Author's note:

I'm listening Meat loaf-I would do anything for love recently. Replaying it over and over again. Thinking over the recent two chapters and maybe regretting all the fuss and all... Well... I can't really have her sit on the stands all day can I?

I want her to be reckless. Selfish and selfless. I want her to be rude and pleasant at the same time. Well... don't mind the twists and turns in the story, there will be more of them.

I downloaded the whole Eyeshield21 manga actually and am now writing at the same time as reading it. So the storyline is coming along slowly, painfully slowly... but I enjoy writing it so shush.

Anyway... There were no reviews for previous two chapters... at least not yet.

I am actually not angry anymore... but more of disappointed. There are some stupid stories out there with 200 reviews and mine must be absolutely horrifying for not deserving at least one once in a while.

I write for myself... Well... if I correct myself. I write for myself but still have this little wormy hope inside that someone. Someone will appreciate and like my story enough to leave a review and tell me about it.

When I read on my computer, I always review the story. Not every chapter mind you... but always at the end of it. This mind of mine tells me if I will do it, then maybe people who will read my story will do the same.

Fat chance.

No reviews... and I am still updating. Just for the heck of it I think.

After all... I love Eyeshield21. And I love One outs. And I love Hiruma and Tokuchi more than any review that was ever written to me. So thank you very much and enjoy the story.

By,

Arwenia

…

Hiruma pov

I expected a commotion on the field when we prepared to start a game. But I never expected that Oujou coach will act so desperately and send Shin in the game. He really is a fine player. Very strong lineman and with the fastest speed in high school.

Forcing Sena to intimidate him was so hilarious I barely contained myself from laughing. Shin's cold and intimidating posture and Sena's hunched shoulders. Once in a lifetime sight, mind you.

While trying to make us look a threat, the second down started.

Before it even started, Shin's spear tackle easily stopped Sena. The third down ended with Shin getting a hold over Sena again. I knew there is nothing else than just relying on Eyeshield's abilities and Kurita's strength to block Ootawara away.

To throw the ball to the midget would be a suicide. He is as bad at catching as in being confident.

But after Shin managed to get a touchdown we were still two points ahead of them.

…

Niah's pov

By the time I got out to sit by Mamori, we were losing by a lot. Shin was just too good. Their team was just too good.

Too strong, too agile, too quick... Their passes were delivered without fail. Their line was without holes. Their speed was in Shin. And Shin was just beyond their capability to handle.

When the first half ended it was already 35:8 for them. And after the first half Sena vanished from the field and with him every chance of victory went down the drain.

I stood slowly, bracing my chest and tip toeing after him.

He probably went to the bathroom and when I realized he went to change, something inside me broke. It was pitiful. It was really pitiful.

Kurita and Hiruma's dreams just went down the drain.

…

3rd person pov

„Do you see, Sena?" Niah whispered into his ear, turning his head to look at his playmates.

„I... I..." He was taken aback by their injuries. He was not the only one hurt. They were also.

Some of them were binding their ribs, or massaging their arms and wrists. Cracking necks and spines. Sweat everywhere.

And still they felt sad because Eyeshield21 went home, feeling sad because they could not protect him enough.

Sena felt ashamed in his selfishness.

Even Hiruma cringed every time he stepped down on his right foot.

„When you play in team sports... You always place your team in front of everything. They place you in front of their every injury. You are their hope Sena... Don't take their hope away..." Sena knew that winning in this situation was not easily achievable... but he really wanted to believe it.

When he looked at Hiruma and saw the passion when he gave orders. When he saw Kurita helping everyone get bandaged. And when he looked to the side at Niah, he found a new resolve. And before everyone noticed, he was already gone.

…

Niah pov

„What did you say to him..." Hiruma asked me while I bandaged his injured ankle. He cringed every time I pressed too rough at the swollen skin.

„Just the basics..." I shrugged off.

„Basics my ass... You probably poked his pity points or something..." He cringed again but was barely visible.

„Or something..." I smiled and he ruffled my hair while securing his foot in the shoe.

„Anyway... thanks. That way we still have 0.1% chance of winning. Without him we would have zero."

„Don't thank me yet... He still has to come back and play." And before I finished my sentence Sena was already standing there in all his Eyeshield glory.

