On Black Wings
Chapter 7: Volleyball Dorks and a Wheelchair.
A/N: Alright another chapter! Hope you enjoyed the last one, I even went back and added more to the dream to make it so much better and give more depth. There's a couple of add ons and more dialog but nothing overly changeable. Title is subject to change but quite amusing for now. Thanks for the reviews guys, very encouraging and I can't thank you enough! Now really and enjoy.
…
It was hard to fall asleep much to Hinata's disappointment, he figured that walking most of the day, spending so many hours looking at a computer screen, eating two full large meals, dealing with coaches and people, and mostly Kageyama, that he would be very tired and be out as soon as he laid his head on the pillow; it was unfortunately not the case. The Karasuno decoy sighed and looked at the ceiling of the living room, his arms were back behind his head and he used his hands to support his neck; the floor was no place to sleep but that wasn't what was bothering him at this late hour. Sure, he was offered a cot tucked away in a closet full of stuff and would have to had help dig it out with Hajime a couple of hours ago; but he decided that he didn't need it that bad. Extra bedsheets underneath him made it tolerable and it wasn't really that bothersome, not what he had on mind and this out of nowhere energy that wouldn't let him sleep.
He tried to close his eyes many times now and let his mind wonder off on its own and lead him to that much needed rest, it was unfortunate that he had yet to find it; not with that picture on the wall within his sights and that young Kageyama on it devoid of happiness. It was dark with the lights off but with the full moon shining through the windows and basking most of the room in its glow painted almost everything in a pale tint, so Hinata could see pretty well actually and that photograph was lit up like most of everything. Kageyama's younger face was too. He's known the setter for quite some time now and even saw the stubborn guy as his friend; although he wasn't so sure if Kageyama thought of him the same way, he always referred to him as a partner if anything and sometimes teammate in games. There was usually nothing more than that, which is why he kept looking back to that photo, something in his mind told him that Kageyama was keeping himself closed off and taciturn. Well, actually he was coming out of his shell even before the nationals; he was trying to fit in even if he did it awkwardly. He was definitely looking more like a teammate and being more considerate since his beginning at Karasuno, but he hasn't just quite gotten that close to everyone; not like what Tanaka-san would do such as slinging an arm around a teammate and giving a thumbs up with a big smile. Now he was real close but still hesitating for some reason, still excluding himself at times when everyone wanted him to take part in real merriment; it's been a while now and he has yet to call anyone on the team a friend.
Hinata didn't let the possibility of him already considering everyone on the team his friend already be out of thought, for all he knew he himself might just look like a friend to that hard-headed setter and not know it. Kageyama was never too good with words nor showing that well-hidden warm side of his; the feeling of true joy, directness, and contentment, Hinata figured that maybe he was just wearing a curtain to hide it all and yet for a reason unknown. The reason would have to come out one day or another, and hopefully before the third-years graduate which would be coming soon. Thinking about the said setter, Hinata lifted his upper torso off of the ground and leaned forward to stretch his back some; he then moved his gaze away from his covered legs towards the couch.
There in full glory of the moonlight was Kageyama sleeping on his side and with his face completely visible and beaming with the pale glow. He looked so at peace with a 'not so deep' frown, lips slightly parted, slacken brows and eyelids, hair somewhat disheveled and sticking up in few places, and with a tiny trail of drool seeping from the corner of his mouth. The bedsheet he had on him was a bright pink and it was only partially covering his lower torso, he was laying on one of his arms that kept the pillow on the side of his head with the other laying close to his face like he was young and innocent.
Shoyo tightened his lips and struggled to keep himself from chuckling at the sight before him, he hasn't seen Kageyama asleep much but this was purely gold. He held a hand over his mouth and giggled lowly before crawling away from his makeshift bed towards an outlet nearby that had his phone charging, he was using a spare charger that Iwaizumi let him borrow so that he could call Seako first thing in the morning. He pulled it off and crept back over on his tiptoes with a mischievous grin. "Smile Kageyama." He whispered very quietly and snapped a picture with his cellular device, he looked on his phone and smiled so much that he could barely contain himself. It was one of those rare moments that he would ever get to see Kageyama look different from his normal stoic demeanor; now he had a keepsake to look back at whenever he wanted.
