Abe was the first one to wake up, Akemi sleeping soundly next to him. He got out of the bed and pulled on his uniform, he was buttoning his jersey when hands landed on his wrists. Abe smiled slightly.
"Akemi, stop it I have a game." Abe said, when Akemi started unbuttoning his jersey.
"Claim your sick." Akemi said, growling into his back. "I haven't seen you since summer training." she snuggled into his back.
"I can't, I told Mihashi I would always be behind the plate for him." Abe said, he heard Akemi sigh. Akemi let go and Abe turned around. "but if you hurry you can come with me. You know the team we are playing better then anyone, given your uncle is the coach." Abe was inches away from Akemi's lips but once he mentioned her uncle Akemi pushed him away with a giggle.
"I'm not giving up family secrets, my cousin's do play on the team." Akemi said but got out of bed regardless. "Though I haven't seen my uncle since the airport when I left, it would be nice to see him again." Akemi dressed in a mini jean skirt and a blue blouse.
X
"Akemi!" a childish shout sounded, Akemi turned around and came face to chest with a boy. Akemi looked up, and smiled.
"Hi Uncle Baku." Akemi looked past him, "Where is Youichi?" Akemi asked, when the words came out of her mouth an arm pulled her into a headlock.
"You forgot about me!" the boy yelled, he looked just like Baku except an inch shorter but still massive.
"I did not!" Akemi shouted.
"I never got a letter, and you were gone for months. Stupid hime." the boy said.
"Quit calling me princess Youichi, and let go before I hit you where the sun don't shine." Akemi yelled. Abe bowed to Baku.
"It's a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Sato." Abe said.
"Abe?" Baku asked, he laughed making Mihashi shake the laugh was loud, and Mihashi wasn't far from Abe. "I didn't know you played for Nishiura." they shook hands.
"Yeah I'm the battery." Abe said, glancing at Akemi and Youichi. Youichi was effortlessly holding Akemi hostage and glaring intensely at Abe.
"Youichi come over here and meet Abe." Baku shouted, just then Akemi slammed her fist between his legs and stomped on his foot and shooting her head up. She was successful in getting free but didn't hurt the boy given he knew it was coming. He walked over to his father and stared at Abe.
"So, you are the famous Abe Takaya." Youichi said, Abe felt the hate coming from him and subconsciously stepped back.
"And you Sato Youichi." Abe said, Akemi wrapped herself around Abe's arm which pulled his attention to her.
"My cousin is a baka, don't mind him. He takes baseball seriously." Akemi said, "He will warm up to you after the tournament." Akemi smiled which put Abe at ease.
"Don't give away our secrets Akemi." Baku joked, Akemi laughed.
"I'm sure your team has grown since the last time I was around them." Akemi said, the four said goodbye and Abe and Akemi walked to the rest of the team.
"How do you know Sato-san?" Tajima asked, Akemi laughed.
"He is my Uncle. I practically built his team." Akemi said, "starting with their pitcher Masaru."
"Really so you will be a big help today." Hanai said, Akemi shrugged.
"I'm sure they've grown since I've been gone." Akemi said, she rubbed the back of her neck.
Momoe looked at the young girl, "You're Tanaka Akemi right?" Akemi nodded.
"I've heard a lot about you in the baseball world. Is it true you teach little league pitchers?" Momoe asked.
"Yes, I do. And my catcher teaches catchers." Akemi said.
"Let's start the game." the umpire shouted. The teams bowed and Nishiura took the field first.
As the game went on Akemi was getting worried about Youichi, he was getting a little violent at the plate. 'With two outs, and no one on base I think it would be safe to walk him.' Akemi thought. 'But Takaya won't walk him I know it.' Akemi looked at the score, '2-2 is too close for Takaya to walk him. And if I know my Uncle the are just trying to get Youichi on base and the batters after will push him forward.' Youichi bowed to the umpire and stepped into the box. 'By now he knows Mihashi style along with Takaya. There is no saying what will happen.' Akemi sighed, and shut her eyes.
