saltinourstars | Open Post

You're welcome. They made me feel less like I was alone and crazy

Try "I Was A Fool"

"I'm Not Going" is a bit much right now.

Are you okay if I go to sleep?
I'll stay up if not.

[Otherwise timeskip to breakfast/scrimmage? Up to you!]

["Do you remember I searched you out? How I climbed your city's walls?" Oh, this is gonna hurt...]

Yeah Im okay
Its kinda like having you here when I listen to this

[We can totally skip ahead now! Might as well bring in Nekoma too, to brighten things up. My poor sad bab needs to brighten up again.]

Yeah?

That's good

See you tomorrow.

[The next couple of weeks are not easy ones. If there was a way Tsukki could switch places - Well, it's no good thinking that way. Everyone has to carry their own feelings. He can't navigate Nagisa's life. What he does or doesn't choose to discuss with his friends.

He keeps sending music, though. And then a few Wednesdays later - ]

Hey
I don't know if Kuroo told you

Nekoma's coming to scrimmage this weekend

Coach says people can come watch if they want.

[No one takes to pain well, but Nagisa can be particularly graceless under its weight when it finally crushes him, snapping at people out of nowhere and then hiding out to lick his wounds instead of apologizing properly. Haru covers for him at first, and then Makoto joins in, but that only leaves Rei so hurt and confused that taking sides no longer works as an option.

When the team appears ready to fracture completely, which would harm Nagisa and everyone he cares about most, he finally comes clean with Rei. And the funny thing is, he does prove to have been right about something he once said to Tsukishima: it takes much more than a difficult confession to drive away a true best friend.

They're still working through it as a team and circle of good friends when Nagisa gets the text from Tsukki and feels like he could pass out with relief. This is absolutely a distraction he needs right now.]

He did but I DIDNT KNOW THE LAST PART
Omgomgomg
This is gonna be great

U sure u want us both in the same gym with u?

[Yeah, Nagisa's getting back on form.]

No

But I'll be around him AND Kotarou in Tokyo.

I'll practice ignoring distractions

[This is the cover story. Really, it's hard being a bystander. Getting pieces of the story. This is something he can actually do. Offer a distraction, even if it means putting up with Nagisa and Kuroo in the same physical location.

Some things are worth the sacrifice.

Oh and did Bokuto's first name just slip in there it certainly did.]

Edited 2018-11-04 23:37 (UTC)

👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀

Him and who again

[SO FAMILIAR, KEI-CHAN. Also, now they're Kei-chan and Ko-chan, it's too perfect to be believed.]

What??

Oh

Fine, yes, Bokuto asked me to call him Kotarou

[Not exactly like Tsukki can deny what's in writing.]

Kochan... 😏

No

Are you coming?
Because it sounds like you're busy making up dumb nicknames

Im ttly coming!!! I only got to meet Kurookun when I was at Nekoma

He had a friend w/him for a bit but ig the friend had to leave before the meet ended ☹

All right.

The game starts at noon. You can come earlier, but we'll be practicing.

[Thanks to a brainwave from Yachi, Saturday has turned into something of an event. The game moving from Karasuno to a community college gym. Tokyo will be expensive, and Nekoma is one of the heavy favorites - what better fundraising opportunity?

Whenever Nagisa arrives, the place is buzzing. There may still be a chance to talk to the players, though. If he's quick about it!]

[Nagisa falls in love with the space's energy the moment he arrives. This is the kind of buzz that his team keeps failing to build up and maintain, the kind of buzz that would get them the new members they always need - he's felt it at larger meets, of course, but always known it was meant for other, more prominent teams. Only now does he realize how much he craves it for himself.

He's still drinking in the mood when he hears Jinchou-chan!! cut through the noise in a very, very familiar jovial drawl, one that Tsukishima will likely take note of as well (provided he's not too busy with other things.) Nagisa hurries over to greet Kuroo and... well, he thought Kuroo had a friend beside him, but the other boy's gone by the time he gets there to say hello. Strange.

After greeting a few Karasuno members he's gotten to know semi-well through Tsukishima, he finally approaches Tsukki himself with a beaming smile.]

This is so cool, Kei-chan! It feels like a professional match!!

[It's something you could get used to. People flowing in, chattering, excited to see your team play. It wasn't really that long ago Karasuno flew high. The hope of it is infectious. Catching up team and fans alike.

Even Tsukki finds himself smiling. A tiny bit.

He does catch the nickname, and is not surprised. In the least. He lets the Schemers catch up. Not feeling like being in the middle of their reunion/plotting.

Sinking into a stretch, he closes his eyes. Letting the familiar warmth flow into every muscle, paying special attention to his hands. The ache has faded from Shiratorizawa. However, he's planning on stopping Kenma today. Finally outwit Nekoma's sleepy-eyed, clever Setter. Everything needs to be working.

It's going to be interesting.

