Puppy Love

The next couple of days went by so quickly that Shigeru forgot entirely about his deal with Kyoutani. That calm, peaceful, atmosphere might as well have been in another lifetime. His days were now a flurry of activity, all in preparation for the match against Tokage.

In moments like this, where the air is filled with anxiety and excitement Shigeru was greatful for Izumi Yukitaka. He was supportive, kind, and endlessly patient. Izumi approached volleyball with new eyes, like that of a child. Shigeru honestly couldn't ask for a better faculty adviser, Izumi's dedication and love for the girls more than make up for whatever experience he is lacking. He is often eager to help Shigeru himself, occasionally reminding him to take breaks and not push himself too hard. Might bring him a coffee or something from the convenience store. Shigeru tries to repay the favor but honestly he doesn't know if he'll ever be able to. Not that Izumi seems to mind, he seems eager to help in any way he can. So Shigeru tries to be nice where he can, although sometimes it does feel he's taking advantage of Izumi.

Practice today isn't much different, it's the last practice before the dreaded Tokage match. The girls seem to be growing at an excellent rate, their second year middle blocker making a surprising leap in skill. Other than that the rest of the girls are steady, as they gain more strength they become more confident and grow as a team. There's a fine line one must walk in the world of volleyball, and maybe even the athletic world at large. You must maintain a balance, of unshakable confidence and faith in your team, but never forget to be humble. Even the perfect team can fall, even the best player cannot win alone. Shigeru thinks his girls are on the way to learning that. They're starting to come together as a team.
"You look proud." Shigeru turns his head to the side, regarding Izumi before turning his attention back to the girls.
"I am." For awhile Shigeru just stands with Izumi in companionable silence, watching the girls practicing together. Shigeru is the only one in the gym whos never noticed Izumi's lingering eyes.He doesn't notice the way Izumi lights up when Shigeru looks back. Doesn't see how close Izumi tries to be, and Shigeru definitely doesn't notice the way the other man's expression falls when he is unintentionally turned down. No, Shigeru is blissfully unaware of the professor quietly pining after him. Shigeru watches the girls and feels pride swell in his chest. When practice ends Shigeru calls the girls over, his face going over their expressions. Some girls look confident, some nervous, some give nothing away but all eyes are on their coach as he speaks.
"You girls are improving rapidly, you're really clicking as a team, and your working hard. Your efforts are not wasted. No matter what happens, I'm proud of you girls. You can do this, so go tear them apart." Some of the girls whoop, others whisper to their friends. Shigeru thinks he may have heard an, "oooohhh scary!" He decides to ignore it.
"Make sure you girls get enough rest!" The girls holler and shout, the freshman stay behind to clean, some more enthusiastic than others. Their senpai leave together in one group, most likely enjoying exploiting their kohai and caught in their own little nostalgic world. Shigeru gathers his clipboard, his dvd's, and his other supplies. Izumi was approaching, gathering the courage to ask Shigeru to come out with him. Unfortunately for him, Shigeru's phone went off, it's relentless chiming stealing away Shigeru's attention.

Shigeru takes a glance at the caller and poorly fights the grin spreading over his features. He accepts the call and presses the phone to his ear.
"So," Shigeru starts nonchalantly, "you've finally decided to grace me with your presence. Here I thought you forgot all about me."
"Aww nonsense! I would never forget about my favorite kohai! In fact, If I remember correctly your team has a match tomorrow." Shigeru blinked, a bit taken back that his senpai knew that much, though upon further speculation it should not have been that strange. Oikawa always did like to obsessively collect information, a habit Shigeru may or may not have picked up himself.
"Yeah, we do have a match, what of it?"
"Well, I remembered how you always used to get nervous a day or two before a match, figured you wouldn't mind playing a pick up game! That is if you aren't too tired and out of shape..." Shigeru grinned easily, his competitive streak flaring back to life, "Well sure Oikawa-san, if you think you can keep up," his voice lilting with a thick layer of fake innocence. Shigeru heard the intake before Oikawa's response, no doubt it would be equally as haughty. However Oikawa didn't get the chance to respond, a gruff voice and a yelp interrupting whatever his senpai was about to say.
"Tooru! Quit being an asshole!" Shigeru couldn't help the chuckle that escaped his lips, the whole scene over the phone playing out so familar, that Shigeru could easily picture it in his mind.
"Iwaizumi-san is that you?"
"Hey Yahaba, its been awhile. Sorry I haven't called, I have been busy trying to keep this disgrace out of trouble." An indignant squawk sounds in the background, followed by a string of whines, the sequence of noise so familiar that Shigeru feels years slip away like nothing. He rolls his eyes indulgently as he hears chaos ensue over the phone,. He waits until the chaos dies down a bit before interrupting.
"So when and where is this pickup game?"