Hinata turned the device off and sat back down on his spot on the floor, his smile faded some; nearly the whole day has been nothing but stressful and irritating to the dark-haired teen and he handled it as best as he could. He even tried to keep calm; despite earlier today when he butted heads with the coaches. Kageyama fought to keep composure at the library and even tried to show gratefulness and thankfulness to Iwaizumi-san and Kunimi, it had to have been difficult for someone like him but he braved the strong winds and made it out of the storm okay. Hinata noticed how little by little Kageyama was showing more of himself in a different light, showing that as a kouhai with a terrible senpai that he still had respect and care. He showed that he was more open to his teammates of old when he could barely talk to them beforehand and was begrudged by them. And at last but not least, showed strong determination to see things through, he has only ever showed it in volleyball or in his small rivalry with Hinata but to put it towards something else entirely was amazing on its own. Hinata suddenly felt like running from the enthusiasm. Though the effort put in involved volleyball, it was partially Kageyama's will to even go outside of the sport to make their goal happen; it's not everyday anyone would see Kageyama going to the library willingly, let alone spend time trying to surf the web and figure stuff out regarding prosthetics and prices. Everyone knows that he would rather practice or … well… practice with his teammates. He barely did anything else as far as Hinata knew. Maybe homework? Who knows?
Hinata laid back down and pulled one of his sheets over him and stared out the window at the bright sphere, despite a long and eventful day; he was strangely happy now and not just because of the great snapshot of the setter he took, though it did bring much joy on its own. He was relieved to see Oikawa-san in a better shape than he imagined out of his self-created horror, thrilled to realize that Kageyama was changing and in a good way and getting to see him improve in person, grateful to get to know Iwaizumi more; who was actually less intimidating (but not by much) and sort of friendly and helpful off of the court, and now that he had a general idea as to why Kageyama was so standoffish. Normally anyone wouldn't find a particular eventful day like this one to be a good one, but unlike most Hinata had a different outlook and high hopes; he had confidence like he did for Kageyama's tosses in a volleyball game. Blind ones or not!
It was a work in progress but Kageyama was getting better a little at a time, maybe solving his aloof demeanor mystery might just bring out the best of him; just maybe. Only time and talk would tell.
…
Oikawa pulled back the wrapping of his milk bread snack and bit into it, it was great as always but he found it difficult to enjoy the sweet savory taste that he always anticipated in every bite. Usually he would eat it down quickly in large bites because he just couldn't get enough, but this time was different; he was merely eating the left-behind snack from Iwa-chan he presumed; just to take his attention away from his dreaded thoughts for even a brief moment. It was now daybreak with the sun beginning to rise but still hidden by the rooftops of the nearby buildings He could see out the window not too far from his bed, thin fog lingered in the air and a few birds flew from the trees nearby. The sky was a nice color, shades of oranges and golds with a touch of faded pink and periwinkle blending into blue. But with even minor distractions it wasn't clearly enough to keep him away from his current thoughts.
He finished the bread sooner than expected and grunted in annoyance, he wish he had much more or could at least fall back asleep and dream of playing volleyball again; which was his most reoccurring and yet favorite dreams to have.
When he tossed the wrapping aside he placed his hands back into his lap and stared at them, they were still jittery to his annoyance and no matter how hard he clenched them they'd still shake faintly; all because of that stupid dream and his hands that turned it all into a nightmare. Even his two wrapped fingers hurt from the slight bending but he didn't care. That sickening sound when Kageyama fell back too far… it almost reminded him of-. Oikawa almost wanted to puke right then and there, his eyes widened briefly and he threw a hand over his mouth; it was nearly the same sound that he heard when he was struck by a vehicle and tossed to the ground with a slight crunching sound of bones breaking like when two of his ribs snapped in his collision and his elbow cracking on impact with asphalt. He swallowed back the bile and grimaced, this was no way to start a morning.
In a desperate need to keep himself from vomiting, Toru reached over to his small bedside table and picked up a near-full bottle of water, he twisted off the cap in a rush and hastily drank all of its contents in one go; the cool sensation brought much relief to his now burning esophagus and he could exhale in respite. He still felt sick to his stomach to his dismay.
He squeezed the bottle and crunched it up some with his good hand, he was still trembling even with his hand occupied. It annoyed him that his hands were still shuddering even if it was barely much at all, he didn't like his kouhai at all but he'd never shove him into oncoming traffic like that. Tobio can rile him up sometimes just by displaying his skill alone but never enough to make him fully snap and do such a thing, although he had once tried to strike Tobio; but back then Oikawa didn't have as much control and collectiveness as he did now. He appeared to be losing it, but no; he'd never really do anything like that. Not even now when Tobio was now a million miles ahead of him in volleyball, Oikawa himself felt like a fallen warrior or general; the only weapon he had left was his words and maybe his wit.
