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Chapter Text

Hey, it's AnimeNerd here this is my first attempt at a Haikyuu! fanfic so please enjoy. There was a couple small changes made no story difference.

Hinata’s P.O.V.

It is my first day of high school and all I going to remember is the pain. Since I was 5 all I can remember is the pain with brief respites where I finally got relief from the pain, you see when I was 5, I was in a car accident with my older brother and Dad where a car hit the side of our car where I was sitting. My dad and brother got out mostly unharmed, but I had to have my leg amputated because my lower leg was crushed by the force of the door hitting it. I spent a year using crutches before I was able to start learning to walk again and all I really remember from that time is the pain, the only thing that got me through that time was my brother, we have always been close but ever since the accident we have only become closer. My brother is pretty famous in high school sports, you see he was a volleyball player and when he was in high school, he earned the nickname the 'Little Giant' but to me, his name is Tenma, he inspired me to keep going and now here I am. After years of pain and rehabilitation, learning to walk again, I am finally starting at Karasuno high school, and I am determined to join the volleyball team just like Tenma. I used to watch all of his games (unless of course, I was in rehab).

"Shōyō, please get up or you're going to be late" my mum yelled from the bottom of the stairs. As I was preparing for school, I made myself a promise that I would hide the fact I was legless from the team because I knew that if they found out I would not be welcome on the team. As I was finishing up my delightful breakfast, sometimes having a chef for a mom was awesome, my Mum re-entered the room holding my younger sister Natsu and closely followed by Tenma. It was obvious to me that mum had not only struggled to get Natsu awake but also dressed as she was still wearing her night clothes. This scenario was a familiar one as Natsu and Tenma are both heavy sleepers. "Good morning orange top, how's the leg?" Tenma asks trying to keep a serious look on his face but smiling at his own little joke. You see unlike Natsu and myself Tenma takes after our mum and has black hair. "You know tiny shadow my leg feels great." this has been our daily routine for years, at first, I was really depressed because I thought I would never get to play volleyball again, but now I am excited to help Karasuno regain its fame.

As I ride my bike to Karasuno I imagine what it is going to be like on a real team. I can feel my heart race with excitement and nerves. It takes me a while, but I finally arrive at Karasuno, a steady stream of students walking in some with friends’ others alone. I had no friends that had followed me to this school so I was all alone, but I wasn't lonely because I knew I would soon make friends. 20 minutes later everyone was seated in the auditorium listening to the principle’s speech about fresh starts and new beginnings. The girl next to me kept muttering to herself and so I didn't really understand his speech, but it was over after what seemed like an eternity. Despite what many people will tell you from my old school I am actually very smart, so it was no surprise that I was in class 1-4 because that class was for those preparing for collage. Most of the people around me think I am only knowledgeable about volleyball, but I don't just know volleyball. I should probably introduce myself as I have yet to. My name is Shōyō Hinata and as you have probably noticed this is my first year at high school and I all I want is to make friends and play volleyball. As the day goes on, we are introduced to each sensei and do exams to discover where each student is at. These tests always seem to go on, they seem to repeat every year, for me they are boring like a song you have heard a million times, a story you have heard told in a million ways. Sometimes I wish they didn't happen because the teachers can see what we know on our files they never give us anything different. If it seems like I'm going on it's because the pain in my stump has flared up and I can't think, all I can focus on is the pain, I just have to wait until lunch and then I can go find my cousin he should have my medicine, I hope he remembered them. The day has gone so slow but it was finally lunch and so I practically ran to the third years floor so that I could have my medication. "Kōshi! Wait up a second!" I yelled when I spotted him leaving his classroom with a friend who turned to give me a confused look. "Oh, Shōyō it's good to see you" Kōshi said stopping "are you here for your medication?"

"Yeah, I'm in a little pain and couldn't concentrate on my tests." I answered knowing that he was worried that I was suffering Kōshi has always been like a big brother to me as he spent a lot of time with myself and Tenma while I was in rehab. He was there with my other cousin Oikawa Tōru, but he attends a different high school, he attends Aoba Josai. "Are you okay? do you need to go home? I can call Aunty or Tenma." Kōshi said fretting when I remember that his friend was still there, and he looked confused. He was staring at Kōshi who had at some point started hugging me "Suga who is this?" he asked confusion lacing his voice. "Oh, sorry Daichi this is my cousin Hinata Shōyō, Sho this is the volleyball captain Sawamura Daichi" Kōshi replied while going through his bag obviously distracted by his mission to find the pain relief. When he had found the tablets, he released a tune of triumph handing me a small tray of Panadol. "Hello, it's nice to meet you, I look forward to joining the team." I announced letting Daichi know that I was planning on joining the volleyball team. "Want to join us for lunch?" Kōshi asked worry dotting his expression telling me that he wanted me to say yes and so I agreed not really eating anything as I waited for the pain to calm down knowing that I would just feel ill if I was to eat anything now. But lunch was over all too soon as I had to return to class for more first day exams glad that they would be finished at the end of the day and hopefully there would be no need for a repeat exam. I was confident that I would not have to repeat because I studied all the time when I was in rehab and hospital with Kōshi and Tōru.