"Ball!" the umpire said, Akemi opened her eyes. Abe was standing behind the plate with his hand out. Akemi's eyes went wide.
'What is he doing he's playing right into the plan, idiot.' Akemi ran down the bleachers and to the dug out. Akemi was about to shout but the umpire already called ball four. Akemi sighed. 'Masaru is a good hitter and knows how to push Youichi home without getting out. And Youichi can outrun any catcher, including Yamamoto. And she is the top catcher for picking up runners. Takaya you know this why would you do this to Mihashi, you know he could handle him. You made it ten times harder for your teammates.' Akemi thought, Masaru showed a bunt. 'And so it starts.'
'A bunt?' Abe thought. 'there are two outs, it has to be a bluff. Okay Mihashi throw it out, make him stretch for it so we can get Youichi out at second.' he gave the sign and Mihashi threw the pitch as soon as his windup started Youichi was off. Masaru bunted the outside ball to third base side and ran to first. Tajima wasn't fast enough to throw Youichi out at second and went for first.
"Safe." the umpire called. Abe was fuming.
'Who the hell pulls a stunt like that at a tied game in the 8th inning with two outs!' Abe shouted in his head. Mihashi was trembling on the mound, Akemi noticed. She leaned against the fence.
"Damn it Takaya, clear your head and think about Mihashi!" Akemi shouted. Abe looked at her and Mihashi looked like he was about to faint. Momoe called Akemi into the dug out. Akemi was fuming in the dug out digging her nails into her palm as she watched the next batter.
'Fake bunt to bring the corners up, Youichi runs to third cause Akitaka is a right-handed batter and will be in Abe's way. Plus he can spare a strike.' Akemi thought as she saw the batter square up. Abe signaled for Iki and Tajima to charge the plate, Mihashi nodded and began his motion.
Mihashi pitched, Youichi took off and Akitaka pulled back and stepped into the pitch. Prepared to miss the pitch, so it was causal that he was in the way. Youichi slid into third but no one was there anyways, Akemi sighed. Abe was frustrated and was glaring of into space which happen to be towards Mihashi. Akemi sighed.
'Next full swing by Akitaka considering he is the lead off batter, he will bring Youichi in. All Takaya has to do is block the plate. Akitaka is good but not outfield material when Youichi is on third."' Akemi thought, she was staring at Abe. Then turned her stare to her cousin on third. Youichi was staring at Abe, Akemi growled.
Mihashi pitched the ball and Akitaka grounded it out to Tajima who was closer to home so threw it to Abe, Abe dropped his knee as Youichi came in and forced it the other way sending Abe back and falling directly on his knee. Youichi was safe and Abe didn't get up, Akemi ran out on the field and slid down next to Abe.
"Takaya are you okay?" Akemi asked, Abe was shaking.
"I'm fine!" Abe shouted, Tajima looked at Abe.
"Takaya you can't even stand." Akemi looked at him, Abe refused to look her in the eye. Akemi reached for his chin and pulled his face up to meet hers. "Takaya come on, Mihashi and Tajima will help you to the dug out." Tajima called Mihashi to help. The two supported Abe and Akemi followed them. Once Abe was sitting the nurse came and checked out his knee, Momoe gave out orders. Akemi was sitting next to Abe on his good side and placed a hand on his knee. She knew how much Mihashi relied on Abe and how much guilt Abe for breaking his promise.
"It will be okay Mihashi. Tajima is a great catcher, just pitch what he tells you and let your team back you up okay." Akemi said, she walked out with Mihashi and Tajima, the rest of the team.
"Listen up, Abe wont be catching the rest of the game you have Tajima. Mihashi is going to pitch and all of you need to back him up. I know it's the top of the line up but you can do it, Oki be ready for the ball just go to your bag, you have two outs. It will come to you I promise." Oki nodded, Akemi turned to Tajima, "Mihashi needs to pitch on the inside low, Mihashi can hit points so point your glove and it will reach it. Mihashi throw to Tajima's glove." Everyone nodded. Akemi walked back to the dug out, and told Momoe her plan. Momoe nodded, Akemi sat next to Abe.