At least that was something that he would always have over Tobio-chan, that kouhai of his was considered a genius in the way he handles the ball but he's no genius academically; Toru himself wasn't all that great either in academics but was definitely smarter than the bird-brain setter and had more game sense at the sport. The small smile he made thinking of that made him feel a little better, actually a lot better; he suddenly felt a tiny bit useful.
'Can't surpass your senpai at everything Tobio-chan.' He thought to himself with a self-satisfied grin, it was sort-lived however when he realized what he said to himself. 'Senpai.'
…
"I don't know how hard it might to believe this but he called you Oikawa-senpai earlier. Tobio did. Actually he said it twice if I recall correctly Trashykawa."
…
Iwa-chan and his many surprises. "Twice." Toru said quietly to himself, he wondered what would ever possess Tobio to say such a reverential thing and more than once; he mocked the guy and refused to teach him many times. He even told the gifted kid not to call him that back in middle school, all because he didn't want to teach or support anyone who could and will one day surpass him; san- fine but senpai- no. He would one day feel inferior in the sport so why take the title of superior to begin with? Tobio was still the underclassmen but for him to say his name with senpai meant real admiration in spite of his growing born talent, after the past three now almost four years; he finally breaks his resentful but respectful obedience and on his own terms? It was pointless was it not? The younger has become his own little arrogant self-teaching setter, or maybe he had help from people actually willing to teach him or whatever. Either way, Oikawa didn't care anymore; well not enough at the moment. Tobio was so dumb.
Oikawa twisted the cap back onto the bottle and tossed it to the waste bin across the room several feet away; it landed in perfectly as if he was setting a volleyball, how much of a sour reminder that suddenly was and how much that throw now made his right arm ache a lot. Oikawa winced and held his arm at his stomach, he stretched it a little too much and might have possibly made the fracture worse. He prayed not. And to top it off his chest started hurting too and he hadn't had his dosage of pain medication since the last six hours, he wouldn't get to have another until at least eight or eight-thirty which by telling from the clock on the wall; that would be another two to three hours at best. Oh lucky him.
Oikawa glared at the unmoving hour-hand on the clock and sighed, two hours was too long and there was no way he was getting back to sleep with the pains of his leg stub, arm, elbow, hand, and ribcage. Plus he was getting a headache and wanted not to finish that stupid dream.
His expression fell and he closed his eyes with a tense pout on his face. Why did this have to happen to him of all people? He wondered. Why?
"Glad to see that you're not such a lazyass this morning."
The unexpected voice had Oikawa tense up full-body for a long second, his expression melted to an anxious smile and he loosened up and looked towards the door, he rubbed the back of his neck when he saw Iwaizumi walking to him. "Oh morning Iwa-chan," He chuckled faintly. "I did not expect you to drop by so early and so… unexpected." He finished the last word with a hint of annoyance. "So glad you came to check up on me so soon, thought I was going to go crazy from boredom."
Even looking at the current expression Oikawa wore showed how he was doing, that fake smile. In that face he could see a faint show of pain and mental stress, he was trying to mask it like always, dumbass. "Cut the crap Oikawa, it's too early for that. Getting sick of the fake shit, be real for once; I don't care how well you want to seem it changes nothing and it pisses me off." Hajime said sternly as he walked over to the bed, he was wearing his usual volleyball attire since practice would start later today towards lunchtime, he pulled off his bag and placed on the floor carefully.
"So mean Iwa-chan." He said without the childish tone he would normally use, he spoke solemnly and without a smile; there was no getting past Iwaizumi when it came to pretend.
"How much do you hurt?"
Oikawa blinked and looked to the side a bit, the pain had intensified since waking up; tossing the bottle made it worse in certain places and he wouldn't get relief for a little while. "About as much as yesterday morning, everything hurts but my arm and ribs are stinging a little more. I still have a few hours before the next dosage."
He nodded. "Isn't that a pain in the ass? Sorry to hear that." Iwaizumi sat in the chair next to the bed, he noticed the milk bread was gone as was the water bottle. "I see that you at least ate this morning, that's good. I'll see if I can bring you some actual food after practice today, you'll need to be saving your strength up for when you leave. By the way, did the doctors tell you when you'll be released from the hospital?" He asked.
Hearing even the word 'practice' made Oikawa deepen his frown and seethe on the inside, he would never tell Iwaizumi to quit just because he couldn't play volleyball with him anymore; it was just that he now hated the fact that he couldn't ever play it again. He had a feeling that he might even come to hate volleyball itself over time if it was shoved in his face constantly and being reminded over and over that he can't enjoy it like he used to. He certainly did not want that, he still held that great love for the sport and the feeling of hitting the ball, getting the air in his jumps, devising up plans during timeouts, working with the team, and of course winning; hating it was out of question. For now.
