Man am I exhausted. Clincals have been killing me but I was finally able to finish this one. I won't say too much on this one cause I'm tired and I'm about ready to just fall asleep on my laptop. Enjoy!

~*That Simple*~

Tonya let out a little squeak as chills racked her small body. Earning snickers from her teammates who jogged along behind her. A group of black moving together, hints of red and white showing every so often. She shot them a glare before turning around at the barrier and heading back. She hated the cold with a passion. Sad thing is that it wasn't even that cold yet. The air was just chilly. The seasons were slowly beginning to change. Chilly days were beginning to pop up more frequently in between the warm ones now. Tonya made a mental note to punch the next guy she heard bitch about playing in the summer heat. She'd like to see their seasons swapped one year and see how they fared in what the girls played in.

"Owie, owie, owie!" The pitcher heard one of her teammates holler over her music. Shaking her hand out and struggling not to let loose a string of profanities. Another reason she hated the cold. If they caught or hit the ball wrong the sting was doubled.

The girl sighed, moving off to the side to stretch her legs out while they were still warm. Taking her time as their opponents finally showed up. It wouldn't be long till the stadium filled up and their game began. Her blood started pumping just at the thought of playing again. Her trademark smirk sliding slowly on to her face. She finished off her stretching, standing back up and taking a deep breath. Excitement flashing in her eyes.

"Hey Grey." Tonya yanked her head phones out and looked to her teammate who had a sly grin on her face. "A cute guy is here for you." The two looked up to see Miyuki grinning down at her. Holding up a roll of pretape and kinesio tape.

"Miyuki you are a lifesaver!" Tonya called out. Flashing him a bright smile as he tossed the rolls over the fence.

"What would you do without me?" He snickered in that annoying fashion of his.

"Have less headaches." She retorted, giving him a brief wave before taking off to tape up her knee. The rolls she usually kept in her bag had run out. She'd forgotten that she'd used the last bit during practice. She had meant to replace them last night, but she'd had too much fun with Miyuki and had forgotten entirely.

Miyuki headed back to his seat. Sitting down and watching as Tonya headed out to the bullpen. She'd shed her jacket and looked ready to go now. Beginning her warm up with her own catcher. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't envious of the girl currently catching for the spitfire brunette. Having experienced her pitching first hand for himself. He leaned on to his hand. Eyes trained solely on the little girl as she called out instructions to her catcher before heading over to start the game.

He hadn't even really planned on coming to the game. Looking forward to sleeping in for once without having to worry about anyone trying to harass him to catch for them. That plan had been ruined immediately though when his phone had gone off. It had been a txt from Tonya asking him to bring tape since she'd forgotten hers. Reluctantly he pulled himself out of bed and headed over to the stadium. Remembering only then how he'd wanted to see what Tonya would look like in a game. It would seem he'd get his chance sooner than he realized.

"I'm surprised to see you here Miyuki." Kataoka said. Causing the boy to stiffen up as he turned to see his Coach grinning down at him. Watching as he took a seat next to him as Nathaniel sat down on Kataoka's other side.

"The two fight like cats and dogs all week long and then suddenly become best of friends." Nathaniel chuckled. "I wonder if it has to do with the fact that a certain someone played catcher for her."

"Eh heh, well…" Miyuki scratched his head. He didn't want to lie, but he knew that if he told them that he'd caught then he'd be in big trouble.

"Relax. I could hear that familiar popping sound and figured she'd talked you into catching for her. Knowing Tonya, she made sure that you were taped up and good to go before asking you to do that for her. Since she heard we had a catcher in the house that girl had to hold herself back from harassing the poor boy Tesshin." Nathaniel laughed. Kataoka joining him as Miyuki breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn't in trouble.

"Tell me Miyuki, what was it like catching for someone like her with all those different pitches?" Kataoka asked. Genuinely curious as Miyuki turned back to where Tonya was standing on the mound. Waiting for the game to start.

"Amazing." Was the only word he could think of to describe it.