Hiruma's face made this evil smirk and he chuckled, weals turning in his head making plans.

…

Time skip

But after the third quarter the 1 in a billion chance to make a difference ceased to exist. The score was 58:8 and only one quarter till the end of the game. It did not bode well with the team captain.

After looking at the time and realizing there is only 4 minutes and 45 seconds till the end, Hiruma gave up.

I wasn't shocked, mind you... but I wasn't pleased by his attempt to walk away.

„It's a game over..." He said, pulling the helmet off his head and putting it harshly on the bench.

He turned toward me and said: „You can coach trough the rest now... I'm going home."

While the team wanted to change his mind, to talk him into trying till the end and stuff like that, I observed him.

He started to walk away.

„So you are a coward..." I whispered and he visibly flinched.

„I didn't know you are spineless and can't accept a loss like a man..." The air chilled visibly.

„You know nothing Ghost... You know nothing..." He said, his head turned slightly to the left and on the patch of grass by his feet.

„I know enough that you are abandoning your team. That is cowardly enough for me." Everyone were silent, watching Hiruma turn and walk toward me. He took a hold of my neck and brought my eyes up to look at him. He was cold angry... rationally angry.

„Trying without the winning intent is meaningless... You know that from your own profession Niah Anaya, the so called running prodigy, right?"

„There are so many intents to run the game Hiruma. Some people play to stay in your good graces, so you won't bully them into oblivion. And some of them intend to become better and better trough the game..." He didn't know where my foot was sticking.

„You did not notice that Eyeshield21 is analyzing Shin's tactic and becoming better and better with handling him. You did not notice that he is becoming even faster..." He was taken aback.

„And you want to walk away on people who came here, willingly or not, to help you achieve your goal! On people who did their best, and trample everything what was done today just because you are disappointed with result!" I pulled him closer so it was only me and him.

„I almost died today and you will just walk away? Grow up will ya?" I walked pass him and into the building, not wanting to see his decision. Not wanting to see the end of it.

Hiruma pov

Shock would be an understatement. I was just bullied into staying. I turned to look at her back, she was leaving. I knew she will be going home... on her own.

„Just a little... I might... I might take Shin on..." Sena whispered and I only noticed now that he really had the resolve to end this. He was exhausted, we were exhausted... But he still wanted to beat him. And that was enough to change my mind entirely.

The game started.

…

Shin pov

Even before Eyeshield21 managed to bump into Sakuraba, he was getting even faster and faster. If I weren't in total control of my mind and body, I would be saying I am getting aggravated.

While we prepared for the final showdown, Eyeshield21 charged in. After being delayed by Kurita and Ootawara, I ran after Eyeshield.

I was catching up on him, reaching my arm out to tackle him. I was almost there where he sped up and ran with the speed of light.

Just watching him run away and manage a touchdown was infuriating. And at the same time inspiring. I finally found someone who shows potential.

Eyeshield21 is a mystery. And if he is so fast that I can't touch him... it is no use no matter how strong I am.

…

3rd person pov

The game ended with 68:14 for Oujou White knights, but the Deimon Devil Bats weren't as crushed as they could be. After all... Eyeshield21 managed to beat Shin in speed. At least... the other non official last minute team members weren't.

Hiruma and Kurita were crushed, but Hiruma didn't show it. In spite, he managed to show the TV team they are recruiting members at the Deimon high. That managed to convince the public they weren't bothered by their humiliating loss.

…

Time skip, Niah pov

Everything went back to normal. Even my exams. I did not have any opportunity to talk to anyone. Especially Hiruma. I did not want to talk to him.

Somewhere between the class Sena sneaked a photo on my desk. It was a photo of me flying trough the line. After hardly convincing him to lend me the rest, I looked trough all of them.

When I stopped reminiscing, I pocketed a picture of Hiruma and a picture of me and stood to leave. After all... I had a second exam tomorrow and will eventually transfer to another class.

Not exchanging words with Sena, I left the classroom and went home.

…

Sena pov

I had a feeling she was still angry with Hiruma when she left the classroom. And I heard she passed the Economy exam today and has another one tomorrow. I didn't want to bug her into staying, but my thought were eventually interrupted by Kurita and Hiruma himself.

