On Black Wings
Chapter 6: Photograph
A/N: I apologize in advance if this chapter doesn't meet up to real chapter quality (Has been Edited!), but while typing it up I felt as though I needed it for future setup and one funny conversation between Oikawa and Iwaizumi later in the story as well as a talk for the quick-strike duo and something else, it also lets me use my head cannons of Iwaizumi. I'll let you guess what it is, no it's not cooking but I do feel like he could make something pretty good. Suga is my head cannon cooker! :3
…
"How did you guys get lost? The Library isn't even that far from here. Don't tell me that you've been roaming the streets for hours, it's already almost six o'clock." Iwaizumi said with his head tilted a bit with an unamused expression, he was standing before the two Karasuno players who were somewhat relived to see him.
Hinata was laughing lowly to himself while rubbing the back of his head, he felt so discomfited after hearing that; they must have been walking in circles if that was the case cause the last he checked the time it was four-fifty two. Not that he and Kageyama haven't gotten lost before during practice runs and end up at rival schools or anything like that, which they have he couldn't deny even if he wanted to. They had a terrible sense of direction, or just poor memory. Kageyama out of the corner of his eye looked a little annoyed with his eyebrow twitching a little, he must have thought the same; it is amazing that the hot-headed setter hasn't killed him yet. "Well we were at the library for a little while and then we ran into Kunimi there- and he helped us."
"Kunimi?" Iwaizumi's eyes widened a bit and raised a brow as he spoke the name quietly, somewhat surprised.
"Yes." Kageyama replied blankly with a nod.
"Yeah, he assisted us with our research and we asked if he knew where a good place to eat was since we've skipped lunch. He led us to a good restaurant and even sat down and ate and talked with us for a while, but he left before we did and we're not familiar with this town." Hinata had a drop of sweat rolling down the side of his head, still embarrassed some. "Kageyama and I kind of forgot how to get back to the library or the hospital." His posture slacked some, he felt so much like an idiot for being so forgetful; but even more ridiculous for walking the streets for a little while and butting heads with Kageyama along the way on which way they should go or how to get back to where they came from. That was probably how they got lost in the first place, it didn't help that his cell phone was dead and that Kageyama forgot his at home; they could have called Saeko by now since she was more familiar with the large town.
Hajime blinked, it was surprising enough that Kunimi helped the crows out, but it was even more shocking that he ate or even talked with them when he knew the guy barely hung out with anyone outside of the team; let alone Kindaichi. He thought to himself for a short second and even looked away briefly before returning his gaze. "You said something about research, what's that about? Are you two really trying to do what I think it is that you are doing?"
"If it's getting Oikawa-san a leg up then yeah." Tobio assured blankly, he crossed his arms and looked away. He didn't hate Iwaizumi or even dislike him, but like Kunimi he felt distant from the guy if not more so; just as he did back in Kitagawa Daiichi. Which was unfortunate considering he had more respect for him than the rest of the team, the only one he had more respect for was Oikawa-san, in a rival's and teacher's sense. It was nothing personal, Hajime was always around Toru and practiced with him more than anyone else so there was hardly any kind of nice bond formed. Well, except for a little, at least he taught him more than Oikawa-san did and actually spoke to him. Iwaizumi was more like a senpai than his friend as much as Kageyama didn't want to admit, now Toru used to talk to him even shortly after joining the volleyball team; but that changed quickly when the coach doted on him for having 'born' talent and skill. The way Kageyama played changed everything, 'everything'. The spikey-haired ace had always been sympathetic despite his typical behavior around his best friend, he was even protective at times and actually talked to him or threw a word of encouragement here and there even to his friend's protest. He was actually the one closest to him as a friend at the time; Kageyama was quiet and shy as a kid so he didn't make many friends, not even with his own teammates. Also; there was always a separation of sorts when it came to him and his teammates, age, grade, and ability. This also included his desire to learn and improve rather than getting know everyone, the only one he wanted to know the most at the time ignored him and kept his distance. Everyone else did anyways because he isolated himself to feel more comfortable. There were times in his life when he simply wished to forget, volleyball had no meaning to him until his first year in junior high. But that was history. Separation ensued but he made sure to know the team enough to actually communicate and play with, he was happy to get to know Hajime for he was the friend of his senpai and sort of nice. But he didn't get to know him all that well. It didn't help that he was mostly on the sidelines as the older players were on the court the most, but he always replaced the setter at some point or another to rest the other or be used to improve his own skills; which was Oikawa unfortunately, replacing him during matches only fueled his contempt for the young setter. There was no denying it. Hajime was always by Oikawa-san's side though; whether it be with a kick or punch and to yell at, or just there to fill a void like a friend would. He was always on the opposite end, distant. He then became an ace and an opponent from Aoba-Johsai; a rivaling school, the only thing he could feel from being close to the guy anymore was tense.
At least this time it wasn't so bad, they were on mutual grounds when it came to the older setter's health and mentality.