As the first batter stepped up into the box, Miyuki kept his eyes on Tonya. Watching her go through the same motions as last night. Reaching down to wipe dirt on her hands, rub a little off, take a deep breath and step on the plate. Her eyes zoned in on her catcher's glove as she went through her motion. Quickly snapping the ball free from her fingers and sending the first pitch screaming down the inside waist high. A strike right off the back.

Again Miyuki found himself wondering what it would be like to call pitches for her. Would they make a great battery? Would they just fight like they always tended to do at home? He knew he didn't have to worry about how she'd lead the fielders. The girl was calm and collected. Even joking with her fielders while she waited for the batter to step back into the box after facing down one of her breaking balls. All smiles till her cleats touched the plate. Emotion quickly leaving her face as she focused on nothing but the ball in her hand and the glove she was throwing to.

"Batter out! That's three, switch!" The ump called out as Tonya dropped the ball near the plate. Her teammates swarming her. Two strike outs, and she'd jammed the second batter with her cutter.

It was nice to sit back and take in a game every once in a while. Especially since Miyuki was usually playing. Despite the differences between the two sports, he found himself getting into the game. Asking himself what he would do in the situation at hand. Finding himself secretly cheering for Tonya whenever she struck someone out or made a good play. Not that he'd ever tell her any of this. Confidence exuded from the girl as she made plays, covered where she was needed, constantly talking to her players to reassure them whenever a run happened to come in. Miyuki wished the Seido pitchers could watch her effortless play. They could learn a thing or two from her. She was what a true ace looked like. And she was only a second year like him.

"She looks good. I see that time off didn't hurt her pitching one bit. How's her knee been?" Kataoka asked.

"Better. Her right one keeps trying to give out, but till that does you know she'll just keep playing on it. At least this time around I have her word that she'll at least tell me if it's getting bad." Nathaniel sighed. Running his hand through his hair.

"Her right knee is that bad too?" Miyuki whispered to himself. Turning to look down at the dugout. Seeing that she was the second batter in the lineup.

Looking at the girl you could never tell she had any injuries. Playing her heart out for the sport she loved. Getting an easy double off the line drive she'd hit down third base line. Once again she was all smiles as she punched the air. Her dugout, and the fans, going crazy. Miyuki tilted his head, fascinated with that warm and carefree smile on her face. Why now was he just seeing it? Thinking back on the week together with her. Recalling only her watching eyes and the spats they got into. Never seeing that smile till last night. He shook his head to free himself from the thought. Instead shifting his focus at her knees, wondering if they were hurting her or not at the moment. It was then Miyuki realized that he was starting to care for the girl. They'd only known each other for a little less than a week and here he was worrying for her.

"…we're kinda sorta friends now, right?" Those words came back to him. Ghosting across his mind as he saw Tonya get hit home. Trotting into the dugout probably to go get ready to throw again. Sure enough she came back out before long with her catcher in tow.

'Friends huh? Can it really be that easy?' Miyuki thought to himself. Smiling softly as he realized she'd been the first one to ever declare him, Mr. Twisted Personality, as a friend.

Turning his attention back to the game, (the teams already swapped) Miyuki saw a very unhappy cleanup batter step to the plate. The girl was close to his size and had so far been struck out every time she'd gotten up. He was sure that if the batter got a hold of the ball she could put it out of the field if she wanted. But Tonya wasn't allowing any of that. Having already tripped her up with a changeup and outside low pitch. Cornering the batter who was glaring her down. Tonya went through her motions once again before pitching. Looking to finish it with a drop ball. The next play happened so quickly that all anyone had time to process was the crack of the bat and the pop of the glove immediately afterwards. Silencing everyone in the stadium.

The batter had timed it just right, stepping hard and swinging down to reach the ball. Pulling it back up and sending it back down the middle. In her attempt to get the ball and stick it to Tonya, she'd pulled the ball up too hard. Sending it right back at the pitcher's face. Miyuki felt his breath catch in his throat, almost as if seeing things play in slow motion. Going off pure reaction, Tonya raised her glove and caught the ball cleanly. Locking gazes with the batter briefly. Showing that no matter what was thrown at her she wouldn't back down. Not wasting any more time on the girl she'd gotten out, Tonya turned and threw the ball to first. Getting that runner out as well since she'd been too shocked to move properly and return back to the base. The crowd roared back to life from Tonya's double play.