Finding about the second opportunity in the fall, about another chance of attending Christmas ball, was great. I mentally prepared for a second encounter with Shin. I wanted to play against him again...

I need another harsh training. And for that... I need Niah. Or at least Hiruma.

…

Time skip

The new club room for Devil bats was amazing. I was awe-struck when I saw it. Really amazing.

„Woow... It's so... I don't know... New? Shiny? Casino style?" And in the back in Hiruma's office everything was strictly professional and office like. The shower part in the back and the rest of it was the same but cleaner and shinier.

I was thinking about the encounter with the monkey boy from baseball club. When Hiruma mentioned recruiting I immediately thought of him. When he caught the ball from jumping on the street... When he caught the ball on the baseball field. It was amazing...

If we could recruit him, we would at least have someone capable of catching from the distance.

„The replay of the match will start soon." Hiruma stated in the middle of cleaning his gun. He turned the TV to the side so everyone could look and we settled around it to watch.

When the moment of my tackling and almost killing Sakuraba-san came, the TV presenters chose to roll the answer Eyeshield21 apparently gave.

While glaring him into oblivion, absolutely strucked, I planed to tell Niah-san about it despite the fact she will probably pound him to death.

I never said something like that! I would never say something so... Hiruma like.

…

Next day, Niah pov

I was sweating. A lot.

Apparently someone was trailing me to the school. Someone vaguely familiar... but I didn't see who. And I will be late if I don't hurry up. I have an exam and I could barely study last night because of the game replayed on TV and the painkillers lulling me to sleep.

I only prayed to all almighty deities for my passing.

When I entered the school ground I loudly exhaled. I was now invincible. The thought of someone following me was disturbing but I was in no way afraid. I had enough of things on my mind today.

While passing the hallways I noticed several posters about recruiting members in our football team. I was pleased to find the posters really interesting and intimidating. Someone definitely had a touch for art and advertisement.

While sitting in the lone classroom to wait for the teacher, I went trough the basics and sharpened my pencil. My pen worked alright.

When the teacher came we went trough the verification and he handed me the test. I started to write and after the rough beginning everything else went easy.

…

When I was done with exam I was free to go and transfer to the same class as Hiruma and Kurita. I was somehow divided because of sudden choice I had on the matter. Well... there was really no choice. I had to transfer to the upper class and finish my education but the sudden freedom from both school and Hiruma felt delightful.

We had things to talk about. Both pleasant and not. And I did not want to talk despite the fact that I had to.

Maybe I should contact Shin. I missed Shin. And he was probably worried about me. Maybe we should go on an ice cream or something. We had things to catch up. More... talk... to exchange...

Maybe not.

Some days... just have to be for brooding in silence.

…

When I went home I saw Hiruma releasing the school beast from its binds. Even I knew better than feel sorry for Cerberus. He really was the dog from Hell... And so was Hiruma... Hiruma, the Commander of Hell.

„Commander of Hell..." I chuckled. It suited him really well...

And like he felt me chuckling at him, he turned his head in my direction. My smile faded and I continued leaving the school ground. I had no wish to speak to him today. Not really.

And like he knew what I wanted, he let me go. He didn't even chuckle when he set the dog on Sena.

…

The following day, Hiruma pov

She was acting weird. And I didn't like it. But I didn't give a shit.

Well... That is not exactly true but I have enough thoughts on my mind to stop thinking about it. I have to find a receiver, and quickly.

While throwing the ball at random people, searching for at least an ounce of talent, I grew relentless. Or pissed off actually.

But when I threw at the monkey boy I saw standing beside Sena... I could not bite back a grin. I finally found someone to catch my throws. If I manage to change his mind and force him to sign in... then I won't need to throw trough that damned hole ever again.

Anticipation and smile grain of joy bounced inside me with the speed of sound.

I threw him in the box with football balls and kidnapped him, while laughing like a madman.

…

Niah pov

I knew there was something going on when I went to take a peak into the club. Hiruma grinning like a madman while dragging the poor little bastard behind like a prized possession. And that boy happened to have a hole in his pants. I snickered.

I walked in right after they entered the club and found myself in the company of all recent members... with one unfortunate victim.

„What's his story Hiruma... Once again someone forced to sign in?" I said and all but him turned around to regard me.