"They told me I will be released on Tuesday, in that." He finished with a vacant stare and pointed to the side of his bed without even looking at it, he really didn't want to look at it.
Hajime saw the black folded up chair leaning against the wall and frowned, he kind of saw that coming.
"They brought it to me last night after you left, they told me that I would be getting out of here in a couple of days but would be confined to the wheelchair because my health insurance wouldn't pay for anything else. Then to make matters worse they're bringing in my arm sling this evening, they say that I rely too much on my fractured arm; I barely use my left but they'll make excuses for anything to pile more onto the bill."
"But I thought they said the fracture wasn't that bad." Iwaizumi countered.
"It isn't, but the nurse caught me using both arms to sit up and got all 'worried'; she doesn't even know who I am or that I am a volleyball player even though my face has been on TV many times now. My luck right?" He lightly shrugged with agitation. "Just a reason to 'appear' worried but not be, hospitality around here is fake at heart. Plus, they're trying to feed me tasteless or nasty junk Iwa-chan!" He said more loudly while emphasizing his point with a more heated expression and a visible vein on his face. "Disgusting tasteless trash."
He would have honestly laughed if the current situation of Oikawa's if it didn't reflect what he couldn't do, he might have even said something along the lines of 'well that's what you get Trashykawa' but it was out of place and very insensitive; even for Toru after he had been kicked off of the team and told of his uselessness. "It can't be that bed right?" It would have to do.
Oikawa made a noticeable fake grin. "You can have my next plate and taste for yourself."
"No. I think I'll pass." He said crossing his arms and leaning back. "I had a feeling you was going to complain about the food."
"Well, I can at least thank you for bringing me something decent around here." His grin faded to a more neutral and true smile. "So thanks."
"Decent?" Iwaizumi felt a vein pop and he narrowed his eyes some. "That chunk of bread was the freshest at the bakery, it also costed extra to have it super fresh and wrapped." He complained.
Oikawa gaped for a second then felt a drop of sweat form on his forehead, he chuckled lightly and made a peace sign with his good hand. "Did I say decent? Silly me Iwa-chan. It was good… yeah… good." He finished with his gaze trailing away from his friend and back to his open palm, it would be a lie to say that he enjoyed it so there wasn't really nothing left to say other than his appreciation and he already did.
"Well good." There was really no more time for delay, he could already hear faint voices from behind the door; the crows were probably picking at each other to pass time. He was glad Oikawa didn't notice, he was probably thinking again with so much still on his mind. "Anyway, you got more visitors this morning."
"Oh really?" Toru then showed a more hopeful and curious expression towards Hajime, a hope that it was his mother; though the hope was small it was still there. Forget dad, he just wanted to see his mom. "Is it Mo-"
"No." Iwaizumi quickly informed, he noticed that this broke Toru's slightly optimistic expression. "Sorry but no, we still haven't gotten a hold of her or your dad. Coach Irihata is going to try and get a hold of their work numbers later today if we can't reach them by lunch."
"Oh." He said more blankly and redirected his gaze back to himself. "So who is it? Fans? Teammates? The coaches? Like I need any of them right now."
"Nah, just Kageyama and Shoyo."
"They came back?!" Oikawa gaped silently for a long second as Iwaizumi confirmed with a slight nod. Oikawa's frown deepened and he crossed his arms carefully; he clearly showed how little he cared and how much he didn't want to see them, and boy did he not want to talk to them either. "Tell them to leave Iwa-chan," He stuck out his better arm and waved his wrapped hand as in a gesture to 'shoo' before returning his sore limb back to his chest to recomplete his adamantly annoyed posture. "Tell them that there's no more visitors for today, I am in mental and physical distress; I just need some alone time and some peace and quiet."
"Bullshit." Iwaizumi said narrowing his eyes a bit, his voice sounding a little sardonic, he then stood up out of the chair.
Toru knew he wasn't fooling his friend, but he had as many excuses as he could possibly think of to keep away unwanted visitors; especially those bothersome crows. "I'm not meaning to oust you too Iwa-chan, no offense. I just don't want to talk to them or see them." He stated clearly. "Now you can stick around if you'd like."
"Why not? Because someone other than me or the team actually gives a shit about you? Or, is because you can't stand your kouhai?"
Yes … and after last night's dream? ... Definitely yes.