Hajime tilted his head to the side a bit and readjusted his bag on his shoulder, he didn't need any other kind of confirmation; Tobio was always serious and respected his elders so his tone made out the truth as much as his words did. What was surprising was the fact that these two were actually trying, he didn't know if they could actually find and afford a prosthetic; but if using almost all of their Saturday in town away from home and from volleyball practice above all meant that they were determined to make a difference somehow. He didn't know if he should crack a smile or protest so that they don't waste any more time or money for that matter, even to have Oikawa walk again was just enough for him since the doctor said that he'd be confined to a wheelchair because it was all his insurance and on pocket could currently afford. Toru was torn from the news and demanded crutches, but he wouldn't be able to be on them or use them for a long while; not while his left elbow and part of his forearm was fractured and going to be put into a sling soon. A leg though; be it fake- was a sign of hope, even Trashykawa would be happy to at least stand up again without support sticks in arms. But to play volleyball again would be only a dream, it can't happen and yet at least two people were determined to see it happen.
Hajime felt the ends of lips curve upward, he couldn't stop his soft smile even if he wanted to. Tobio has sure come along way and even had a friend to help him get there, he was proud he supposed; the young setter was much more mature and talkative than he used to be; much better than he was when he was as a second and third-year at Kitagawa. Even better than when he first started at Karasuno, which was saying something! He even put away their trivial rivalry for Toru's sake and stood up for him when he needed it most; even respect was stronger than a begrudging setter-to-setter relationship with his rival. Plus, his and Hinata's fortitude outmatched any of Aoba-Johsai's team by far.
Assikawa was so damn lucky to have such an admirable kouhai, blind idiot.
"A leg up huh?" Iwaizumi asked nonchalantly, his smile fell some. "It'll take more work than just finding one, the price is another matter in on its own; but if you two manage to get around that then it would be awesome. Oikawa's health insurance won't cover complete costs of his bill or wheelchair because they deemed his accident as 'negligent' and 'possibly suicidal', though I knew he wasn't trying to kill himself. Tight-wads." He huffed. "So his medical bill is pretty big and he has to get around some way so he has to have a wheelchair for now."
'A wheelchair, Oikawa-san in a wheelchair?' Hinata thought to himself, he could imagine the angry Grand-King sitting in one with his arms folded and pouting quietly with a deadly glare. It wasn't a pretty sight and it gave him chills. He made a quick glance over to Kageyama and he kept himself from jumping back in fright, Kageyama made a face similar to his; a dead-panned expression with a twist of 'can you really believe that' feeling tied into it.
Hajime sighed when he was given strange expressions. "Yeah, hard to believe I know. Tell me about it? I'll probably have to listen to him gripe and complain for the rest of the school year. Not to mention that he will demand to be wheeled around all of the time while his arm is in a sling, bastard. I told him to watch the roads on the way home, he's too stuck up for his own good; but maybe he won't be anymore." His expression flattened, his frown deep; it's not how he wanted Toru to mature as a player. He was hoping that it would take hard-work, dedication, time, age, and most importantly of all; understanding and acknowledgement of those he plays with and against. There's many people with many different levels of skills and talents and he needed to be able to match them through his own unique efforts instead of sticking to grudges and pushing himself so hard with resentment with barely anything to learn or gain but a sore knee. Arrogance was just one of Oikawa's downfalls in the sport, he calculates and observes intensely to build up a great strategy but sometimes undermines the potential of others of smaller significance until it gets to him. Sometimes he could devise a plan to get around them and other times stress chewed him up and he couldn't stay focused; this was perhaps the most noticeable with their match against Shiratorizawa, they mostly have strength and simple tactics but Oikawa would easily lose his cool because he was getting beat by such simpletons and the power behind Ushijima's spike. If he lost his cool the team would suffer with him, his pride kept him going strong but with less thinking and less considered actions. But to lose his haughtiness like this, there was nothing to learn from it, losing a match would be more insightful than losing a leg. Iwaizumi couldn't put a number on how many times he told Oikawa to cool it and focus; when admittedly he himself would become distressed enough that he would falter too. Still, Toru thought that he could beat his opponents with a well-developed team, he easily forgot to factor himself in and his role in more intense games.
Now he wouldn't be able to do that, now he'd have to learn the hard way; by sitting on the sidelines and spectating games to see what happens and watch other players go what he used to go through. Maybe one day he would realize it like so?
He noticed Kageyama and Hinata staring at him in the long moment of silence so he jumped back on topic.
"Without being able to walk and no one at home… it's going to be tough on him and I can't always be there for him, my grandmother has been very ill for a while now and needs to be checked on often; it's going to be a shit-load of work for me if he can't walk!" He said rather loudly without even realizing it, his mind conflicted between his needy friend and family. His grandmother lives a little further away from Toru's so going back in forth would be a hassle; especially since Oikawa's room was on the second floor of his house and he would need to either help the handicapped idiot get upstairs or fetch his clothes for him or something. Not to mention how Oikawa would cook food or bathe, or wash his own clothes and take out the trash. 'Stupidkawa for not watching the damn roads!' He sneered.
"Uh, everything okay Hajime?"
Iwaizumi blinked and lightened his facial features after the short one gave him an uncertain look with a strong hint of concern.
He nodded and folded his arms. "Yeah, just exasperated is all."