When Nagisa wanders up, there's a nod.]

It's bigger then I thought. Yachi did a good job.

[Whoah now unprompted compliments, who knew we would ever see this day! He must be excited!]

Edited 2018-11-05 16:17 (UTC)

[Nagisa could absolutely tackle-hug the wind right out of Mildly Excited Tsukki's lungs, he's so cute... but there are already some teammates nearby whispering about "Kei-chan," so maybe not.He just smiles big and bright enough for both of them - and then hugs a very red-faced and confused Yamaguchi instead.]

Kei-chan... can you do me a quick favour? I just need you to watch me for a sec, it won't get too much in the way of warm-up.

[The smile has slipped from Nagisa's face, and he's got his eye on Kuroo and a handful of other Nekomas nearby. Oh dear, what's happened now...]

[Fortunately it's only Sugawara and Daichi whispering. Both fixing their faces into Perfect Innocence when Tsukki shoots them a look. They won't shout it across a court, anyway.

But suspicion has been aroused.]

Mm? What are you up to?

[Wow, trust issues much? (Absolutely.) But Nagisa'a had a rough time of it, so Tsukki will humor him. This once. He straightens up and settles a hand on his hip.]

Just watch this. I need to know if I'm imagining things or not.

[With that stunning non-explanation, he jogs over to the cluster of Nekomas, which prompts Kuroo to call Lev over for an introduction - and then clamp a hand onto the back of Kenma's jersey as he tries to escape. Kenma's visibly nervous as he finally turns around to meet Nagisa, all while Kuroo delivers what appears to be a scolding for being so rude.

That's when spectators are asked to leave the court, so Nagisa doesn't get to check back with Tsukki right away, but Kuroo making a big deal of it has confirmed his worries: that's the disappearing friend, who appears to be afraid of Nagisa.

Now that Nagisa's seen him at close range, he also knows that the disappearing friend is really, really pretty. The level of pretty that makes Nagisa flustered, not flirtatious.

He gestures toward Kenma's back as they split, Nagisa headed for the bleachers and Nekomas for the opposite side of the court, as if to say: See? Did you see that?]

[Well. Kenma is strange. Tsukki can't remember exchanging a dozen words with him. If it isn't a video game - or Hinata - the guy seems to just disappear in Kuroo's shadow until game time. Perfectly content to be there.

The only answer to the query is a shrug.

Then Daichi's calling the team to circle up. Whatever Nagisa's worried about? At least it doesn't seem to be connected to Rei. That will need to do for now.

Tsukki has some Cats to outwit.]

[Not only is Kenma strange, but Nagisa's proven too be Too Much for people with far better social skills than Kenma. It could very possibly be nothing. Nagisa just hates the idea of anyone not liking him, so he can't shake the nagging worry that he's done something to frighten Kenma before even being introduced to him.

Not helping at all is the fact that he can't seem to tear his eyes from Kenma once the match starts, despite the boy easily being the least electric presence on either team. He plays as though sleepwalking, and yet Nagisa can tell that he's really good by the frustrated reactions from the Karasuno side of the net - mostly frustrated with themselves, like they've been fooled over and over again. He slouches, doesn't pull back his hair, barely opens his eyes... why is he so entrancing?

For a brief moment, Nagisa's able to make out Tsukki's expression behind his sports glasses and sees that he's scrutinizing Kenma with incredible focus, which only confirms Nagisa's impression that he's important in some way Nagisa doesn't know volleyball well enough to figure out. He ends up standing with his hands on the front rail when the next service happens, more wrapped up in a match than he ever remembers being in the past.]

[Of course, Kuroo had insisted that Kenma be Social. He clearly thinks enough of Nagisa that he wants them to meet. Truly a puzzle. One Tsukki has no time for.

The tension is palpable from the first serve. Every player chompaing for their shot at the other side. Hinata battles Lev, a titanic clash of height verses timing. Tanaka and Yamamoto bellow. And through it all Kuroo grins like a madman. Stopping spike after spike.

Against these show-stoppers, It's easy for Kenma to fade to the background. And that's the danger. Forgetting he's watching. Until suddenly the ball is on the opposite side of where it should be. Or dropping dead in a feint. It's such small things, but left to his devices he can play Karasuno like a cat with a string.

Its Hinata who jumps into the trap. Kenma gently swatting the ball down instead of feeding it to Kuroo. Except Tsukki's there, diving under with inches to spare.]

"One touch!"

[The ball flies up to Daichi - Kageyama - Hinata again. Smacking it through so hard it booms like thunder. Getting an approving roar from the crowd.

There's actually a flicker of annoyance on Kenma's face. Good. That won't work every time, but good.]

[Nagisa doesn't quite follow how the play goes so wrong, but he sees the massively misjudged reactions and then - lord, it's a bizarre thing to watch that much arm and leg dive for the ground without warning. Tsukki seems to hit the ground in a slow series of collisions, more like a dropped rope than a person, then scoops the ball out with enough height to keep the play alive.