"That wasn't good for my heart." Nathaniel wheezed. Holding his chest as he slumped forward. Letting out the breath he'd unconsciously been holding in.

"Plays like that are never easy ones to watch. No matter how many times I see her make those catches it still makes me nervous." Kataoka admitted. Sighing in relief that nothing bad had happened.

'She sure is something.' Miyuki laughed weakly, shaking his head as he did so. Glancing up to see Tonya still all smiles as her teammates razzed her about that same play.

_._._

Tonya smiled brightly to herself as warmth spread through her body. Thanking one of the managers who'd brought her warm tea. She zipped her jacket up and slung her gear over her back before waving to her team. Since they'd finished putting the gear up, they were free to go. The game had ended early in the fifth inning. They'd run ruled their opponents and didn't have to worry about their next game for another week at least. That was only a sweet bonus that added to her good mood.

'He's so going to owe me for this.' Tonya snickered to herself. Her Chesire Cat grin slipping on to her face as she headed out of there. Waiting for her near the gate of the school was Miyuki. Leaning against the wall, lost in thought.

"Mi~yu~ki!" Tonya sang out. Waving to the boy, and feeling the gaze of her teammates on her back. She knew they would interrogate her Monday as to who this new guy was. But she'd worry about that once the week started up again. "So, what'd you think of my team? Not as bad as you always seem to smart off about huh?"

"I take back everything I've ever said." Miyuki grinned. Falling into step with the girl. "It was nice to watch instead of play for once."

"But, you still miss it huh?" Tonya asked. Detecting the slight change in his tone.

All Miyuki could do was nod. Glancing down to see a knowing look on her face as the two chatted about the game after that. Tonya gave him the play by play of the game from what he hadn't seen from the stands. Getting excited as she told him about what had gone down in the dugout, what she'd thought about the other team, and of course about the girl who'd almost hit her. Not on purpose though. The batter had apologized immediately after the play had finished. The boy just watched with an amused smile as Tonya got into her story telling. Talking fast and loud, using her hands a lot. He found it hard to believe that the ball of energy beside him was the same serious, cold, and dangerous girl that he'd watched on the mound only an hour or so ago.

"You said you needed to do some shopping for dinner tonight right?" Miyuki asked. Not really paying attention to where they were going.

"Yep. But first…." The short pitcher grinned. Stepping around Miyuki and coming to a stop.

The boy wondered what she was up to this time as he took notice of his surroundings for once. The Seido school building greeted his eyes. Miyuki's eyes widened a tiny fraction before he shifted his gaze back to Tonya. Arching a brow as she motioned for him to follow her in.

"I made a bet with my dad and Uncle Shin. I told them that if I could hold the batters off and allow my team the chance they needed in order to end the game before the seventh, then they would lift the ban of you not being able to go to watch practice. Of course, I have to be with you since I'm technically supposed to watch you and you me. But that's just a minor detail." Tonya waved off.

"Cocky little shit aren't you?" Miyuki grumbled. Realizing now just how much faith she had in her own skill.

"And you're a cocky big shit. What's your point?" Tonya retorted.

"Why thank you." He snickered as Tonya rolled her eyes at him. Deciding to be nice for once and not hit him as she turned and headed into Seido with Miyuki behind her.

He chuckled softly to himself as he stared at the girl just ahead of him. Again he wondered what it would be like to play on the same team as her. A pitcher who didn't know fear. One that he could put his total faith in to get the job done. Knowing how lucky her teammates must be. He shook his head as he caught up to her. The two heading past the school and towards the dorms that Miyuki felt like he hadn't seen in forever. Heading even past them and to the familiar sounds of shouting coming from the fields. All thoughts of wanting to play with Tonya gone as he looked over his team.