"So is there any way that we could go and see Oikawa-san again today? Could you take us?" Hinata suddenly asked, "We'd like to actually get to talk to him without having his coaches there to keep shooting his hopes down and trying to drown us out, we're here to support. I can't imagine being in his place; what it's like to crippled," The orange-haired teen narrowed his eyes a bit and spoke more quietly. "But what we can do is show that it'll take more than losing a leg to keep down a fighting spirit."
He has to admit, though Hinata was short he was a hell of a fighter; one always ready to go into combat to the end. Quite encouraging. Alas, it wouldn't do much at the current movement; perhaps later but not now. Not after having to deal with a stressed ace-setter that had been hiding his pain for hours and hours. Iwaizumi remembered that right after he closed the room door with only Toru left inside, he waited for a moment and heard a loud and distressing shout. He stayed longer and listened to the muffled sounds of curses and sobs, he wanted to go right back in but knew that it would only upset them both more. Oikawa didn't like to show any weak emotion to anyone, he barely ever truly showed it to his best friend. The idiot kept it all balled up all day and then let it go once he was finally left alone, he needed to get it out. Iwaizumi had left and went out to eat and get a breather before returning to his friend, only when he opened the door he found Oikawa was asleep. His eyelids were still a little red and puffy and his hair ruffled wild, but his expression was finally slacken though and soft from respite. Hajime had pulled off his school bag and taken out a smaller grocery bag that had been tied up, inside of it was milk-bread; Oikawa's favorite. He left it by the bedside table and turned off all the lights but a small lamp in the corner of the room before leaving to head home.
Toru has had a long day and needed all of the rest he could, even if he had been unconscious for a long while he was going to need all of the strength he had once he got back home. Things would probably be better after some good sleep. "He's asleep right now, I left not fifteen minutes ago. He's had a long and rough day so it's probably for the best if you come back again tomorrow, earlier than eight or nine though or you might find one of the coaches or even some teammates there. Sorry, but he needs rest right now."
Hinata's shoulders sank and he frowned. "Awww? Really?"
Kageyama didn't look surprised.
"Yeah, he's taken enough stress for today; our head coach even removed him from the roster today too and is trying to find a replacem- …" Hajime paused himself and frowned more deeply. "A backup setter-" He corrected apologetically. "Yahaba can't be the only team setter, if something were to happen to him or if he was worn to point of exhaustion during a match then we'd have a great disadvantage. Besides, Yahaba already pushes himself enough to fill in Oikawa's shoes as a second-year, he'll likely push himself twice as much now. He doesn't need to adopt Oikawa's ridiculous and time-consuming training regimen, it's too taxing on the body but Trashykawa could never see that. If the car accident never happened, then who's to say that he wouldn't have pressed himself until he really messed up that knee to the point of no return? It's just something to think about. So try coming back tomorrow, he needs some time alone."
"I-Iwaizumi-san?"
The ace looked over at Tobio after he said his name. "Hm?"
Kageyama tried his best to sound sincere and 'normal' he even let his own folded arms fall to his sides; he still wasn't used to talking to people, let alone rivals but this situation called for it. He bowed a bit. "C-could you please assist us?" He said sternly, at least it was easier to ask to him than it was to Kunimi and more easily to bow to the ace than to Oikawa. "It will be difficult just getting what we need but it'll have to take some effort from Oikawa-san to actually move again." He lifted out of his bow. "That look he had when he found out that he was missing his leg-" He paused remembering back to when he saw Toru just staring silently with widened eyes at the place where his limb should have been, not only was it a look of terror but also hopelessness. "And what the coaches said to him, he'll need all the encouragement he can; and as his friend he'll need you to keep him upright."
Iwaizumi lightly gaped.
"We'll help anyway that we can, and use as little time as we can. But please, I don't know how long it'll take to get what we're looking for but just don't leave him a crumbled mess; this is all that I'll ask of you." He finished, his gaze was anywhere but on the two people near him.
"Of course."
Those words made Kageyama look back and he was taken aback a little to see Iwaizumi actually smiling despite everything said so far, he was almost wondering if the guy was silently laughing at him for being socially awkward. He didn't have many connections with people after all and even speaking like this and to whom he was referring to was unnerving, far out of his comfort zone since he spoke to hardly anyone outside of volleyball games and school.
"That was my intention from the very start when I found out about the amputation, to keep his ass from being dragged and becoming a sad-shit-sack of pity. It'll probably be rough but I don't plan on letting him block me out."
That was at least encouraging from his teammate of old. "Thank you." He exhaled softly, it was much easier to thank him than with Kunimi and he wasn't feeling as tense with him talking to them; at least there were no non-verbal threats or signs of past resentment either. "That's g-good." He muttered and looked towards the sky, it was already painted with yellow-golds and tints of orange and red from the setting of the sun which was hidden by a building adjacent from them. "We should probably be heading home now, it'll be getting late soon."
"Oh yeah!" Hinata suddenly spoke up and turned towards the ace. "Hey, do have a cell phone that we could barrow for a minute? Mine is currently dead and Kageyama left his at home." He paused and made a slight glare at that teammate of his who shot him a disapproving look back. "Can we?"