"We'll let you get home first and get ready, how about we meet up at the gym near the station?"
Shigeru's eyebrow raised skeptically, Tooru usually preferred the nicer places.
Iwaizumi explains before Shigeru even gets the chance to ask. "I know someone who can get us in for free. Also reporters won't mob us."
"Iwa-chan, I can't help how famous I am!"

Shigeru didn't want to hear anymore bickering and so made sure they didn't get a chance. "Sounds good, I might take awhile. I'll call you when I'm ready."
"Okay~ sounds good! We'll see you than Shi-chan."
Chuckling Shigeru nodded his head, "Alright Oikawa see you soon." He hung up and turned around to see Izumi standing close by his expression strange and far away.
"Everything alright Izumi?" Izumi shook his head, as if the simple gesture would change the sinking feeling in his chest. Izumi smiled half heartedly, "Don't worry Yahaba- san I'm fine, just a bit tired. Was that Oikawa? What did he want?" Shigeru's smile grew more genuine, "He wants to play a pick up game, I haven't seen him since last time he came around so I'm pretty excited." Izumi's perma-smile dropped for a moment, but it was long enough for Shigeru to notice. He put a hand on Izumi's shoulder and squeezed gently, "are you alright Izumi?" Izumi looked into Shigeru's eyes searching for something. When Izumi didn't find whatever it was he let out a sigh and spread on a thin, lackluster smile.
"Everything's fine Yahaba-san, I think I'm just exhausted." Izumi grabbed his things than turned to Shigeru, "I hope you have fun tonight with the volleyball star." Shigeru nods and smiles, "great work today Izumi, as always, get some rest!" Izumi waved before exiting the building, wearing a well practiced smile until he left the school grounds.Shigeru none the wiser.

Shigeru said his farewells to the remaining freshman telling them to lock up after themselves and to stay safe. The girls responded in turn some of them asking for Oikawa's autograph or a picture. Shigeru just sighed indulgently and gave the girls a solid maybe on the fan stuff. Oikawa was already known for his workaholic tendencies. For tonight Shigeru hoped to just spend time with his friends.

First though he had to make it home and so he hopped the bus and watched the world slide by througb his windows as excitement fluttered in his chest. *******************************

Once Shigeru had gone home he spent his time walking Mochi, feeding her and feeding himself a little too. (A protein bar counts as dinner right?) Shigeru than went to his room and picked out his clothes for the gym. Black shorts that were somewhat loose but didn't bag too much and a turquoise shirt, call him sentimental but he always liked his old team color. He turned to see little Mochi padding behind him. This was the hardest part for sure, Shigeru's adorable little girl was looking up at him her little curled tail wagging. Her eyes stayed trained on his, her mouth smiling pleasantly. He was tempted to invite Oikawa over to just veg on the couch, and he would no doubt have to do that, if only to introduce Oikawa to Mochi, but for now getting out and playing a pickup game sounded like a good idea. So Shigeru gave his pup a few extra pats and kisses before changing into his gym clothes. He than gathered his things and threw on his coach jacket before turning to Mochi and placing a few treats on her bed, leaving the apartment before the little chow chow even noticed.