"One who not only can overcome obstacles and get over the walls that you can't, but is a prodigy that will one day overshadow someone like you? Don't think that I don't already know this Shittykawa." He raised his tone from annoyance, it was a 'here we go again' moment. "I'm not too happy about it either but why keep acting this way now when the truth is more inevitable?"
He had to give Iwaizumi some credit, he knew much but Oikawa's pride was too strong for admitting particular things aloud or even to himself at times. But then again, in his current condition and no longer being considered a volleyball player or having the ability to play made him a 'nobody' really; it was more painful to know and even more so to hear his 'past' partner's own mouth speaking more highly of stupid Tobio-chan. Oikawa's frown deepened and he laid back down, he adverted his eyes away from Iwaizumi down to his hands that were now resting on his stomach; his missing leg was partially visible in his vacant stare. His friend was right, no matter how much he wanted to deny it, even with his leg and still playing; he knew that there was some walls that the crow could fly up over but Toru himself couldn't even begin to scale. He was basically rooted to the ground with stunted growth in a sense, just staring up the wall but never growing enough to see over the top. Tobio was always considered special and gifted; even if his attitude, personality, and oppressive nature dragged him down and tarnished his rep. He had a keen game sense during play that would show on occasions, he was slowly picking up on tactical moves and applying himself and his teammates. He was making more calculations, thinking more craftily and swiftly, picking up moves from others and perfecting them in his own way to better himself and the team. Kageyama was adaptable and always improving and without those walls blocking for too long. One day he would surpass Oikawa and this kept the star-setter bitter towards the younger player, even if this realization started back on the last year of middle-school nearly four years ago. He never wanted to be exceeded, the title of best setter in the prefecture was his and he worked so hard for it for years, so much time and dedication, so much practice, and countless efforts to improve; all to just be taken away by someone who doesn't have to try as nearly as hard.
How could he not be jealous or rancorous of Tobio now?
But it's not like it mattered now, being kicked out of the club and handicapped only showed that he was already in the crow's shadow who was still able to continue playing and building a better name for himself and Karasuno. He would continue to fly high and reach greater heights while Oikawa himself would remain an ingrained crippled mess; like a plant that had been trampled on and permanently bent out of shape.
Hajime was not surprised by the long moment of silence and watching the fidgeting of fingers, although he was used to receiving some sort of comeback when it revolved around volleyball and most times Kageyama; but with Toru like this he knew that there was no way for the stuck-up to make himself seem better this time around. Well, maybe be intelligence and strategic wise if anything. Sometimes he wished he could just smack Trashykawa's face into the cement wall of truth and have him taste the bitter grains of his own pride and narcissism, even if just to remind the setter that he was jealous and never wanted to admit it to himself.
"I'm letting them in." He stated simply and walked towards the door.
Oikawa shot a glance at Hajime's back. "Don't do that!"
"Too bad, they didn't get to speak with you like they wanted to yesterday so I said I would get them in here today before anyone else arrives. It's only fair." Plus for what they are trying to do, he didn't mention.
"Fair? It's not even fair for me to be in here, just tell them to go home." Oikawa made a pouty face and cautiously shifted his arms to fold them when Iwa-chan ignored him and opened the door. He was in pain, couldn't fall back asleep, had a headache, crippled pride, and now two bothersome crows coming to annoy him, this was not his morning.
The door was opened. "Okay you can come in now, sorry in advanced if he seems like an ass; he's still in some pain and won't be getting any meds for a while. Not to mention that he apparently woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning too."
'That's only part of the reason Iwa-chan.' Oikawa said to himself bitterly, he shifted his eyes over to the sound of footsteps walking into the room without turning his head to acknowledge them. His eyes then widened just slightly when he spotted the deep blue orbs looking into his once again, Tobio's gaze was the same pleading eyes as yesterday's; desperation, anger, and worry reflected from them once more but now there was a hint of pity… and relief? And was that anxiousness in his actual expression?
Disgusting.
Oikawa dropped his eyelids a little and looked away from them and towards the window with a blank look, he wondered what the both of them were going to say and how long to stay. He hoped not for too long. Two minutes maybe? Hopefully.
Kageyama was relived, Oikawa now seemed to have some sense of self composure and the way he looked at him was just like the way he always did during games or conversations but with less hostility and irritation; although for a second he looked a bit surprised. It was probably nothing. Kageyama felt himself tense up and not even by that glare his upperclassmen would often give him, he didn't even know where to start with a conversation; not sure what to say first. Granted, there was a lot on his mind and things he wanted to say that he didn't get the opportunity to do so with Aobo-Johsai's team and coaches there to block him out or distract; but now that he had the chance he found little courage to begin properly when face to face. How could it be so difficult? It shouldn't but it certainly was now. Being rivals made it no easier.