Without much of a comment Iwaizumi dug into the pocket of his practice uniform and held it out. "Sure."
"Alright." Hinata opened up the dial pad but quickly came to a pause as he saw the numbers. He increasingly became nervous when he moved his thumb, he had forgot Saeko's number, he had added to his caller ID but he didn't currently have the number memorized or readily available; he can almost feel the tension coming from an aggravated Kageyama.
A vein popped up on Kageyama's forehead and he sneered. "Don't tell me that you forgot the number already?!" He shouted and landed a fist on the top of Shoyo's head once again for the day. Hinata didn't bother dodging and took the pound with a pained face, he sort of deserved it, but at the same time he suddenly realized that Kageyama should at least know it. "Okay, so I forgot; I was only given the number this morning!" He protested. "I could call Kozume but he lives too far away and probably doesn't even know Saeko." He began more coolly and handed the phone to Tobio. "Here, you call her then."
Kageyama took the phone hesitantly and managed to punch in the first three numbers but he couldn't quite remember the rest, he struggled, thinking of last numbers that he thought were all larger numbers above five but couldn't quite place which ones in the correct places. With a sigh in defeat he exited the call menu and handed it back to Iwaizumi. "I forgot." He mumbled in discontent, how stupid of him but of Hinata too.
Hinata suddenly pointed at the setter with accusing intent, he looked angry enough. "Hey, you should have at least known! She gave you the number last night and you gave it to me when we got to the hospital! You remembered it then!"
Tobio narrowed his eyes thinly and held back his fist, instead of striking again he held it out threateningly. "At least I knew more numbers than you, I got the first three when you couldn't even get the first single one idiot! Besides, I had asked Saeko for it again because I forgot my own phone, we've spent all day looking at a computer screen and being lost; that's plenty of time and distractions to forget a stupid phone number!"
"So, if you didn't just leave your phone in the first place-"
"My phone? At least mine was charged!" Kageyama countered with a show of teeth in a tight grimace, he grabbed Hinata by the collar of his white shirt and pulled him up to meet eye to eye in the argument because he was tired of having to look down.
The argument was over something trivial and yet Hajime wasn't surprised, a little annoyed himself but not shocked even the slightest. He could have easily left them without their notice; like Oikawa would have done, but that wouldn't be the right thing to do. Leaving two stranded crows in the large town couldn't be beneficial to anyone, certainly not when they're being loud enough to attract attention from several people on the other side of the street who was giving strange looks or even laughing to themselves from the verbal display of two idiots. Iwaizumi actually felt a little irritated hearing the argument drone on and on continuously with the blame being tossed back and forth, they were unnecessarily loud and bickering like there wasn't no tomorrow. A vein popped up on his head and his fist tightened, and to think that only Shittykawa could annoy him this fast?
"What good is it at your house?"
"Well I-"
They both went immediately silent when pulled apart without effort and looking at an irritated Iwaizumi with an intimidating glare, he kept a clasped hand on both of their collars of their volleyball team jackets.
They should be glad that he reserved his punches and kicks for someone more worthy of them; one more arrogant, careless, and self-centered. "Enough of this bullshit, so cool it." He seethed and the two lost their anger.
It took a few long seconds of quietness for the two to regain calmer composure, he did look pretty frightening.
"Okay, we're cool." Hinata admitted and was released as was Tobio.
"Good. Now, what are you two going to do now? You can't just stay in the streets fighting with each other."
Kageyama exhaled loudly and pocketed his hands, his expression was more clam but he wasn't as quick to throw his temper. "I guess we'll either walk home or take a bus, though after eating out and all of the seconds Hinata had; I'd say we probably only have enough money to get one of us home at least. Money for a motel is out of question."
"You can't call your coach or your teammates to come and get you?" Hajime questioned curiously.
"No." He replied simply with an unnerved look, especially after imagining an infuriated Ukai with a dark look from disobedience. Even the coach himself as kind of scary at times. "We were told not to come here and Hinata and I even played the sick card to get out of practice just to do this. We also told our parents that we were staying at the Tanaka's residence for the night, but we can't call up any of them or we'll be ratted out."
"Nishinoya nor Tanaka would tell on us, they can keep secrets and cover for us." Hinata pointed out eagerly. "Maybe they can get Saeko to come and get us and we can stay at either of their places!"
"Tch, you remember their numbers?"
Shoyo's expression fell quickly, the only numbers he knew right off was his own, Kozume's, Yachi's, his mom's, his dad's, Kageyama's, the coach's, and the school's contact number for some odd reason. Kenma wouldn't be able to help being distant and unable to drive, same would go for Yachi who is also too young to and probably studying at this late end of the day so no need to bother her. There was absolutely no way that he was calling his parents and getting in trouble, definitely not the coach either to be scolded and punished so they were screwed as far as he knew. "Sorry, I've got nothing."
"Good memory dumbass, now we'll have to walk home and make excuses as to why we left Tanaka's so late in the night; at least that part would be easy, like getting into a heated argument with you." He said with a noticeable hint of lingering aggravation.
Hinata tightened his lips and put his clenched fists down at his sides. "Well how about you? Don't you know any of their numbers?"