The guys were practicing much like they always had. Some working on situational drills, others working on batting. The first years that hadn't seen any playing time were finally getting integrated into practice. Already they were working up a sweat, the upperclassman hollering to their kohai. What Miyuki wouldn't give to be able to wear his practice uniform and catcher's gear again. He was ready to be back on the field, leading and guiding his team like he should be. Ready to be the team captain once again. He clenched his hands into fists inside his pockets. Keeping them hidden in order to hide his frustration. It was useless to try and hide it though since Tonya saw right through him. Knowing exactly how he felt.

"Don't worry. Your remaining two weeks will fly by before you know it." Miyuki was pulled from his thoughts upon feeling a feather light touch land on his injured side. He looked down at Tonya to see her smiling at him, seeing that unwavering confidence in her eyes again. Motioning with her head towards the field where she knew he wanted to be.

"Look who finally decided to show his face!" Kuramochi hollered. Laughing loudly as everyone stopped what they were doing to see Miyuki walking on to the field.

"Miyuki-senpai?" Furuya muttered. Halting his pitching practice to see the others already swarming the catcher.

"Miyuki!" Sawamura hollered. Running and barreling towards the catcher. Only to be stopped by Maezono and Kuramochi. Tripping the boy and making him face plant into the ground.

"Idiot if you're not careful you could reinjure him!" Zono shouted. Glaring down at Sawamura who sat on the ground pouting. The team laughing at his antics.

Tonya watched from the sidelines as Miyuki teased Sawamura and Furuya about something. Causing the two of them to turn red before Sawamura began shouting at the top of his lungs. Already Miyuki looked much happier. His mood improving immensely just by getting to see his teammates. They'd missed him as much as he'd missed them. Tonya could remember how a sense of belonging had washed over her the first time she'd gone back to her team when she could walk again. Seeing that same feeling reflected in Miyuki's eyes as he laughed and joked with his team. Miyuki had needed to see that his team still needed him. That they were waiting for him to get better so that he could come back to them as soon as possible.

A soft smile graced her lips as Tonya dropped her stuff on to the ground. Getting off her sore knees. Stretching them out in front of her. If there was a benefit to playing in the cold it was that it helped to keep the swelling down. But it also locked up her joints. It was a win/lose type of situation. Nothing a warm bath later wouldn't fix though.

"I'm going to have to get used to it. It's only going to get colder." Tonya sighed. Letting her head hang. Already dreading that winter was around the corner.

"E-Excuse me…" A soft voice called out. Drawing Tonya out of her thoughts as she looked up to see a pink haired boy looking at her. At least she thought he was, even though she couldn't see his eyes.

"Yes? Can I help you?" Tonya asked. Wondering why he wasn't swarming Miyuki like the others.

"You're the one they call the Wolf of Kitigawa correct?" Haruichi asked, a slight blush forming on his face. Hoping he didn't appear too rude.

"Huh? I'm surprised one of you guys knows that nickname. But yeah, that's me. Why?" She smiled. Trying to ease the poor nervous boy who scratched his face.

"I've heard you're an amazing pitcher. Even compared to the baseball pitchers." He grinned. Making his cute face light up even more.

"Tell me, does anyone else here follow softball?" Tonya asked. Motioning to his teammates with her head.

"I don't know. I know we all read the same sports magazine that covers the highlights and some of the more famous players. I suppose a few might recognize you." Haruichi shrugged. Looking over his shoulder as his team.

"Well, for now let's keep that nickname of mine a secret okay? This is Miyuki's time right now. Besides, I'm not one who likes to be the center of attention anyways. Which probably sounds weird since I'm a pitcher huh?" Tonya giggled. Holding her finger to her mouth. Making this their little secret.

"Got a fan now do we?" Miyuki called out. Causing poor Haruichi to blush even more as Tonya stood back up.

"Yeah. I was telling him about how I was a pitcher for my softball team." She called back. Winking at Haruichi who just let out a nervous laugh.

"Wait, your little parole officer is a pitcher?" Kuramochi asked. Looking past Miyuki to Tonya who nodded. "Just how good is she?"