Once the final exam was over, I walked to the teacher’s office for a short chat with the school's nurse and guidance Councillor teams to talk about any changes that needed to be made to my class schedule for physiotherapy and my continued rehab sessions. As well as the occasional doctors’ appointments. This meeting went on for about 20 minutes before I was allowed to leave. Before heading to the check out the gym I went to the bathroom to apply numbing gel to my stump and take my medicine. On my way to the gym, I check my phone and see a text from Tōru, 'Good luck for your first day of high school. Hope to verse you in volleyball soon Short Stuff'

Once I was out of the building, I ran towards the allocated gym hearing balls bang against the gyms floor. Excitement filled me from head to toe, the door to the gym was wide open but I could not see anyone inside. the sounds told me that there was a person inside. Curious to see who was in the gym I jumped the last meter landing perfectly just inside the door. But when I looked up, I was shocked because I saw someone I didn't expect.

For those reading this part thank you, if you want to see more of this story let me know. As I have said this is my first Haikyuu! fanfiction so let me know if I should continue.

Chapter Text

Hinata’s P.O.V.

Standing there was Kageyama Tobio 'the King of the Court', the person who had crushed me in my first and last volleyball game of Junior high. I had been utterly defeated until Tenma had encouraged me to continue, he had been there to watch me, to see how far I had come in my rehab. He had wanted to be there to support me and my team. I know the Toru and Kōshi were also there but for different reasons then Tenma. "Y-Y-Y-YOU! What are you doing here?" I yelled in shock, even though Kōshi had warned me it was possible that he was going to be here I was still surprised that he had accepted the invitation. He was one of the last people I want to find out about my leg. I don't want anyone to know about my leg, at least not until I have proved myself able. "We met last year. I've forgotten your name." Kageyama stated seeming bored. His indifference at forgetting who someone was, even if they had only met once shocked me.

"My name is Shōyō Hinata, but you probably don't even remember who I am. I mean you completely crush-" I rambled before he interrupted

"I remember exactly who you are." after saying this he stared at me with a deadpan look, this made me uncomfortable did he know. God, I hope he doesn't. "What’s with the silent treatment? What you want to fight or something?" I burst out to mask both my intelligence and my fear. "Oh, don't be a dumbass" he retorts. Okay, that kind of hurt. "D-don't make fun of me. I have lost really bad the first time we met, but never again!" I declared loudly before groaning in nervousness "Ugh, look, I came to get my revenge and now I find out you're gonna be on the same team as me! How am I supposed to kick your butt that way? There' tons of better schools You could have gone to. Why did you have to pick this one? Why didn't you pick one of those instead?”

"I applied to the school with the best team, but didn't make it." He deadpanned seeming put out.

"Huh... You didn't, they rejected the 'King of the Court'?" I asked surprised, 'what made them reject him?'

Something I said must have angered him because gone was his emotionless facade. He was almost growling, "NEVER call me that, EVER!" He said, his voice raised with barely restrained fury. I was about to reply when voices approaching the door distracted me causing me to turn towards the sound. I could barely hear who is talking, but from the sound of the voice, it was Kōshi. I had made a deal with him last night about not letting anyone in the club know we were related, made me wonder had he told the captain not to mention the fact we were related to the rest of the team. I hope he has, mostly because we agreed to let the team find out on their own. With Kōshi was the captain Daichi and a teenager I didn't recognize. The teen had a cleanly shaven head and an angry look on his face, his appearance was that of a delinquent. But I remember that Kōshi had told me this kid had a heart of gold and loved when underclassman called him senpai. "Hello" Kageyama said breaking the silence, everyone surrounded Kageyama talking at him I started to tune them out slowly moving behind them to compare their heights. From what I could tell Kageyama is taller than them, but to me, all the other high schoolers are pretty huge. I'm so excited for this.

"Hey guys" I blurt out only to get ignored, being ignored made mumble a little. "Hey" I shout out this time getting their attention.

"Huh... Hey you, you’re that shorty" Tanaka exclaimed in shock, he hadn't been there at lunch, he obviously recognized me from my only Junior high game. His recognition filled me with little joy and plenty of embarrassment. "Wait a minute, so the other applicant that goes by the name of Shōyō Hinata guess that's you?" Daichi asked. Guess that Daichi is a good actor after all. "It's just... Kind of surprising that's all. But well, hey you guys both chose Karasuno" his tone of voice while saying this was neutral as if he had no real feeling towards this subject, it left me little enthusiasm.