Not this again. Iwaizumi thought, he mentally face palmed. He was not used to this, but he was used to getting mad real quick.
"I know some, but I also know that anyone that I can call would get us into trouble." He said, masking his real knowledge of any numbers of his teammates besides Hinata; he wasn't a typical social guy and barely called anybody but his own parents or the coach.
Hajime sighed and placed a hand on his hip, he looked off to the side. He didn't like the thought of these two being on their own and too far from their houses; they barely got along outside of volleyball it seemed, plus he was tired of the arguing already. "Alright, you can come and crash at my place if you want." He spoke up to overthrow the voices going back and forth.
Both Hinata and Tobio stopped talking and looked at the ace.
"My parents are out on a vacation trip to the Caribbean Islands for a couple of weeks, I'm sure they wouldn't mind me having over guests; they tolerate Oikawa enough so I am sure you two would be fine as well." He returned his gaze to the crow duo and was greeted with expressions of shock that quickly turned to ones of gratitude; the shorty's was more dramatic than the lackluster setter's.
Kageyama gaped lightly, quite surprised that Iwaizumi was this considerate; it might have been the circumstances that opened the opportunity but the ace seemed okay with it.
They both made a small bow at once.
"Thank you." They both said in unison and lifted their heads.
"Sure, just don't make any messes and we'll be cool; I already have to clean up after Trashykawa every single time he comes over. …Pain in the lazy-ass." He finished with a low mutter knowing that Toru only seems to be lazy-like at his house likes he's being catered to. Iwaizumi motioned his hand to follow and began walking with his hands now shoved into his coat pockets, the two followed closely behind. He started to wonder why he'd even do such a thing, he wasn't exactly friends with either of them and Oikawa would flip at the very thought of him having them over. Not that it mattered, it was his house; not Toru's. Besides, why not return a favor? They gave up their time and practice to see Oikawa and even use it up to search a replacement leg for his friend. Not to mention their respect to Oikawa, that had to account for something even if the moron thought little of it.
…
The three made it to the Iwaizumi residence after about twenty or so minutes of walking, on the way Hajime even pointed out the direction of the hospital as the passed the intersection with the building several blocks down and barely visible behind a line of various buildings that included shops, recreational, general goods, and pharmacies. Both Kageyama and Hinata took in the sights and made mental notes of what the place looked like so that they wouldn't get so lost again, they also made it a personal goal to get along better so that they wouldn't be thrown out after getting a roof over their heads and not being forced to walk home.
They talked to Aoba-Johsai's ace along the way, asking about the team and where Iwaizumi was going to go after graduation. Hajime didn't have much of an answer for the latter question but spoke about the team and said that they 'were' doing okay but it would be a tougher time without their lead composer, he has faith in them but they are not quite to the level of self-dependency without the third-years. It would take some more time and effort. He went and asked his own questions as to how the team was fairing and if the second years would come close enough to meet the standards of the 'soon to leave' third-years.
Kageyama, though quiet most of the time walking said that Ennoshita was making good progress and becoming a lot like Daichi; a good captain in the making. Kinoshita and Narita needed a bit more time but could flourish well in their little ring of support with the aid of Nishinoya and Tanaka as the main supporters.
Iwaizumi then asked what they have accomplished today and was answered with an 'okay' answer, not much within the timeframe they had but it was better than nothing and a decent start.
…
Iwaizumi turned the key and pushed the door open, he left the living room lights on knowing that it would likely be close to nighttime by the time he came back; only he expected to talk to Oikawa as much as possible but didn't get to. Oikawa barely said much when there was so many concerns that a typical conversation between them could go on for weeks, that was the proof that the setter needed time to himself.
"Welcome, just be sure to take off your shoes and set them next to the door; one of my parent's rules."
Hinata and Kageyama didn't protest, they took off their shoes and ambled into the living room. It was quite a good size for the house with a large leather-black couch and black living room table to match. The carpet was a nice and clean shade of pearlescent white with walls a shade of a very faint almost-white teal.
One of the first things Kageyama noticed was the photos hanging from the walls, there was several; about half of them were of family photos or pictures of a younger Hajime. A few of the others though had Hajime standing next to Oikawa, there was also volleyballs in them. To his surprise there was even a team photo from back at Kitagawa Daiichi, he moved closer to the picture and seen his old team. Oikawa was in the middle spot before the team, being the captain was reason enough, Iwaizumi was right next to him and smiling though he didn't grin much even back then. Kunimi and Kindaichi were side by side on the right with other teammates, both smiling too which was surprising. Opposite of them were more players, but in the main back on the far left there was the younger version of him; he wasn't smiling like everyone else and standing slightly apart from everyone else like a sore thumb. He remembered well why he didn't smile or even try to be normal that day, but now that he thought back on it; it was pitiful and he found himself suddenly caring less and feeling sour.
"Go ahead and make yourselves comfortable, the TV remote is right next to the lamp and I have some newspapers in the desk beside the couch if you'd like to read. The coat rack is next to the door. I 'm going to make something to eat; just hope you like some mild chicken curry or agedashi tofu. Or I could order some delivery if necessary, depends if you guys are hungry; I didn't have much to eat myself today."