He apparently ignored me and I just sat down while Kurita offered me a hot chocolate. They discussed the membership but the guy could not be swayed. He really liked baseball too much. Pity.

I talked with Kurita about his most prized recipes for cakes and chocolate chips. He wrote me down several of them but I knew I can't afford to buy all the integredients. But Mamori was also into the discussion and we soon debated the absolute rule of cream puffs in baking industry. Of course I lost the battle... but in no way I lost the war.

The discussion soon wandered off onto the other, more peace revolved stuff and I didn't even notice Hiruma and the other boys gone. Even Kurita.

Mamori and I turned off the lights and locked the door before leaving.

„Well... you are not so bad after all..." She said to me while we walked out of the school ground.

„Well thank you. You're not so bad yourself! But the supremacy of cream puffs will not be forgiven..." I said with a straight face which brought amused chuckles out of her.

„Don't tease me or we will again fall in a heated discussion. I didn't know you like chocolate so much... Why chocolate?" She asked me while prancing back and forth.

„Well... my mother used to make chocolate. She was really good at it. I suck... actually... And we didn't have chocolate on our disposal... many times... How can I say it..."

„It was rarely at home." She offered help and I nodded.

„It's the same with cream puffs for me you know... They were not around really often..."

„You talk like they are people..." And she laughed. She got weird every time she talked about cream puffs, my gosh she was weird.

„Anyway... We part ways here. Take care of yourself... it's a late evening. Watch your steps!" She hurried away, waving at me and smiling. I was happy. She was my first girl friend.

…

When I walked pass the child playground I found Hiruma sitting on top of the bench, smoking. I found Sena spying, looking at the top of the slide and when I traced to where, I recognized the guy Hiruma was coaxing to join a few hours ago. And apparently he didn't stop.

„Oh man... He never stops."

While waiting and listening Hiruma's comments, Sena's reactions and this Monta guy's dumbness I silently snickered.

Apparently the big bad boss who tortures everyone into signing in, is Eyeshield21. And the poor guy who can't resist doing it, is Hiruma.

I could barely bite back a laugh that hilarious it was. Especially with Sena only standing there, not being able to defend his honor.

When they parted ways I walked to Hiruma.

„Since when do you smoke?" He smelled strangely like weed but I wanted to hear the answer to that first.

„Since I was twelve... But not regularly, no." He was surprised to see me, but not that happy.

„And it's not tobacco from the way you smell right now..." I suppressed the urge to cringe my nose, but I was standing so close to him and the smell was strong.

He lead us back to the bench and I gladly took a seat. I knew we had to talk.

„It's a spliff." He said casually.

„Spliff?" He looked at me and right out laughed.

„You don't know what a spliff is?" He laughed even more and despite my best abilities, I blushed a deep red.

„I don't know alright... I never smoked before."

„Do you wanna try? I won't force you you know..." He said.

„First tell me what it contains, surely there are some suspicious integredients..." my voice trailed off.

„It's a mix between marijuana and tobacco. Usually it's half/half. It looks like a rolled cigarette but tastes better..." He commented, amused by my expressions.

„It's a drug." I said a matter of factly.

„Yes... and no."

„It's a drug." I said again, not swayed by his comment at all.

„Yes. It is a drug... But it's a natural tranquillizer or a sedative... It also eases the pain." I looked at him like he grew a second head.

„I know I'm not that informed about it but hell... Did I pound you into the ground so much that you have to smoke that or what?"

„Actually... no. My father came home." I stopped breathing for a moment. When I collected my thoughts I continued.

„Is something wrong Hiruma? Something you want to tell me..." He chuckled, but his eyes held this sadness inside which disappeared immediately.

„Ordinary stuff... I don't want to talk about it." He shrugged.

„You can come live with me if it bothers you..." I blurted before I even thought about it. I blame it on the smell.

He turned to look at me while rolling the joint... or so called spliff.

„Do you mean it? I just might take you up on the offer." He was never so desperate before. It looked like he was trapped and despite the fact he was giving me space to retract the offer, he wanted it to be true.

„Of course... We are so called boyfriend and girlfriend you know... And first of all... we are friends. So you are welcome to stay at any time you want." I had no heart to push him away. Despite his evilness and manipulation and the strike to shoot people into oblivion, he was pleasant. And dependable. And sensitive.

