[Okay! She didn't mention the black eye or the swollen nose! Even though they're obvious, poor guy. Maybe she should get him some ice, though? Or keep quiet about it -
Tsukishima huffs. Clearly amused.
"Kenzo, you're sticking with Yachi. You'll be fine with her."
[O-oh. He touches his hair at that, cheeks going a bit pink.
It's very thoughtful of Tsukishima to hand him off to someone else rather than just leave him alone, but Kenzo's still struck with terror at the older boy's words. He has to spend the whole practice with someone he just met??]
Ah - right. Okay. Thank you. [He nods at Tsukishima and Yamaguchi in turn, then sets down his bag - and immediately starts to twist his too-long sleeves in his hands.]
Yachi-san, I - you should know - I'm not very good with new people. I'm sorry if I seem rude.
[And just like that, Yachi and Kenzo become friends.]
Me too. [A grin plays on his lips for a moment before finally taking hold.] My brother can be kinda... hard to live up to.
[He looks out at the players horsing around, exchanging pleasantries and jibes like none of them have faced a single self-conscious moment in their lives. Koushi definitely belongs in a place like this, but Kenzo doesn't know if he could ever get used to the rowdy energy.]
While the players don't (obviously) (right now) show any hesitation, Yachi's cut from different cloth. She balls both fists in front of her. Willing herself to be strong]
But all that hard work won't just disappear! We won't let it!
[She's already pretty impressive as far as Kenzo's concerned, the way she keeps bouncing back from those moments of nervousness and doubt much faster than he could ever manage. And considering how much Daichi and Asahi intimidate him as well, it's easy for Kenzo to nod his agreement.]
Some of the first years are really gifted players, right? That's what Koushi-nii says.
[Ah! A topic she can speak more confidently about! Yachi beams.]
That's right!
Kageyama - The one with dark hair over there - won the Best Setter at Nationals. The one he's talking to is Hinata. They're amazing partners! You wouldn't believe how high Hinata can -
[Kageyama lunges, trying to put Hinata in a headlock. Hinata squawks and squirms away. Ducks behind Tsukishima, who just steps out of the way. The pair go racing around the gym.]
Ehheh... they still... have a lot of work to do....
[Once he hears those two names, Kenzo immediately recognizes them as teammates his brother spoke of a lot throughout the year. He's pretty sure he remembers seeing them hurl insults at each other during a couple of the games at Nationals, too. Even though he knows that neither of them are actually dangerous, Kenzo still shrinks into himself a bit simply because of all the ruckus.
Then Hinata screeches to a halt in front of Kenzo, goggling at the sight of a boy near his age that's so much smaller than him, and Kenzo's shoulders curl even further inward.]
Eeehhhh? Did we get a new member already?! You're even smaller than me AND Nishinoya-senpai!!
[Kenzo doesn't answer, just prays inwardly for Yachi or Oni-face (Kageyama, he's got to use their actual names now) or Tsukishima or someone to save him.]
"Gah! Sugawara-senpai's little brother, That's right! Do you want to play? it's really fun! I'll be happy to give you tips!"
Kageyama catches up. Fingers digging into Hinata's scalp as he grouses, "Who the hell wants tips from you? You still suck at receiving!"
Steeling herself, Yachi breaks in. It feels so rude! But their seniors are across the gym. If someone doesn't intervene, Hinata and Kageyama will keep yelling! And scare Kenzo!, And that would be much ruder!
YOU SHOULD PRACTICE! I mean, I can toss for you! Come on, Sugawara, we'll get a cart!
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timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2024-08-21 05:35 pm (UTC)[Okay! She didn't mention the black eye or the swollen nose! Even though they're obvious, poor guy. Maybe she should get him some ice, though? Or keep quiet about it -
Tsukishima huffs. Clearly amused.
"Kenzo, you're sticking with Yachi. You'll be fine with her."
no subject
Date: 2024-08-21 05:45 pm (UTC)It's very thoughtful of Tsukishima to hand him off to someone else rather than just leave him alone, but Kenzo's still struck with terror at the older boy's words. He has to spend the whole practice with someone he just met??]
Ah - right. Okay. Thank you. [He nods at Tsukishima and Yamaguchi in turn, then sets down his bag - and immediately starts to twist his too-long sleeves in his hands.]
Yachi-san, I - you should know - I'm not very good with new people. I'm sorry if I seem rude.
no subject
Date: 2024-08-21 07:00 pm (UTC)It's - fine! Really! You're not! Not rude, I mean, not not-good -
Eheh.
Sorry.
I'm nervous!
no subject
Date: 2024-08-21 11:35 pm (UTC)Me too. [A grin plays on his lips for a moment before finally taking hold.] My brother can be kinda... hard to live up to.
[He looks out at the players horsing around, exchanging pleasantries and jibes like none of them have faced a single self-conscious moment in their lives. Koushi definitely belongs in a place like this, but Kenzo doesn't know if he could ever get used to the rowdy energy.]
no subject
Date: 2024-08-22 12:32 am (UTC)The Third Years were amazing...
[The smile wavers.
While the players don't (obviously) (right now) show any hesitation, Yachi's cut from different cloth. She balls both fists in front of her. Willing herself to be strong]
But all that hard work won't just disappear! We won't let it!
no subject
Date: 2024-08-22 12:39 am (UTC)Some of the first years are really gifted players, right? That's what Koushi-nii says.
no subject
Date: 2024-08-22 12:47 am (UTC)That's right!
Kageyama - The one with dark hair over there - won the Best Setter at Nationals. The one he's talking to is Hinata. They're amazing partners! You wouldn't believe how high Hinata can -
[Kageyama lunges, trying to put Hinata in a headlock. Hinata squawks and squirms away. Ducks behind Tsukishima, who just steps out of the way. The pair go racing around the gym.]
Ehheh... they still... have a lot of work to do....
[Boys.]
no subject
Date: 2024-08-22 01:01 am (UTC)Then Hinata screeches to a halt in front of Kenzo, goggling at the sight of a boy near his age that's so much smaller than him, and Kenzo's shoulders curl even further inward.]
Eeehhhh? Did we get a new member already?! You're even smaller than me AND Nishinoya-senpai!!
[Kenzo doesn't answer, just prays inwardly for Yachi or Oni-face (Kageyama, he's got to use their actual names now) or Tsukishima or someone to save him.]
no subject
Date: 2024-08-22 06:53 pm (UTC)Remember?
[Hinata pauses. Then lights up.
"Gah! Sugawara-senpai's little brother, That's right! Do you want to play? it's really fun! I'll be happy to give you tips!"
Kageyama catches up. Fingers digging into Hinata's scalp as he grouses, "Who the hell wants tips from you? You still suck at receiving!"
Steeling herself, Yachi breaks in. It feels so rude! But their seniors are across the gym. If someone doesn't intervene, Hinata and Kageyama will keep yelling! And scare Kenzo!, And that would be much ruder!
YOU SHOULD PRACTICE! I mean, I can toss for you! Come on, Sugawara, we'll get a cart!