Hinata made a small bow and licked his lips. "I'll eat whatever you make, all of that walking has made me hungry again." He said earnestly while yanking off his volleyball coat and hanging it up. When Iwaizumi nodded and headed for the kitchen he turned his head to the side to see Kageyama glaring at a framed photo and walk over to the couch, he sat down and grabbed the remote from the side table and turned on the TV, his expression hinted distraught and annoyance. Hinata moved away from the kitchen entrance and walked over to the photo that was close to one of the living room's window, he gaped as soon as he saw it. It was the old team of Kitagawa, Kageyama was a team player in it and yet he looked the most out of place and it was his first year too. This made the middle blocker tilt his head to the side in wonder, he wondered why Kageyama was so … so… he couldn't exactly put his finger on it at that second but then instantly found the word when he noticed how happy everyone was but him. He was alone and kind of dejected.
But why? How? The last he remembered of that old team was when Kageyama appeared to be the captain and was commanding everybody to fill their roles and try harder even though they were winning, he didn't look so frightening in the picture; not like he did in real life when he faced off with the setter for the first time and became his rival/teammate. Whatever happened to that innocent looking boy though, the young first-year middle school boy? He frowned deeply, he knew the setter always had a passion for volleyball; his skills and determination to win at everything showed that so how could he become so cold and callous when he was playing the sport that everyone else enjoyed too?
"It's a stupid picture, disregard it."
Hinata turned back around, Kageyama wasn't even looking at him but apparently knew that he was interested in the photo. "Kageyama, why are not smiling? Everyone else seems to be happy so why not you?"
The setter only narrowed his eyes but still kept his focus on the TV screen but not actually paying attention to what was on. "It's not important, I was younger and that is all." He replied coldly, obviously hinting that he had absolutely no desire to talk about it.
The orange-haired shorty took one last glance at it before walking away and towards the couch to join his sullen partner, it didn't look like he was going to get an answer but then again maybe there was no significant reason. He admitted that even in his preschool days he wasn't a fan of photos, but it's not like it's hard to smile for three seconds. He sat down on the opposite end of the couch and adjusted himself on the leathery texture, from the corner of his eye he could see him still being quiet and watching something on the television. Maybe there was something to it after all?
…
"May I have so more?" Hinata held out his bowl and Iwaizumi blinked, for someone so small he could sure put food away. Amazing.
"Sure." Hajime stood up from the table and walked over to the stove before bringing the rest of the cooked meal, he placed it down and took the rest of his homemade curry before resettling on his seat. "At least none of it's going to waste." He added with a small smile and reached over to pluck up some tofu. "Oikawa doesn't eat much, not unless its milk bread or spicy flavored ramen, picky bastard."
"This is good Hajime-san, can I have the recipe?"
"You're out of luck, it's my mom's secret." He finished with a low chuckle. "It's takes a touch of a few hot spices, soy sauce, and fresh chicken, I'll throw that as a hint." He watched the two eat as he finished the last few bites of his tofu, Hinata was particularly happy; which seemed to be his set mood while Kageyama like always, was quiet and dejected. He barely ate anything and forced himself to when he noticed the host was looking at him. "You don't have to eat if you don't feel like it." Hajime pointed out, Kageyama placed his bowl of curry back down and set his chopsticks aside.
"I apologize." He lightly bowed. "It is good, but I'm not all that hungry right now. Oh and thanks for the hospitality," He made another short bow. "I don't get the opportunity often to visit others so forgive me if I appear impolite."
Strange, but then again he's right; he's never been the social type. Plus he seems to be thinking a lot lately, just quiet and gazing at nothing particular; like he's lost in thought. Today has been a rough one for all three of them and the team, as well as the coaches, but no one had it as bad as Oikawa. "It's no problem. Really." He said simply. "Maybe we all need some rest?"
"Yeah, I guess that is what I need most." He agreed standing up.
"Take the couch. If you need to use the bathroom then it's upstairs, second door on your right. There's a pantry next to that door, you can find some bedsheets and a few pillows in there."
"Thank you again." He nodded and ambled out of the kitchen quietly.
Hinata waited for him to leave the room entirely before turning to face Iwaizumi. "Hey Hajime?"
"Yeah?" He asked getting up from the table himself and collecting some of the dishes.
"I know that you, Kageyama, and Oikawa-san used to be on the same team and go to the same school, I saw the photo from Kitagawa Daiichi on your wall and Kageyama wasn't happy with it; it's like he was out of place. Why? Has he always been like that?"
Hajime scraped the bowls out into a larger one and stacked the dirty ones next to the sink. "I can't honestly say that I know. He's always been that way as long as I've been around him, he even seems that way now." He said, now corking up the sink and running water in it, he poured dish liquid and started to dump the chopsticks and small cups first into the soapy fluid before adding the bowls. "Actually, he wasn't as near as bad as he is now. Back then he was just shy and quiet, didn't think much of it. He got along with everyone and had passion for the club and sport like we all did, he played hard and had skill so I never saw a reason for him to turn out the way he did."