Shigeru felt a bit bad for leaving Mochi but he'd be back in an hour or two and he didn't leave her alone this long normally. So, Shigeru figured that he could cut himself some slack. Once out of the apartment he texted Iwaizumi and Oikawa to let them know he was on his way. Shigeru jogged to the bus stop giving up his seat to an elderly woman. He was glad he decided to wear his coach jacket, originally he had done it to show off a bit to his senpai, but now it was protecting him from the nippy weather. The older woman started to talk to Shigeru, most of it was pleasant and helped the time pass but he could've done without the lecture on wearing shorts in autumn. When the bus came Shigeru eagerly hopped in followed by the old woman, the old woman sat in the nearest seat while Shigeru stood holding onto a handle above his head. Shigeru had to wait for three stops than said his goodbyes to the old woman before running off toward the direction of the gym. It was a five minute jog, as the sun started to set, the moon high and bright in the sky casting silvery light over everything. Finally Shigeru arrived at the gym, he saw two figures standing outside the small gym. Shigeru slowed to a stop in front of them before Oikawa threw his arms around Shigeru patting him hard on the back.
"Coach- san how have you been?!" Shigeru rolls his eyes but smiles at the nickname, "I've been good Oikawa-san," Shigeru turns and nods to Iwaizumi. Iwaizumi smiles warmly and ruffles Shigeru's hair. "It's good to see you."
"Yes, yes, we're all very excited to see Shi-chan, can we please go inside now?" Oikawa whines hopping from foot to foot, he's breathing onto his hands and despite how ridiculous he acts he still looks devastatingly handsome in the moonlight. Shigeru tries to fight off a pout, the whole thing seems extremely unfair. Iwaizumi roughly takes Oikawa's hand and pulls him inside the gym, muttering something that sounds suspiciously like, "what a giant baby." Oikawa doesn't seem too upset and in fact looks quite smug as he says, "Aw Iwa-chan, you don't need an excuse to hold my hand." Rather than respond with hitting or yelling Iwaizumi turns an impressive shade of red while leading them into the court. Shigeru can't hold back the giggles as he hears Iwaizumi once again scold Oikawa for his "shitty personality," despite the fact they're still holding hands. The whole scene is still new and yet extremely nostalgic. He only wishes that the rest of the team could be there, but no doubt Oikawa's planning on getting a party together. So for now Shigeru basks in the familiarity and warmth of his friends company, their bickering a soundtrack even as all three boys pull volleyballs out of their gym bags. The three boys chuckle and begin stretching and start with light practicing Shigeru and Oikawa both taking turns serving to Iwaizumi.
"So Oikawa how are we going to play?"
Oikawa looks at Shigeru and grins, "Oh well we're waiting on Iwaizumi's kohai, seems he's running a bit late." Just then the door bursts open, the sound all the more loud with the court's echo. All three men turn to look toward the doors where a familiar man stands his scowl looking like murder. He wears a short sleeved shirt a jarring red against his tanned skin and bleached- yellow hair. He wears baggy shorts and a steady glare that slowly scans the room, before that glare lands and sticks to Shigeru.
"What the hell are you doing here?"
Shigeru can't stop his knee- jerk reaction, he rests the volleyball against one hip and a dangerous smirk spreads on his lips, "Came here to win."
Oikawa grins, "Is that so? Coach-san, I had no idea you knew Mad dog-chan."
Kyoutani turns his glare on Oikawa, "I think your nicknames have gotten worse." Oikawa decides to ignore Kyoutani's comment ducking under the net, and joining Kyoutani on the other side. Kyoutani seems to throw a wary glance to Oikawa before turning to look at Shigeru, his gaze so intense that Shigeru finds he can't look away. Oikawa adorns his famous intimidating smile, his chin tilted high in the air a hand on his hip as he looks at Shigeru, looking every bit the "Grand King" he remembers leading their team. His eyes turn towards Iwaizumi and light up, his smile somehow growing ever more sharp, "try not to be too upset when you lose Iwa-chan."
Iwaizumi chuckles, but his eyes are alight with excitement, glued to Oikawa as they slowly size him up, "I can't wait to wipe that stupid grin off your face."

"Ooooh so scary Iwa-chan!" Kyoutani doesn't bother with smack talk just leveling Shigeru and Iwaizumi with glares as he rolls his shoulders.
"Careful Kyouken! You need to stretch first." Kyoutani wrinkles his nose at the nickname but shakes his head "stretched before I got here," he barks holding his hand opening while still looking at the players across the net. Oikawa shrugs and tosses the volleyball to Kyoutani who easily catches it one handed before getting in position to serve. Shigeru blinks in surprise, he had expected Oikawa to serve first. Oikawa always took these things seriously and his senpia's serve was the deadliest Shigeru's ever seen. When Shigeru turned to look at Iwaizumi he saw him taking it seriously, his eyebrows furrowed as he prepared himself to receive. Shigeru stood closer to the net so that maybe, if he is quick enough he might be able to block or slow the ball's movement. Kyoutani threw the ball into the air and then ran up his body filled with tension as he sprang up into the air, then all at once the tension snapped all the built up power in his muscles releasing. Shigeru barely saw the ball before it had landed on the floor on his side. Iwaizumi had managed to reach the ball but the ball bounced off wildly to the wall. Shigeru narrowed his eyes at Kyoutani. His shirt had risen a bit from the impact of his serve, enough to reveal the deep v of his abdominal muscles as they disappeared beneath the stupid basketball shorts. The spring motion of his body seemed to be centered around Kyoutani's abdominal muscles. Kyoutani's abdominal and back muscles must be intense... Shigeru shook the thought out of his head, and looked up at Kyoutani's face where a delighted, almost boyish grin graced his face. Most people managed to look softer when they smiled, Shigeru had even caught a soft smile or two on Kyoutani, this smile was bright. It wasn't strictly the most charming or even the biggest he'd seen but that grin held so much energy.
"Mad dog-chan that was great!" Kyoutani's eyes widened before he scratched his head and nodded once. Shigeru felt himself growing frustrated, would it kill Kyoutani to say thank you? Oikawa though, didn't seem to mind at all just grabbed the ball Iwaizumi lobbed over the net and spun the ball in his hand. Both Iwaizumi and Shigeru tensed up preparing themselves for the serve. Oikawa tossed the ball into the air, ran, and sprung up to meet it. Shigeru still could hear the famous "oooooooolllee," that always accompanied his serves. Oikawa was all smooth movement and practiced perfection, the ball slapped his hand with incredible force. The ball zoomed fast, too fast to even see before it was too late.