"Morning Oikawa-san!" Hinata suddenly said aloud with a big smile and wave of his hand, this made Tobio stiffen up a little from the abrupt sound in the midst of a long moment of silence.
Toru didn't reply or even turn to look at them, he just continued to look out the window.
"Hey, don't go and ignore them or I'll come over there and flick that nose of yours Assikawa!" Iwaizumi pointed and shouted.
This threat made Oikawa go rigid for a second before he unfolded his arms and raised his hand and mutter a quiet "Hello." Without even looking at them.
"Ugh." Hajime moved a hand up to rub at his head with a groan, Toru was acting like a drama queen. "Seriously? You're supposed to look at people when they talk to you idiot."
Shoyo blinked, Oikawa moved his head away from the window with a heavy sigh and made the effort to look at the Karasuno visitors; he didn't look happy to see them but that was expected of the experienced setter. "You alright Oikawa-san?" He asked carefully.
"Fine, I'm fine." He replied lifelessly while still lying down and his movements restricted.
If that wasn't a lie then Kageyama didn't know what it was, he could tell by the tone; Hinata and Iwaizumi probably noticed this too. "Oikawa-san." Tobio began, but he paused soon after. He couldn't stop his mouth from saying the name and grabbing attention but now he didn't know where exactly to take it, his eyes began to wonder around for a short second; desperate for anything to start a conversation on that wasn't related to volleyball.
…
"Hey, Kageyama, Shoyo." Iwaizumi began, he stood before the doorway to the hospital room that Oikawa was stationed in; his face solemn. "I'm going to go and check on him first before I let you guys in, I am not sure how stable he currently is mentally. Before I left yesterday he was pretty upset regarding family issues, but he's been a little better and even fell asleep without a problem; however, he was supposed to get a doctor in to talk to him about his insurance and all that sometime yesterday late evening. I don't know how that turned out but he could be bummed out by it so don't expect to come in right away or get a good attitude from him."
The two nodded in unison.
"One more thing." He said as he grabbed the doorknob. "I know that you have much to say about helping him out and all that but I think it would be best to keep away from anything revolving around volleyball out of conversation for now, he didn't take the coach's words well and it's pretty distressing to be told that you're practically useless and unable to play again. Volleyball 'was' his life and now it might not even mean anything to him anymore, it's hard to give up something like that and he may take offense to the topic. It's a little too soon to talk about the club, you'll have to save that for another day."
"Aww." Hinata lightly pouted, that's the main topic.
Kageyama frowned and sneered to himself but understood well, there goes much of any conversation at all with Oikawa-san when that was the major subject that still kept any connection between the two. He nodded reluctantly.
…
Oikawa raised a brow, he expected a question of sorts but was granted with a long minute of silence and a stare; he wasn't surprised but expected something at least. Even a simple 'hi' or 'how are you doing' would be more interesting than this nothingness coming from his kouhai. "You have something to say? If not then be on your way." He said blankly.
It was embarrassing, even himself thought that he was an idiot for the moment, Kageyama's frown deepened. How awkward, this could possibly be one of the last times he sees Oikawa before he graduates and blows it with silence? It's hard to exclude the one topic that the two were passionate about, but Iwaizumi-san was right; it would be insensitive to mention volleyball or things related. He moved his gaze away from the glaring bedridden setter "Oikawa-san, they're putting you in a wheelchair?!" He suddenly blurted out when he spotted wheeled seat folded up and against the wall, it was pretty close to the bed and unfortunately the one thing that took him by immediate surprise. A wheelchair though? It's pretty degrading to an injured volleyball player.
How embarrassing Oikawa thought with a twitching eye, this was not what he would have chosen to talk about to anyone; especially his kouhai, he didn't even want to use the thing. The older setter forced himself to sit up and he sighed in exasperation. "Unfortunately yes." He said in irritation and looked at the younger setter from the corner of his eye. "I can't use crutches because my left elbow is fractured and has to be put into a sling soon and without a leg I won't be able to stay stabled upright or walk with both of these issues. My health coverage won't pay for prosthetics, I can't even fully afford the medical bill and have to make payments. So my only option is a wheelchair, but don't go and think lowly of me just because I have to be carted around for a little while." The last part he added on without much thought and on what little pride he had left, once he realized what he said he chose not to take it back out of sheer arrogance. Iwa-chan was probably going to hit him for that but it didn't matter at the moment.
"Oh, sorry about that." He apologized lightly.