Nagisa's hands clench tighter around the rail. He's as silently rapt as the rest. Hinata's spike seems like it should throw him backward, like a sonic boom rather than just thunder.]

Alright, Kei-chan!! [Maybe he should be cheering for Sho-chan instead, but that dive was ridiculously fast and Nagisa still can't figure out how Hinata got fooled or how Tsukki didn't. Digging it out is just plain the more impressive play to him.

Kenma's strange, bright eyes find him for just a moment before he looks away, lips pulled into a taut line and cheeks bright red. Oh noooo, did he just make that worse? He'll have to cheer for their team at least once, as strange as it might appear to others.]

((feel free to wrap up the game or keep it going as you like, I'm cool with having Nagisa react to any amount of stuff but imagine you could run out pretty quickly.))

((Sounds good!))

[Kuroo pulls Kenma to him for a second. Murmuring something, then letting him go with a clap on the shoulder.

There's no more looks at the stands.

Nekoma squeaks out the first match and then Karasuno roars back to take the second. Forcing things to a third game.The battle of wits between Tsukki and Kenma crackles. Tsukki builds a wall, even stops one of Kuroo's attacks. Then Kenma finds cracks to sneak through. There's no getting used to it.

For either side.

Nagisa may not know much about volleyball, but surely the flow is familiar. No matter the sport. Both teams are havng an incredible day. It's really too close to call, coming down to last few points. Score climbing into the high 20s.]

Edited 2018-11-05 19:05 (UTC)

[There's no missing the fact that Tsukishima and Kenma have their very own battle going on within the game, even without intimate knowledge of strategy and how their roles play off each other. Those also happen to be the two people Nagisa watches with the most interest, of course, so he picks up on both the rising tension and the unusual ferocity between them - "ferocity" being relative when Kenma might actually show less outward reaction on average than Tsukishima.

All throughout, Nagisa makes a point of cheering for sensational plays by Kuroo and Kenma as well as Tsukki, though his team support still leans heavily toward Karasuno. Now that he's tuned into the game deeply enough to pick up on more of its intricacies, he's able to see both how unorthodox and how skilled Karasuno really are as a team - and he thinks this must be how Iwatobi look during their famous relays, Haru's natural gift clashing with Rei's precision and Makoto's steady pace clashing with Nagisa's startling burst of speed near the end but everything working perfectly when all the parts are in motion.

Rei would probably find this team beautiful, Nagisa thinks, fighting the wash of bitterness that follows.

As the end of the wild game approaches, Nagisa winds up having to sit down again because the tension's left him so exhausted, but he's on the edge of his seat. His hands are pressed together and tucked between his knees. He's so still that the sight of him would likely be unsettling to his close friends.]

[There's a certain irony. That the preview of this hoped-for Final - The Battle At The Garbage Dump - is indeed a very beautiful game. Later, Coach Ukai will insist that there was nothing to be sorry for. That they'll be ready for Tokyo.

But this time... it's not enough. Nekoma is still a step ahead.

They take Karasuno down with a familiar weapon - the multi-attack the Crows have become known for. Not as strong, not as clean, but the shocker is Kuroo sets. Which means - Tsukki bolts to the side. Catching up a fraction too late because who would expect Kenma to attack.

It's too late. There's a flash of gold, a gentle tap - and the ball lands right at Tsukki's feet. All he can do is fold his hands behind his head. Gasping for air.]

Well... All right, then. Next time.

[Kenma nods back. Smiling faintly.

"Next time."

Then Kuroo's sweeping Kenma up into a bear hug, despite his protests. Reaches through to ruffle Tsukki's hair.
Double Annoyance Attack!]

[As soon as the spectators are allowed to leave the stands, Nagisa bolts down to court level and catches the boys in the middle of Kuroo's attack. He doesn't even know where to start congratulations and it shows in the way he seems to begin in mid-sentence:]

- never been so into a game before but it was so exciting, you're all so, so good, holy, you must scare other schools half to death, all of you - !

[He looks from Kuroo to Tsukki and then - his heart stuttering nervously - to Kenma. Will he finally be acknowledged, or not...?]

[Kenma goes as red as his jersey. Staring at Nagisa. With Kuroo's arm still conveniently ~~trapping~~ around him, there's no other options but the unthinkable - accept the compliment. It's practically a whisper. Mouth barely moving at all.

"Um - I - Th-thanks -"

Kuroo and Tsukki only have a second to share an astonished look -

"KENMA!"

A streak of orange comes barreling in. Hinata, waving his arms so madly that Kuroo has to release his hostage or risk a broken nose. None of which interrupts the flood of words.

"ThatwasamazingI can't BELIEVE you HI NAGISA!!!!"]

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AHAHAHA Kuroo calls him Penguin OF COURSE

OBVS

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