Shoyo pushed himself up and grabbed his and Kageyama's dishes before walking over to set them on the counter, he scraped the food out. "Someone like him couldn't always have been that way right? I mean, we're always going at each other in terrible situations and all that but this time it feels different, it's been like that ever since we overheard our coach. He's much tenser and twice as bossy and grumpy, he's also been more quiet too. I thought that maybe it was Oikawa-san losing his leg and not being able to play volleyball but he seemed to be better after getting some help from Kunimi and even you. However, after looking at the picture; it's like he's down and struggling to get back up. The photo wasn't even that bad."
The ace glanced at Hinata from the side. "Well haven't you considered that maybe he's not looking at the picture as much as he could be looking at the meaning behind it? Or looking back into the past actually? I know that this sounds odd but some people mostly keep pictures not just because they're looking great and all but remembering back to a time that they've captured and could revisit."
The short one blinked, that was interesting.
"Maybe there's something he's been suppressing? All I know is he was better but not much of a talker then. He was obedient and took compliments lightly, worked overall well with the team when he played and during team practices he was a decent match for Oikawa. I can't say that I know much more than that, or if anything big happened to him while I wasn't around. What I do know is that he changed very much when we left him, it's like he became obsessed with winning and wanted to do anything to achieve victory. Like to become better as if to outdo his senpai, all because of that award and recognition Oikawa got as the best setter." He picked a rag from a drawer nearby and began to scrub a bowl. "Maybe it was jealousy or he was just following the steps of the teacher to be like him or better? Only he knows. But why he was distant on his first year, maybe it had something to do with Oikawa? That seems to be the only other reason for his change that I can think of. Trashykawa can't help but be jealous of a prodigy when he's had to work all of his years to get to where he is now as a setter."
"That's not much help." He softly whined.
"The only thing you can do to get the answer is ask him yourself when the time is right, right now wouldn't be that time but maybe later when he's not so stressed?"
"I suppose so." Hinata sighed while moving to the ace's right and running some rinse water into the other side of the sink. He wanted an answer now, if only to talk it out and relive some stress from his partner's shoulders; talking things out and getting them off the chest usually works.
"Thanks for helping by the way."
Hinata lost his troubled frown and beamed. "Well it's the least that I can do for a free meal and a place to stay for the night."
"It's no problem but thanks, I'm used to having company over so it's nothing. Now why we have the time I would like to ask you a simple question if you wouldn't mind." He said, stopping his current task of cleaning.
Hinata paused in his place and furrowed a brow. "Uh? Okay, sure. Shoot."
Hajime continued when he received a nod. "Now I know you're short and all, but just how in the world do you jump so high?"
…
Oikawa blinked and found himself walking down the street of his home town while heading nowhere in particular, he noticed that he was wearing his casual volleyball training clothes minus the jacket. He had on his teal Aoba-Johsai volleyball t-shirt, which was strange since he remembered that he wasn't playing that sport or in that club anymore. He also noticed that he was even wearing his white and teal school pants that he liked to jog in during the early mornings before weekend practice, but the strangest part was he felt himself walking on a solid leg, not his real one but a fake that he could feel bound around his kneecap and the short stub. There was no telling unless he checked but he didn't seem to care at the moment, he was glad to at least be moving. He was walking again and it felt okay, not exactly normal like he remembered on his real one but it was okay. His left ankle was kind of sore somehow but he was able to walk just fine.
He blinked again when he suddenly heard footsteps next to him falling out of sync with his, they became increasingly louder along with the sounds of cars driving by, wind rustling through the leaves of trees, people talking in the distance from the other side of the street, birds chirping, and the soft buzzing of buildings with outside heating and cooling systems. He dared to move his gaze away from the street ahead to see who was walking beside him, his orbs widened and he wanted to stop walking right then but couldn't find the power to do so. Walking quietly next to him was none other than Tobio-chan, a couple of inches shorter than him with his hands pocketed in his volleyball jacket; that unreadable expression he often wore masked his face.
Why in the world was he walking next to Tobio-chan? He couldn't find an immediate answer but nor could he withstand his kouhai walking so close by him and acting as if it was okay; Oikawa didn't even want to be seen walking around with this stupid-face Kageyama. Surprisingly, Tobio wasn't paying much attention to him nor showing off his adversative expressions, but even making a turn down another street the guy was following without a care in the world and shooting random glances at him from the corner of his eye. Oikawa picked up his pace and managed to walk a little faster but Kageyama soon matched his with only slight hesitation, well that was annoying; he was definitely being followed by his inferior.
Oikawa again picked up his pace and even came to an abrupt stop, Kageyama mimicked him to his distaste; he even stopped but with an uncertain expression as to why his superior stopped suddenly. Toru began to walk forward and Tobio followed once more, the older setter showed a distasteful scowl and even huffed at the shorter player but Kageyama shrugged it off and followed like a lost pup adopting its guardian.
"Why are you following me?" … There was no immediate answer, but Tobio looked as though he was thinking. "You know what, don't even bother to answer. Just go away." He started to move quicker and found himself growling rather lowly with a twisted face of annoyance that could best describe that of a childish one when those footsteps rematches his.