"Don't apologize, I don't want or need pity." He scoffed coldly.
Kageyama narrowed his eyes and frowned intensely with that malicious look he received, he was just trying to be nice but Oikawa-san could never return a similar gesture. Not back then at Kitagawa and not even now and after the things he said on the older setter's behalf. It was infuriating, he yelled at his elders for this guy. He was disgraceful for nothing!
Hinata noticed that Kageyama was suddenly showing anger after the snide comment, he didn't expect the Grand King to be nice over that subject but he could at least be a little understanding considering Kageyama was trying to be civil. "A wheelchair huh?" He spoke up in attempts to relieve the growing tension, it was like the two were on the court once again. "I bet it would sure be fun to zip down the hallways in one, going so fast and- and-" He finished in a mutter, neither of them had his attention. Well that's just great. Oikawa's stubbornness and haughtiness and Kageyama's horrible attempts for civil conversations and short-fuse have the two in glaring challenge. Shoyo's shoulders sunk and he made a face of mixed frustration and dejection, this was a bad start. "Guys?" He asked cautiously with his hands reaching out slowly.
"Tobio- don't ever think that I would accept sympathy just because I can't play volleyball anymore, or even walk normally; I am just as strong as I was before the accident." He added disinterestedly.
Kageyama growled.
Hajime felt rage building, Oikawa can't even give his kouhai a break and after the shit they went through? This quiet resentment between the two was going to stop, he didn't come here to tolerate crap. He walked over and stood between them, he first turned to Kageyama and gave a scolding expression. "Did you come here for this? Because I sure in hell am not taking another minute of this shit, I know he can piss people off; I know that personally because I deal with him on a day to day basis. However; I had better expectations from you out of this visit so straighten up or leave."
Karasuno's setter gulped and nodded with self-resentment, he coiled his fists. How senseless of him, he could be so easily provoked but let a moment of annoyance pull him in a bad direction. "Forgive me." Was all he could find to say with his head pointed downward some before his respectable upperclassmen.
Iwaizumi then turned around to face Oikawa and flicked his nose.
"Gahhh!" Oikawa cried out and then cupped his nose, he winced as he rubbed it and hoped it wouldn't turn a bright shade of red. "Iwa-chan, that hurts!"
"Then don't go picking fights, if anything you should be grateful to even have these two here. For one they spoke on your behalf if you've forgotten already-" Iwaizumi growled and grabbed Oikawa's collar when he looked away and forced him to look at him with a careful shake. "Then they go and spend all of their day; even giving up practice just to help your ass!"
Oikawa gave him a puzzled look. "Help me? Why would they do that? How?"
"Ask them yourself dumbass, they're right here in front of you." He let the setter go and folded his arms.
"It's because we want to Oikawa-san." Hinata suddenly said, he walked a little closer with a faint smile. "We're not completely sure how to just yet but we have an idea and are going to try. Right Kageyama?" He elbowed his setter companion.
"Yeah." He agreed simply with his gaze elsewhere.
Now Toru was confused, why would they do anything for him so willingly? He tilted his head a bit with a perplexed but composed look. "Why? Saying 'we want to' answers nothing. What's in it for you to gain?" He shot a glance to the other setter. "For Tobio-chan it seems like a legitimate reason of surpassing me, although he already has now that I am discharged from the sport." He noticed that saying this made the young prodigy grow tenser and look a little upset along with anger mixed in. As to why, he couldn't fully understand; it's what Tobio wanted wasn't it? "What about you?" He asked now giving a strong gaze to the decoy.
Hinata suddenly felt smaller with the serious look he was getting from the Grand King, a drop of sweat rolled down his brow line. "Can't someone just do anything to be nice anymore?" He croaked nervously, still trying to think if it would be a good idea or not to explain further.
"Respect you dumbass, we've been over this already." Hajime cut in, ready to end whatever 'this' conversation was.
Oikawa exhaled and shrugged. "Well I suppose not?" He stated simply but wasn't going to accept the answer the way it was; give or take, there was a reason and he couldn't get it out of the shorty unless Iwaizumi rips off his nose. Perhaps another time or when the motive truly shows? Although he wasn't expecting another visit from them, not after the tension in the room today. Oh well. Hopefully they won't come back. Besides, he'll be back at home in a couple of days.
"Oikawa-san." Kageyama spoke up again, less irritated and still looking away. "Um- how long are they going to keep you here?"
And he asks that question. Toru really didn't feel so inclined to answer that or talk anymore to either of the Karasuno players, then again there was a pissed off Iwa-chan. "A couple of days, that's all." He replied blankly for the sake of his nose.