"She can throw seven different pitches. What does that tell you?" Miyuki asked. Glancing specifically to the three pitchers whose jaws dropped.

"Just how good are her pitches?" Furuya asked. A bit of a pout in his voice.

"Well, unlike two of you she has perfect control." Miyuki snickered. Making the two first years freeze up before turning to look at Tonya.

"I guess that's impressive." Sawamura muttered. Crossing his arms across his chest as Kawakami suppressed his laughter at the boy's poor attempt to hide the fact that Miyuki seemed to like her better.

"It's not only impressive, it's amazing." Kataoka spoke up. Walking over to the boys. "She has sniper precision control. Something she's been honing since she was very young. Her breaking balls always break just at the right moment and her fastball is said to be one of the hardest to hit. She's averaging 112 km/h (70 mph)."

"That's it?" a few muttered, wondering what was so special about such a slow pitch.

"Due to style, ball size, and distance from the mound to the plate it would seem a bit slow for you. But for softball players that's a hard ball to hit. If you compared her pitch to baseball it would come in at around 158 km/h (98 mph)." Kataoka clarified. Surprising all the boys as their coach stared them down. All eyes shifting from the coach to the small girl who was just smiling on the other side of the fence. "I think today her best pitch came in at 120 km/h (75 mph)."

"Amazing." Haruichi breathed. He knew she was good, but he didn't know she was that good.

"Could we perhaps get a demonstration?" Kawakami asked. The others all sharing excited looks.

It was then Miyuki noticed how Tonya was shifting her weight back and forth on her legs. She had played the entire game earlier that day. Plus she'd made the walk with him to Seido from her own school. He knew she was feeling it now. She was hurting. But there she stood, that smile on her face as she tried to act like there was nothing wrong. Even bending down to get her gear from her bag, figuring throwing a few couldn't hurt.

"If you want to see her throw so badly then just come to her game next weekend. She played hard today and needs to rest for now. Unlike when we play, the girls have cold weather to contend with. Her body has already cooled down and she doesn't need to risk injury. Isn't that right?" Miyuki asked. Wearing that annoying grin as Tonya locked eyes with him. Telling her silently that if he had to behave and sit out at times then she did too.

"Yeah. I guess my team wouldn't forgive me or you guys if I did something to hurt myself just because I wanted to show off." Tonya admitted sheepishly.

"We better get back. We've still got shopping to do and I'm technically not allowed to be here without my guardian." Miyuki chuckled. Sensing the change in atmosphere. None of them wanted him to go. In all honesty, he didn't want to leave either. But just like Tonya looked out for him, he was going to look out for her. "Don't worry. I may be gone temporarily but I'll be back soon. Till then practice hard. Don't quit. And look to each other for support. You have two vice captains here, plus reliable senpai as well. They will help to guide you. And when I return, Seido will be that much stronger. Mark my words."

The boys gave Miyuki a parting cheer as he headed off the field. Kataoka gave him an approving nod as the boy joined Tonya. He picked up her equipment bag and slung it on to his back. Giving Tonya a rare smile as he turned to leave. The two waved bye to the Seido boys before heading out of there. Falling into silence once again as they headed down to the bus stop at the corner.

"How did you know?" Tonya asked. Sitting down and taking the weight off her legs.

"You kept shifting back and forth. Like you were uncomfortable." Miyuki said. Looking down to the girl near his feet.

"Cold weather locks my joints up and makes the damn things ache even worse. It's only going to get worse once winter gets here." She sighed. Leaning back on her hands that were tucked inside her jacket. "You know, you didn't have to leave. You could still go back if you wanted to. Uncle Shin did say you could stick around for the evening."

"Now what kind of friend would I be if I didn't take care of you when you're hurting?" Miyuki said. Sitting down next to the girl and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. A small smile tugging at his lips as the two sat together.

Okay, I apologize if at times Miyuki seems OC-ish. But considering the guy doesn't exactly have 'friends' this is how I think it would play out when the twisted guy finally starts to open himself up to someone. Don't worry I haven't lost the total feel for our favorite ass of a catcher. Asides from that can't wait to hear what you all think :)