"Don't worry Abe they will get this out and win the game trust me." Akemi said, she placed her hand on his. "just watch okay." Abe nodded at watched the game.
Tajima placed his glove low and inside, Baku raised and eyebrow at that. When Baku realized what happened it was to late, Mihashi had thrown too Chikashi's bad spot, and Baku had told him to swing and make contact. The first baseman was playing back staring at the batter not even worried about Akitaka. Then it clicked, Akemi had told the infield what to expect, and he had no way of telling Chikashi now. Baku dropped his head.
Oki got the ball and tagged his base, Chikashi was surprised that Oki reached the bag before he got half way, and went back to the dug out confused.
"Don't worry about it Chikashi-san, my niece told him to be ready." Baku said.
"Tanaka-san is back in town?" Chikashi asked, Youichi scoffed.
"Yeah hime is back." Youichi said, putting on his gear.
"Hey Youichi you didn't slide into Abe on purpose did you?" Baku asked, Youichi frowned.
"I did not it was bad timing at the plate, his knee was coming down as I was coming in. It was a stroke of bad luck, I don't him but I would never hurt him intentionally." Youichi said putting on his chest protector he grabbed the glove and helmet. Baku nodded and Youichi left to go behind the plate.
'okay, so bottom of the ninth with Tajima starting the batting, if Youichi was smart he would go for Tajima head on to force our other hitters to hit. Masaru can only hit inside with consistently, so with Tajima they are going to throw inside.' Akemi thought.
"Hey Tajima!" She shouted, he came over to her.
"Hey Tanaka-san." Tajima said, Akemi pulled him sideways.
"Stay in the back of the box and close to the plate they are going to throw you inside cause that Masaru's strong point, but if you are closer to the plate then a normal better is, then he will subconsciously throw it in the strike zone. Speed your swing like you were hitting one of my fastballs." Akemi said.
"I never made contact with your fastball." Tajima said, Akemi smirked.
"True but I know you have been analyzing it like crazy so picture the pitches he throws you are my fastball, and you will make contact." Akemi said, Tajima nodded and went off to bat.
"What did you tell him?" Sakaeguchi asked. Akemi turned to him.
"How to beat my cousin behind the plate. You see my team is the only people who can hit any pitcher over the top or down under, I've been up against Masaru many times, him and my cousin think they can get me to strike out. I'm a strong hitter so I know there game plan for Tajima, all he has to do is listen to my advice and he will get on." Akemi stated, she turned to Hanai. "If Tajima gets on base they will be focused on him more then you so expect lousy pitches."
'Great I'm not a threat.' Hanai sighed.
"You are very powerful hitter Hanai but with this tight of a game Youichi will be more focused on the runner he would do the same if you were on base and Tajima was hitting. Don't get so down on yourself." Tajima made contact and it went to deep right field, Tajima is on second. "Hanai I want you to swing at the first pitch picture it going to right field you need to hit behind Tajima, and not a sacrifice fly either, make solid contact." Akemi said, Hanai nodded and went to bat. Hanai swung on the first pitch and made solid contact to right field, sending Tajima to third and Hanai on first.
"Okay Oki, stay calm and take the walk, the are going to fill the bases for a force at home." Oki nodded and watched four balls go by. Oki on first, Hanai on second, Tajima on third.
"Nishihiro, make contact with the curveball outside since your are right handed hitter, expect the curve and hit it." Akemi said, he nodded and went to bat. Nishihiro made it through the infield Tajima made it home, Hanai and Oki advanced. Akemi smiled.
"Izumi, expect a screwball inside Youichi is trying to shake things up. Might of worked if I didn't Masaru." Akemi said, Izumi nodded and went to hit making contact on the ball on sending Hanai home. Bases still loaded, and no outs.
