Chapter Text
“I’ll definitely get something good this time!” Yotaro declared and pumped his fist in the air excitedly. Yuma glanced at him and said “Sure, just don’t hook another rad” with a smirk.
They each sat on the bottom steps of the protruding stairs on the side of the Tamakoma base, on opposite sides from last time because Yotaro claimed that the reason he didn’t get any good catches was because Yuma took the good side.
Not that it would do him any good, Yuma thought, looking forward to beating Yotaro at fishing again—as long as the kid doesn’t catch anything outrageous this time.
They didn’t have any pressing reason to fish that day, unlike the first time Usami did have the ingredients for a good dinner, but they wanted to eat fish… Usami joked that she’d change her dinner plans if they managed to catch enough to feed everyone at tamakoma(-minus a few that wouldn’t be there for dinner)so Yotaro grabbed his and Yuma’s fishing rods and out they went.
Yuma pulled back his arms and then casted, the hook and bait landing a decent distance in front of him. Yotaro followed suit, his accidentally landing close to Yuma’s. Yuma looked at Yotaro from the corner of his eyes and teased him for trying to steal the fish from him.
Yotaro blushed and pouted, reeling in his line while loudly refuting “Of course not! I’m too skilled of a fisher to use tricks like that!”. He cried in outrage when Yuma used the opportunity given to him to tease Yotaro about being so skilled he accidentally casted too close to Yuma’s line.
Yotaro turned to Yuma and held his fist up, about to argue when he was interrupted by the door opening. Both fishers looked up. Hyuse stood at the doorway, arms crossed. He tilted his head and asked “What are you doing? Fishing?” Yotaro immediately forgot his grievances and lit up, eagerly nodding. “Yes!! I’ll catch a lot to feed us!” He exclaimed and felt pride well up in his stomach, imagining Hyuse eating the fish he caught for him.
Yuma also set aside his teasing smile and leaned back on his hands, tilting his head further back as well to look up at Hyuse. “Wanna join us? If you join Yotaro’s side, it might even the odds a little bit” well, mostly set aside. Yuma couldn’t help teasing Yotaro, it was a lot of fun.
They both ignored Yotaro’s “hey!” And Hyuse shook his head, refusing the invite. He has fished a couple times before, but quite simply he didn’t want to at the moment. Yuma and Yotaro were a little bummed out, but Hyuse didn’t leave and instead stepped further outside, closing the door behind himself.
He walked down the steps and Yuma sat up straight, turning his head to follow Hyuse. “Hm? You just refused to fish with us, didn’t you?” Yuma said, slightly confused on why Hyuse was coming out here.
Hyuse nodded, saying he wasn’t going to fish then explained that Reiji had kicked him out of the basement to clean it—though Hyuse thought that he could’ve done that himself—and the others were all doing their own things and wouldn’t train with him if he asked, and technically he could’ve sat down and played video games with Konami like she offered but Hyuse preferred Yuma and Yotaro’s company so he decided to watch them fish instead.
Yotaro gleamed at that and gave a thumbs up, saying that he’d catch a lot so it’s not boring. Yuma hummed and agreed, telling Hyuse that he’s caught a lot of big fish back in the neighborhood
The two actually fishing ended up getting into contest and competitive talk as Hyuse sat beside Yotaro, a step above. Hyuse wasn’t surprised that they ended up turning fishing for dinner into a competition, it’s to be expected with Yotaro.
Though Yuma can be just as bad. Hyuse watched the sky change colors as the sun slowly began to set while idly listening to Yuma and Yotaro. Soon though, they both quieted down to focus on fishing.
As always, fishing is a time consuming task with little reward and 30 minutes went by without a single bite. Luckily both Hyuse and Yuma had patience in spades. Unluckily, Yotaro didn’t.
As time passed, Yotaro shifted where he sat and his expression slowly got worse. He almost couldn’t take it anymore when his rod finally twitched, signaling a bite. Yotaro lit up and pulled back, reeling in.
this caught Hyuse and Yuma’s attention and they both turned to watch Yotaro real in his catch. Yotaro struggled a little bit but was proud he was the first the get a fish and he pulled back hard, the rig flew out of the water, a fish attached to it. He was about to boast but… it was small. Really small.