Iwaizumi grunted in irritation, but their was also a hint of pride there as he eyed Oikawa.
"Are you impressed yet Iwa-chan? Are you falling for me all over again?" Iwaizumi clicked his tongue his eyes narrowing at his partner, "You realize you'll be Iwa-chan soon too right?" Oikawa gasped, his cheeks glowing bright red, he brought his left hand to his mouth, coincidentally the hand with the simple silver band. The three other boys watched Oikawa turn into a tomato as Iwaizumi chuckled sheepishly and scratched his head.
"Oh yeah that's part of why we came home, I'm marrying this idiot." Shigeru smiled happily at Oikawa, who had been pouting but his eyes were absolutely sparkling. Remnants of the flush before still leaving his face a pleasant pink, Oikawa looked the picture of happiness and Shigeru could feel his own happiness swell to meet it. Iwaizumi was less obvious but Shigeru had known him long enough, besides his love for Shigeru's senpai was so deep and so obvious that anyone could tell. They were best friends all their lives, they were competitors, and they waited far too long to become lovers. A small part of Shigeru felt envious because as much as he thought soulmates were bullshit Oikawa Tooru and Iwaizumi Hajime seemed to break all the rules. They beat all the odds, they became olympians, they were going to be married, they were two parts of one whole. Everything about them was extraordinary and Shigeru couldn't help but wonder what that would feel like. But, most likely Shigeru would never experience a love built of galaxies and miracles, Shigeru wasn't made of the stuff.
"You'd be amazed at how quickly being an Olympian gets old, all you really need is one gold medal," Oikawa shamelessly bragged.
Iwaizumi rolled his eyes and grumbled, "Why am I marrying you again?" Kyoutani rolled his eyes, "You guys are gross, lets just play the fuckin' game." Everyone seemed to go with the change of plans, though Shigeru found his tone unnecessarily rude. They played a two on two, which as it turns out is a vastly different game then 3 on 3. Shigeru's breaths came out in gasps as he pushed himself to keep up with two fricking Olympians and an animal. He was playing with people who were especially talented, which at this point was expected being Olympians and all but Kyoutani was surprisingly strong, Shigeru couldn't help but watch him. He was intense in everything he did, and Oikawa, who could bring out the best in anyone seemed to find Kyoutani hard to control. He also didn't seem to know how to balance his energy giving every receive, spike, and serve one hundred and ten percent, Shigeru admired that, even while finding it wasteful and stupid. After awhile though it was obvious that they couldn't keep up, Shigeru ducking out first. Kyoutani sat himself down after an impressively long time, grabbing his gym bag, and sucking down a water. Shigeru watched, his eyes catching the motion of his adams apple bobbing as he gulped down his water. There was a flush high on his cheeks from the exercise, his eyes were closed, Shigeru could count his eyelashes. Not that he would.

Kyoutani finished drinking from his bottle, a stray drop of water dripping down his chin before he wiped it away with his forearm. He caught Shigeru's eyes on him but then huffed and looked away. Fucking rude.
"You know they might be at it for awhile," Shigeru said motioning to Oikawa and Iwaizumi still practicing on the gym, the former tossing to the latter. "I didn't say shit, You know you're really combative," Kyoutani said as he sat down a few feet from Shigeru.
"Can you spell that for us please?" Shigeru's mouth helped answer before Shigeru's brain could weigh in. Kyoutani's snapped his head around and glared at Shigeru, his eyes burning into Shigeru's.
"Sorry you just hit all my asshole buttons," Shigeru replied sheepishly a fake smile on his face. He lifted the water bottle to his own lips drinking slowly and savoring the water, even if it was room temperature.
"I think you're just an asshole," the other boy responded gruffly. Shigeru chocked down his drink and than glared at Kyoutani, "You're the asshole, who treats their elders that way?!" Suddenly there was a series of claps that tore the arguing men's eyes from one another. They both looked up to a smiling Oikawa, an unimpressed looking Iwaizumi on his tail.
"Now, now I thought you boys were friends! Come on, lets go to the convenience store and pick up some drinks and some snacks, we can hang out at our place.