"Go away Tobio-chan, you don't even live around here and I sure don't want to be hanging around with the likes of you so be off with you pest." He scoffed with a haughty attitude and flick of the wrist. "Fly off back to your team- your- friends, if you could even call them that." He flashed a contemptable grin, hoping it would piss the underclassmen off and get him to leave. Again he failed.
"I don't come around here often, and I don't even get to see you play anymore." He replied rather blankly. "You're heading to your last game of the year now; you're last play on Aoba-Johsai, I want to come watch. What's so wrong with that?" His words were rather quiet but he didn't seem annoyed one bit.
'Creepy little stalker.' Toru thought to himself with his eyes narrowing and his brow twitching. "You always watch but never learn, so there's no reason to be following me at all." He then blinked and came to a stop at the end of the street at the crosswalk. "Hey wait a minute, I don't play volleyball anymore!" He shouted with a fist raised at his kouhai who walked a few more steps and came to a stop in front of him. "I was taken off of the roster!"
Kageyama turned around, his expression was still unchanged; calm and collected and this pissed Toru off further. "I wasn't born yesterday."
These simple words not only threw the ace-setter for a loop but they also ticked him off and he let himself show more agitation than he would normally allow, masking was the only way to keep himself from bringing physical harm to the underclassmen that he almost struck years ago out of rage. Sometimes ignoring wasn't enough, this was a said case. Oikawa tightened his sneer and placed one hand on his hip and kept his coiled fist at his side. He mentally chanted 'composure' to himself over and over silently. "I- don't- play-anymore." He muttered.
Tobio then gave a quizzical kind of look with his widened a bit and his frown not so deep. "Uh, you still do, remember? You were in yesterdays practice match against our team, we won two out of three practice games."
"What?!"Both of his arms were now at his sides and being held outward from his shock. As if what he was hearing wasn't already confusing and believable. It sure in the hell wasn't! It's impossible!
"You had to sit out halfway through because you twisted your left ankle and couldn't keep balance without it and stay on your prosthetic completely, we got the upper hand without you there and managed to finish up with wins for the last two games."
"That's impossible." Oikawa smirked dangerously with a noticeable popped up vein on his forehead, he was losing composure fast; it would be easy to tell that he was showing anger than displaying his fake joy.
"You don't remember?"
"Of course not, because all I remember is being tossed out of my team like a useless piece of garbage and abandoned by my coaches after a freak accident that I unfortunately survived. I lost my leg, my number, my team, and now my place above you!" He said louder than intended and even poked the younger guy on the chest roughly with his index finger, his Kouhai of course didn't seem happy about that but looked as though he was denying something like the little dense setter he was. "And if that is not enough to satisfy that simple little mind of yours, I'll never again be able to beat you or get my revenge on the court from Ushiwaka-chan! Now I'll never get to beat him. So no, I don't remember." He finished with a smartass tone.
"But you have to Oikawa-san!" He shouted but got nothing but a cold glare. Kageyama frowned and even narrowed his eyes a little and placed a hand upon his chest as if showing some honesty. "Look, you might not remember, but I do. For proof we're even heading towards Aoba-Johsai and you even have your bag."
Oikawa jumped a bit when he removed his glare and noticed that he did have his bag fastened over his shoulders and laying against his back. He was surprised at this but it meant nothing, he probably just wasn't paying attention and went without notice. They were however; on the right street heading to the private school that was partially visible from where they were standing and he wasn't even trying to go there. Oikawa only raised his nose upward and crossed his arms. "So I'm heading to school, that means nothing."
"Wait, you just don't want me to come, that's it." He made a face that seemed only mildly surprised. Tobio suddenly made a small bow. "You don't have to lie. Please, allow me to watch you participate; just this once?" He asked sincerely.
"No! And I'm not lying!" He growled, fists clenching tightly.
"Please? I don't know if I'll ever get the chance to watch you again!"
"Forget it! Leave!" He snapped once more.
Forget composure.
"Oikawa-san- Pl-!"
"I said NO!" Oikawa trudged a couple steps towards Tobio, enough with his stupid rival and his nonsense he thought. "No! Never! I don't play volleyball anymore so just go and get the hell out of my life already!" Oikawa shouted and suddenly used both of his arms and shoved his kouhai away from him with a strong callous heave, he's wanted nothing more than to make Tobio go away and pushing him felt good; if only for a brief second before he realized what he had done.
Time slowed. Toru's expression dropped almost instantly when Tobio yelped and started falling backwards towards the busy street, the lights were green. Mahogany eyes widened in fear, his arms were stretched out still but frozen in place.
Kageyama yelped and stumbled backwards a couple of steps from the force and he lost balance at the very edge of the sidewalk, his expression was of shock as he slipped right off the elevated concrete and fell right towards the pavement, but just before he could even hit the ground the sounds of a loud car horn rang out followed by a sickening thud of impact and screeching tires.
Everything went white.
…
Toru suddenly lifted out of his lying position with eyes widened and his lungs desperately trying to catch his breath he was gasping for air. Sweat rolled his face and he lightly shook. He looked down at his hands, they shook.