Yuma chuckled and Yotaro slumped, dejected. He was reaching for the small fish to release it when Hyuse stopped him and recommended using it as bait.
Yotaro looked at him confused and Hyuse grabbed the line dangling in front and pushed the fish more into the hook while explaining that live bait works well to catch bigger fish, so he might as well try it. Yotaro lit up and cast the line with renewed energy, raring to go.
As it was, Yuma was the next to get a bite. He skillfully reeled the line in, using less rough and forceful movements than Yotaro did. Yotaro watched with bated breath, hoping that it wouldn’t be anything good, while Hyuse was just curious if it’d be big enough to eat.
Once it was reeled in close enough, Yuma pulled his arms back and the fish flew out, flapping all over the place. Yotaro jumped in shock, then slumped in disappointment. Yuma grabbed his line and brought the fish closer to himself, it was a decently sized cherry trout—a little longer than Hyuse’s hand.
Yuma smirked and teased Yotaro that he was ahead again, though he noted that this wouldn’t be enough to feed everyone. Yotaro perked up and resolved to catch up to Yuma.
Hyuse eyed the fish until it was deposited in Yuma’s bucket, thinking that even if they didn’t catch enough for dinner they could still cook what they have up for themselves.
A few hours went by with the two being moderately successful. Yuma caught the most fish so far, with multiple cherry trouts as well as Ayu sweet fish and some salmon. Yotaro had… less luck.
He caught a couple cherry trouts as well, though they were almost all smaller than Yuma’s average, but most of the time he caught small bait fish after the ones he had on were stolen or had chunks bitten off of them by something.
Hyuse had been helping Yotaro a little, but even his experience couldn’t beat Yotaro’s rotten luck when it came to fishing. After Yotaro once again reeled in a half eaten bait fish he let out a shout of frustration.
Yuma, despite his teasing from before, was a little concerned and wondered if they should trade spots—but if that didn’t work it would just make Yotaro more upset… Yotaro sniffled, his frustration getting to him. “What stupid fish keeps stealing all of my bait… “ he mumbled, not yet casting his fishing rod again.
Hyuse tapped his helmet and told him that he could try it without the bait again, seeing his frustration with it. But Yotaro just shook his head. Yuma had also taken some live bait from his bucket and has been catching better fish.. besides, it’s advice Hyuse gave him. He wanted to follow it.
Hyuse nodded and gazed at the upset boy for a few moments before patting his head for just a second and telling him that he’s keeping up well with Yuma despite their gap in experience. Yotaro looked up at Hyuse, disbelieving, and Yuma seconded it saying that he’s been fishing for many years so he’s gotten good at it, and Yotaro’s done it for not even half of that time but still getting some good fish.
Yotaro looks between them and then subtly wiped at his eyes(he thought it was subtle, the other two saw it easily but chose not to comment)when he looked up again his eyes were once again filled with determination and he declared that he would see this through and win his and Yuma’s contest!
Hyuse met Yuma’s eyes for a moment and Yuma smiled wide, and he didn’t miss the twitch of Hyuse’s lips.
Yotaro casted once again, and this time he only had to wait 8 minutes for a bite. His body shot forward as there was a sudden rough pull on his rod.
Hyuse’s hand shot out and hovered over Yotaro, but Yotaro was able to pull against the strength and keep himself up. He grinned widely, immediately saying that he’s got a good one very proudly.
He reeled fast and pulled hard, this fish was a fighter and he almost lost balance multiple times causing Hyuse to have to pull him back, but he let Yotaro bring it in himself.
Finally, after a few minute struggle, Yotaro’s arms shot backwards and the fish broke the water. He laughed in joy at catching it, but it turned into a shocked shout as he realized the fish was swiftly swinging right to his face.
He ducked his head in hopes of the helmet taking the brunt of the hit but after a few seconds he didn’t feel anything. He heard a flapping noise in front of him and raised his head, seeing the rather large fish trapped in a hand.