******

All four men had gathered their things and left the gym. The night air was refreshingly cool against Shigeru's overheated skin and even Kyoutani seemed to relax a little. Most of the silence was eaten up by the engaged couples endless bickering. Meanwhile Shigeru and Kyoutani were silent, at first the silence was more awkward but as their walk continued they both seemed to completely relax. Shigeru couldn't help but peek over to the man next to him.

Kyoutani hadn't noticed the eyes on him yet, his breaths came steadily out of his mouth creating little puffs of smoke in the frigid air, the constant puffs reminding Shigeru a bit of a dragon. The night sky provided a curious backdrop, mainly because it was hard to tell which was more attention-grabbing, the stars or Kyoutani. It wasn't because Kyoutani was beautiful, certainly not in a traditional sense, but there was something about his quiet intensity that, whether the man liked it or not was impossible to ignore. Unfortunately Kyoutani looked over and locked eyes with Shigeru.
"What?" Kyoutani snapped, rather rudely.
"Why are you such an asshole? That's my first question by the way." Kyoutani's eyebrows furrowed and his scowl deepend, but before he could say something Oikawa's voice cut in.
"First question?" Oikawa inquired a dangerous glint to his eye.
"He owes me a game of ten questions."
"Oh, is that so," Oikawa grinned rather proudly, abandoning his fiancé to wrap an arm around Shigeru's shoulder, "how did you manage that?" Shigeru shrugged, playing at nonchalance and fighting a smile, "I have my ways." Shigeru absolutely delighted in his former captains whining and begging, having always been a bit of a sucker for praise. There was a tongue-click of annoyance, and at first Shigeru had assumed it was Iwaizumi but instead of his steady rumble Shigeru heard Kyoutani's rough voice.
"Ima had gotten away from Yachi while she was sick. Yahaba found her at the park and looked after her. Then dropped her off at my place and made demands. Shigeru huffed at Kyoutani's poor retelling but it did cover all the basics, so he more or less let it go. The convenience store came into view, the bright lights acting as a beacon.

The boy's filed in accompanied by the sound of the automated bell beeping. They all went into different aisles catching glimpses of the others as they went by. Though every man in there knew where they would find Oikawa, and that was wherever the hell the milkbread was. Shigeru, Oikawa, and Iwaizumi had all gathered at the register, with beer, sake, and an inadvisable amount of milkbread. Shigeru scanned the small convenience store and found Kyoutani, he had gathered up a bunch of plain noodles and basic cooking ingredients. But he was staring at the kara age kun with a weird expression.
"You can get that you know..." Kyoutani turned and looked at Shigeru than nodded and grabbed the little box of chicken. Then they headed to the counter together. Normally, they wouldn't be able to buy alcohol at this time but Oikawa was pretty good at working people possibly better than he'd ever been and the poor clerk had really never stood a chance. So the men finished their transaction and left with their haul. It went unsaid but somehow there was a weightlessness in the air, a recklessness that sparked the night and made them all feel young and stupid again.
"You know you never answered my first question," Shigeru said turning to the striped-haired man beside him. "Hmm?" Kyoutani responded his eyes wide and innocent (at least as much as wide and innocent as his eyes could be) his face stuffed with fried chicken. The whole scene was pretty ridiculous and it actually reminded Shigeru of Ima a bit.
Shigeru chuckled but continued, "You know why your an asshole?" Kyoutani huffed but he seemed to be fighting back a smile, suddenly Iwaizumi shoved Kyoutani's head down and ruffled his short hair.
"That's gonna take a long time to answer," before he stole a piece of chicken and ran off.
"Hey asshole!" Kyoutani barked out a short laugh before chasing after his senpai. Shigeru merely shook his head as he watched them go, a bit envious of their seemingly unlimited energy.
"Hey your gonna shake up the beer!" Oikawa hollered to no avail but then smiled indulgently and turned to Shigeru, "come on let's go." Shigeru followed after his own senpai, a similar grin stretching over his own face.