"Oh." Kageyama thought to himself for a long second, he started to wonder how Oikawa-san would do with his arm in a sling and stuck in a wheelchair with two broken fingers. How would the guy even get around? Iwaizumi-san could do it but not all day and every day.
"Look, I just feel like resting now, had a rough night and a terrible dream; been awake for hours before you guys came in."
Hajime knew Oikawa didn't need rest, he just was using an excuse to get them to leave. He was going to have to do something.
"But we just want to talk and see how you're doing." Hinata said.
Oikawa chuckled faintly. "You already know how I'm doing and we've already talked if you couldn't tell, so if you would be so kind as leave now then that'd be great." He said with the wave of his hand and a small smile. "Be off now Tobio-chan and Chibi-chan, I must make up for lost sleep."
A loud ringing sound filled the room and everyone blinked as they looked towards the room phone line sitting on a desk nearby, it continued to chime until Hajime out of curiosity walked over and picked up.
"A phone call, but from who?" Hinata whispered quietly.
"Uh, hello?" Iwaizumi said and he suddenly pulled his head away from the loud sounds coming from the other end. It sounded like a crowd of people and so many voices talking at the same time. "What in the-"
"What's that?" Oikawa asked, clearly able to hear the noise himself.
"Hello! Hello? Is this Oikawa Toru of room number one-forty-one?" Came a more distinctive voice from the crowd, it sounded like the hospital register lady that checks in visitors.
"No, I'm his friend Hajime Iwaizumi, hey what's going on down there?"
"I can't stop them." The voices started dying out as if the crowd was leaving, most of them sounded like girls.
"Them?"
"Stop what?" Kageyama asked, everyone was silent so they could hear the phone.
There was a heavy sigh of exasperation and a few male voices in the background. "I don't know where they all came from but they were looking for Oikawa, a bunch of his fans I think and some reporters too; we don't have enough free personnel down here to keep them from storming up there. I'm sorry, I know Toru isn't allowed to have more than five visitors at a time and we made exceptions for the team; but these people are making their way up there as we speak and there's a bunch of them. Deepest apologies, depending on the blockage of the hallways Toru may not get his medication on time today, I'll let our administrators know for the inconvenience. Keep the doors locked is all I can advise unless he would like to see them. Goodbye." The lady on the phone hung up and left a long resounding hum until Iwaizumi placed the phone back on its hook.
"What?" Oikawa suddenly felt stiff. Seeing his fans now? At a time like this and in his current state? No he didn't play volleyball anymore, but how did word get out that he was here or hit? And reporters… with video cameras?! This couldn't be happening. He leaned forward and cupped his face before slowly moving his hands up and running his fingers through his hair, his eyes were wide. He didn't want to see anyone like this, they probably didn't know that he was an amputee and kicked off of the team. Or they did know and was coming to see him and put him on television? No no no no no. This can't happen, and he definitely couldn't have his shot delayed, the current pain was barely tolerable since the last dosage was wearing off.
"What are you going to do Oikawa-san?" Hinata asked a bit frantically. "Who are those people?"
"They're my fans, some of them; the rest are journalists and reporters." He replied emotionlessly, his mind now going a million miles a minute; and he thought his nightmare was bad? He couldn't be on camera, not like this; not a mess. He just wanted rest, or some peace and quiet time.
Hajime quickly went to the door and turned the door handle lock. "Shit, dammit Oikawa, why do you have to be so damn popular?"
Oikawa held his arms out and faced the ace with a show of panic. "It's not my fault that I'm so likeable!... And amazing."
'Likeable?' Both Iwaizumi and Kageyama shared the same thought which matching expressions of disbelief.
Hajime then sighed, "Well then what in the hell are we going to do Mr. Likable? "
Toru glanced around while trying to come up with an idea but his eyes kept on landing and slightly lingering on either of the Karasuno duo whenever his gaze passed over them. Then like a light bulb going off in his head he suddenly pointed up an index finger on his good hand but found himself suddenly frowning and tilting his head some coolly. "Okay, so you guys want to talk civil and all that? Well I suppose I could but let's make a deal Tobio-chan and Chibi-chan! I'll talk to you guys 'a little', just a little." He repeated. "If- you get the crowd of people to leave, every last one of them. I can't have them seeing me like this, especially the ones with the video cameras. Make them go away and we can talk more. Deal?"
It seemed like a pretty decent agreement. Kageyama and Hinata looked at each other and nodded together.
"Alright then, we'll do it." Hinata said enthusiastically. "How bad could it be?"