I just might like his company if he behaved.

But we had to clear up some things...

„We have to talk about things before I let you in..." It sounded malevolent.

He turned one eye on me while licking the rizla rolling paper, sticking it so the whole thing was intact.

„Manager thing?" I nodded.

„I actually wanted you to be Sena's personal coach. You are not fit to be the manager. You suck actually."

„How the heck do I suck at being a manager!" He looked at me like I was the only one not realizing it. Maybe I was.

„You don't have the needed connections Mamori have with student council. She actually has readable writing and is too much fixated on Sena to be our opponent. One of the reasons Mamori is the manager is so I can supervise her while Sena trains."

I pouted. Little droplets of tears started to form in the corners of my eyes.

„I don't write that bad..."

He sighted after inhaling for the first time.

„Actually you do... As sad as this sounds..." I folded my hands across my chest, feeling pouty and aggravated.

„You're a meany Hiruma... I hate you." I turned the head sideways, lower lip trembling.

„I wouldn't want you otherwise..." He chuckled madly and slapped my back so I almost fell of the bench.

While I was composing myself, dignity pushed aside, he offered me the joint.

„Wanna try?" He wasn't being pushy, just generous.

„Is it true about the pain subsiding?" He turned to look at me, regarding me for any visible indicator about the pain.

„Well... It can force the pain away but you must make more than one smoke and it usually works with pure weed." He admitted and I politely declined.

„Maybe next time then... I wouldn't want my pain killers to react with that some way or another."

He nodded and rolled the end of it on the side of the bench, removing the ash.

„Want to come tonight..." I asked him.

„Okay... But I'll have to get some necessary stuff from my house..." He said.

„You can walk me home and I will give you my mother's key. Then you can enter the house tonight when I'm already asleep and settle down." I offered and he accepted.

When the last smoke left his lungs he squashed the remaining filter in the ground, following me home.

…

„Here you go... When you get back I'll either be in the shower or already asleep... So... make yourself at home okay?" He ran down the stairs, only looking back if I locked the door like I was supposed to. It was cute.

…

Hiruma pov

She felt exceptionally generous or she felt pity... either way I was grateful for it. It would be such a hassle to get an acceptable apartment without fees and any unnecessary outflow of money. She just made my day.

And I was tired. Really tired. I barely walked there and back, even packing was too much hassle.

Father was out and it was easier for me that way. To avoid him was hard... so when I didn't have to see him, I felt even better.

When I finally walked to her seventh floor I felt blessed. Those stairs were deadly, even for me. While tiredly trying to unlock and finally managing it, I walked into the apartment. I set aside the suitcase and took off my shoes.

I am certain I will get used to her apartment very quickly, it strongly reminded of her personality. I lowered her mother's keys on the kitchen table, only noticing now that it have several trinkets. But I was in no mood to explore them and I just let them lie there.

I wanted to get to sleep when I noticed the light under the bathroom door. Inside, it was quiet. Too quiet.

„Ghost!" I knocked on the door twice, slightly wincing the whole door. There was no answer.

I tried the handle and it gave away easily, letting me pear inside. There was that little bath in the middle of the room and I could barely see her head in it.

„Ghost?" I asked again but it was weird that I got no answer. I walked into the bathroom, straight toward her.

When I noticed she has fallen asleep in the tub I jumped forward immediately, pulling her out of the water.

„Niah! Niah wake up!" I was not sure if she had her head under the water, if she was breathing or not. But when I wanted to give her first aid I felt her breath on my chin, I visibly relaxed. I let the water out while holding her.

„Stupid brat... Giving me creeps..." She was asleep in my arms and when I found a bathrobe hanging on the handle, I clothed her in it and scooped her up. She snuggled closer to me and I leaned my head on hers while opening and closing the doors to her bedroom.

Familiar space encompassed me and I walked to the bed, pulling the sheets apart and tucking her in. When I stripped myself to my underwear I jumped in and pulled the covers back. The nights could get cold.

I was lying on my side, turned toward her when she snuggled closer to my front, her little tiny hands hidden between my chest muscles, sucking warmth.

I fell asleep, barely realizing I pulled her even closer.

…