Hyuse brung it closer to himself, removing the hook from its mouth and throwing it into the bucket. Yotaro looked at him with stars in his eyes making Hyuse say ‘what?’ In confusion. Yotaro shook his head and said thank you before readying another bait while humming happily.
Yuma smirked at Hyuse, a teasing knowingness in his smile. Hyuse raised an eyebrow but ignored Yuma as he got distracted by a tug on his own fishing rod. Yotaro had cast his line already and was waiting quietly, kicking his feet.
Hyuse looked from him to the sky that’s already darkened. He figured that it won’t be long until Usami starts cooking so they should hurry if they want fish tonight, they only need a couple more to be able to feed everyone—combined, Yuma and Yotaro already caught enough fish for everyone to have one, but that’s not enough for the appetites of the members of this base.
He said as such, and Yuma gave him a thumbs up and told him not to worry and that he’ll be sure to catch enough to satisfy Hyuse, with his typical duck expression. Hyuse narrowed his eyes a little and was about to respond when Yotaro suddenly lurched forward with a yelp.
Hyuse had never been more thankful for his quick reaction time when he caught Yotaro, his arm around the child’s chest, before he could fall into the river. Hyuse was leaning forward to grab him and Yotaro was almost all the way off the stairs, still holding onto the jerking fishing rod.
It was all rather unstable, and another strong pull on the rod made Hyuse fall forward as well. He grabbed Yotaro more securely and planted his feet, preventing the both of them from falling off. “Woah! Are you guys okay?” Yuma exclaimed after witnessing it all.
He pulled in his rig and set his fishing rod to the side, getting up in slight worry and amusement. Hyuse’s eyebrow twitched and he glared at Yuma. “Grab the rod” he instructed Yuma. He could beat the strength of this fish without much trouble if it were just him, but Yotaro was stubbornly holding onto the rod and if Hyuse pulled him back while whatever fish hooked was pulling him forward it could hurt him.
“No! This is my catch! It’s sure to be amazing, Yuma can’t get any credit!” Yotaro yelled and held the rod tight despite the strain on his arms. Yuma moved towards him and said that it was all Yotaro and he’d get all the credit, he’d just help out a bit and not mention it at all.
This got Yotaro to calm down a bit, though he still didn’t want to give it to Yuma he could feel Hyuse’s strain and he could guess why, so he relented with a pout. Yuma reached over to grab the rod but the fish jerked to the right, bringing the two with it.
Now, Hyuse would’ve been fine. Really, he could’ve easily gotten balanced again. BUT. To their right happened to be Yotaro’s bucket of fish, and Yuma remembered the tragedy that happened last time where they lost all the fish they caught and he lunged for it to get it to safety.
Good news is he prevented the bucket from being knocked over and their food was safe
Bad news is he also prevented Hyuse from planting his feet and regaining balance.
“Wha-“ “AAH!”—a huge splash made water fly everywhere, and the sound of it was loud enough for Usami to open a nearby window and shout-ask what happened, Konami and Torimaru creeping up to check it out as well. Yuma embarrassedly rubbed his head while he placed Yotaro’s bucket of fish next to his own. “Well….”
In the water, there was a lot of struggle. Hyuse was able to avoid getting water in his nose and mouth, but yotaro wasn’t as experienced and was coughing—to no avail as they were still underwater.
Yotaro also hadn’t let go of the fishing rod and consequently the fish which struggled like crazy, bringing the two further down. Hyuse took a half a second to get oriented and was back to his calm self, but Yotaro panicked and struggled, wanting to get air but also not letting go of the fishing rod.
Hyuse brought Yotaro close to himself with one arm and narrowed his eyes. He stole the rod from Yotaro and pulled hard.
The water rippled roughly and it was hard to see, but Hyuse could spot some blood coming from the wound in the fish. He let go of the rod, reaching out to grab something and then kicking up, hurried. Yotaro’s grip on Hyuse’s clothes was getting lighter, and Hyuse knew he needed air.
It didn’t take long for him to breach the surface and he held Yotaro up, even if it meant it was harder for him to get above water. Usami and Torimaru had already ran outside because of the commotion and upon seeing them at the surface Torimaru leaned over the steps to grab Yotaro and relieve Hyuse so he could get up easier.
