good pivoting."

Nishi's amber eyes shined, "Yeah?"

His dad nodded and motioned to the court, "Better get over to Coach Shiga, looks like you're about to show off some more skills."

"You'll keep watching me too, right?"

"Of course," Sesshomaru tilted his chin, reminding Kagome of a cocky general, "Now get to it."

Nishi bit his bottom lip as he grinned sheepishly, "I don't know about showing off..." His feet pounded as he ran, "but I'll try my best for you, Dad!"

His gaze found his mother's as he looked back over his shoulder.

"You're amazing, Nishi! Show em what you got!"

A peck on her cheek and she watched her husband jog back into the throng of excited children. Their son among them. Both catching glances and feeling quite proud.