"That's the game!" the umpire called. Nishiura cheered and bowed to the other team. The teams thanked each other, Abe was able to walk again. He was safe just a bruise, now Akemi could relax she hugged Abe close.
"I'm glad you are okay." Akemi said, they were standing outside the field and the team were all talking to each other. Abe chuckled and hugged Akemi closer.
"Hey hime." Youichi shouted, Akemi looked back at her cousin.
"What is it Baka I'm busy." Akemi said snuggling back into Abe, Abe was still looking at Youichi.
"Why did you help them, we had the game in the bag then you stepped in." Youichi said, Akemi chuckled.
"Not my fault you can't adapt, and you hurt Takaya you should be apologizing." Akemi said, she turned completely to Youichi. "besides they did all the work I simply told then your plan. They responded as they saw fit."
Youichi glared at her, "Hime I'd really appreciate if you didn't give away family secrets." Youichi said,
"There aren't family secrets." Akemi said, she turned back to Abe and kissed his nose. Youichi shook his head and walked away.
"Why does he call you Hime?" Abe asked, Akemi shrugged. Akemi hugged Abe's middle and snuggled into his chest.
"Why are you so snuggly?" Abe asked, Akemi snuggled further.
"You were hurt today, I was scared. After the plane crash last year-" Abe covered her lips with his finger.
"Akemi, that was my elbow not my knee." Abe said, he kissed he lips softly. "I'm fine Akemi."
Akemi nodded, and gripped Abe tighter. Abe smiled and tucked her head under his chin and watched the team interact.
Naomi ran up to Akemi and Abe, "Tanaka, Sasaki just found the list- I'm I interrupting?"
"Very much so." Akemi said, Abe chuckled and went to release Akemi. Akemi gripped tighter. Abe groaned.
"Will you turned around Yamamoto." Abe asked. Naomi rolled her eyes and turned around.
Abe leaned into Akemi and wrapped his arms around Akemi and leaned into her and kissed her softly. Akemi was getting annoyed with the light kiss and moved her hands to Abe's face to deepen the kiss but once her hands were on his face Abe pulled away and grabbed her hands, and pulled her towards Naomi.
"Ah, Tanaka-san, Sasaki-san found the list and you made it National's week." Naomi said, Hanai walked up.
"National's week?" Hanai asked, Naomi turned to Hanai.
"National's week is a fair where the best sports player's and teachers go to learn more about all kinds of things!" Naomi shouted. Akemi dropped her head.
"Why are you so excited?" Hanai asked, Naomi looked at him like he was stupid.
"Because! Tanaka is going to teach sports medicine. And she gets to take her team with her!" Naomi yelled.
"Doesn't answer my question." Hanai said, Akemi walked away from the group.
"Akemi?" Abe asked, Akemi didn't turned towards him. Abe grabbed her elbow, and turned her towards him, Akemi shook him off. "Akemi what's wrong?"
"We are going to New York!" Naomi shouted. "that is where the fair is being held!"
Abe looked at Akemi and grabbed her shoulder and faced her towards him. "Akemi? When do you leave?"
"Tomorrow." Akemi said, Abe froze.
"But you just got back."
"I'm sorry Takaya. I didn't think I was going to be accepted it was a long shot."
"You didn't even tell me you went into sports medicine. You are young how did you get into it?"
"Having no coach, someone needed to know how to save people so I have a license to do stuff and went to seminars and a doctor took interest and took me as a apprentice. He said I learned fast, I'm almost ready to become a pro." Akemi said, Abe stepped back.
X
Sorry its so short and stuff I wanted to get something posted before the day ended, I know its really confusing but I promise it plays a role later. As for the batting order during the game I made it up hehe, and Abe's injury is not like the one in the Magna or Anime, I made up that too and the game with Akemi's uncle's team that game never happened so Kind of an AU in a way. This is all leading up to something big promise.
Hate it? Love it? Like it? Have an idea? Share with me in a review, it is greatly appreciated J