Once Yotaro was back on the stairs, he coughed a lot but was okay, though a little shaken. Yotaro was proud he got such a strong fish, even if a little disappointed that he couldn’t keep it and it got away. Meanwhile, Hyuse glared at Yuma. “What is wrong with you?” He seethed slowly, annoying that he messed with his footing and made them fall in.
Yuma rubbed his hair and bowed slightly, apologizing. He did feel sorry—for Yotaro at least, Hyuse was drenched and Yuma found it a little hilarious. Just then, the water around Hyuse splashed a little and the others looked at him confused.
Hyuse scowled and swam to the stairs, grabbing the bottom steps with one hand and hoisting himself up. He couldn’t get further up then his chest and he swung his other arm up, it landing with a thumping sound. Yuma blinked. Usami blinked. Torimaru blinked. Yotaro stared with his mouth gaped.
The thumping sound, and previous splashing, was caused by a 15 inch carp. The big fish was struggling weakly with its tail being squeezed ruthlessly by Hyuse’s hand. “Oh yeah. I caught the fish, Yotaro” Hyuse deadpanned.
Yotaro shot up, stars in his eyes and pure amazement radiating from him. Hyuse smiled, just a little, before pulling himself all the way up. He was soaked from head to toe, his hair stuck to his neck unpleasant and his clothing was annoyingly full of and weighed down by water. Hyuse scowled, shaking himself off a bit but it did nothing to help.
Even with Yotaro gushing over the fish and how Hyuse caught it, Hyuse’s mood was becoming worse with each passing second and he glared at Yuma again.
Yuma held his hands up and backed up slowly, unfortunately he could not dodge when Hyuse threw his soaked hoodie at him and Yuma fell because of its weight. Into the water. “..I deserved that” Yuma mumbled once he breached the surface shortly after.
Usami laughed and held out her hand to help him up, and then she inspected the fish caught. She nodded and smiled, pushing up her glasses with one hand. “You all did well, especially you Yotaro” she said, still handing the credit for catching the big carp to Yotaro, to which Hyuse nodded.
She spun around dramatically and said “now we feast! I’ll make sure to tell everyone that tonight’s fish dinner is on you three!” Then marched off after asking Torimaru to grab both the buckets and those left outside to bring the carp to the kitchen on their way in.
Yotaro beamed and rushed to Hyuse, talking excitedly about the fish they caught before turning to Yuma and proudly gesturing to the carp, saying that he won the contest.
Yuma nodded indulgently and admitted his defeat with his typical duck expression. The two of them crouched next to the twitching carp and wondered how they should carry it in.
Meanwhile, Hyuse was wringing out his shirt with mounting irritation at the feeling on his head. His wait hair was sticking to his horns unpleasantly, and the feel of it all was making him want to stab the carp, or Yuma who technically caused it.
Instead, Hyuse rubbed his hair roughly and then swept over his horns, trying to remove all the stray hair from them. To no avail, wet hair sticks too well… he rubbed them harder in irritation until Yuma called his name.
He looked over and saw him smiling apologetically while dripping wet as well. Hyuse waved him off and walked over to the carp. “I’ll grab the tail again, can you stabilize the head, Yuma?” He asked, already grabbing his side. Yuma nodded and grabbed the head, easily ignoring the fish's struggles.
Yotaro jumped up, trying to get a hand on the fish as well and pouted when he couldn’t, demanding to help. Hyuse lightly patted Yotaro’s head and ruthlessly refused. This ‘carp’ fish is way too strong and heavy for Yotaro to carry, so the two neighbors went along despite Yotaro’s protests.
With the big carp and all the other fish that were caught, tamakoma had a big feast that night. Usami had some help from the others and they prepared multiple different fish dishes with all they had, not one of them being raw after Hyuse’s clear disgust at the suggestion.
Hyuse, Yuma, and Yotaro also had to shower and change before dinner thanks to all the river water on them, Reiji also wasn’t the happiest when he saw all the water they tracked in but couldn’t be upset at them after hearing the story, instead he thanked Hyuse for keeping Yotaro safe.
All three of them falling into the river did end up a joke that gets told repeatedly, much to their distaste.