"I guess..." I replied a little hesitantly not really sure how I felt about everything. Kōshi must have picked up on my unease replying with "didn't mean to freak you out. It's just that you made a big impression last year." this calmed me a little knowing that Kōshi was in a way proud made me happy, but only slightly so. "Yeah. You were tiny and all over the place but you really had some spunk" Tanaka stated clearly showing what he said was true and that I shouldn't try to argue. So, I didn't. "Wow thanks a lot" I said adding more excitement than I meant to in order to hide my flinch of pain, but I know Kōshi  noticed I have never been able to hide anything from him. He proved me right when he gave me a subtle look that promised a talk before, he said "and not to mention that jump of yours."

"It's too bad you haven't had a growth spurt yet though" Tanaka pointed out, which kinda hurt mainly because I haven't had a new prosthesis since getting this one two years ago. Most people who hear this would probably think 'what has that got to do with your height issue?' well obviously it's because I am missing the bottom of my leg and so any height i do get doesn't matter if my prosthetic isn't replaced as well. "Ugh... I know I may be small, but I've got talent. I'll be Karasuno's ace before you know it!" I stated because that has always been the path I had chosen, just like Tenma I want to be relied on. I remember seeing him playing on the television, at the nationals, it filled me with so much pride. Tanaka must have thought what I said was crazy or that I was because he replied to my enthusiasm with "Huh... Damn, already got your eyeballs on the ace position do ya someone’s got cahonnies." While talking he starts to have a really creepy smile that sent shivers up my spine.

"Well, there's nothing wrong with shooting for the stars is there? right?" good old Kōshi always so reliable. just what you need in a setter, and he was so nice too, just what you want from a person. That is until you see his darker personality.

"Yeah, I'll do my best." I stated wanting him to know I was thankful towards him for always supporting my dream. No matter what condition my body was in. But then Kageyama just had to ruin my good mood, the jerk. "Okay then, now that you've sworn to become the ace you better be prepared to back it up."

"Huh" his statement had me a little confused. what does he know about my work ethic or my past, nothing, so he doesn't get to make comments about how I move forward. "If you're not careful you'll waste another three years!" His statement stung like he'd just slapped my face. It also made me angry, what right did he have to say I had wasted three years when He didn't know what was going on during those three years. What I had to go through, what I had to learn. "Excuse me" I said ignoring the pain that flared in my leg. I probably should have found time to take off my prosthesis and apply the medicinal cream. I vaguely heard someone talking in the background, I think it may have been Daichi, but I'm not entirely sure. I was just angry, well maybe part of me was hurt, but mostly I was angry. "I did everything I could... I did... hgh... Look, I've done a lot stop putting me down!" I was yelling by the end out of frustration.

"Relax guys, you know you're not enemies anymore, right? Volleyballs supposed to bring people togeth-" Daichi started

"I want you to play me right now!" I exclaimed very rudely ignoring what the captain was saying, I know I should probably pay attention to him but the mask of stupidity and everything. "Whoa, watch it punk, don't you know Daichi's talking to you?" Tanaka shouted. It should be obvious that we both ignored him. "What are we going to play?" Kageyama asked, now if I wasn't acting stupid, I probably would have suggested something feasible but let's face it I have a mask to uphold. "Volleyball, what the heck else is there?" I retorted it should be known that I don't actually hate him I just need to feel that I got my fighting spirit back, that I haven't given up hope of going to the nationals. That I can make Tenma proud. "How do you plan to play volleyball one on one?" Kageyama asked with obvious disbelief in his voice.

"Like passes and stuff" I internally flinched at how stupid I sounded with that one short sentence. I saw Kōshi flinch too, he must have known it mentally hurt just to say it out loud like that. After all, out of everyone here he knows me the best. "How does anybody win at that?" he asked sounding more disbelieving by the second. I couldn't believe what I had said either, so I don't really blame him. "The kids got a point!" Tanaka exclaimed in the background trying once again to get our attention.

"What’s all the noise in here?" a new voice asked

"Oh turds, VP" Tanaka exclaimed obviously there was something behind that. His reaction caused Kōshi to hiss at him "be quiet" under his breath with which he returned "why don't you be quiet?".

"Are you boys fighting in here?" the Vice Principle asked in an almost dead tone. His tone of voice told me he didn't really like this club; did they cause too many problems for the school? Well, if they did Kōshi never told me about it. "Nope, we're just working as hard as always Vice Principle, right?" Daichi said hiding a threat behind a thin smile. The kind that promised pain if we didn't listen. And of course, we didn't listen. "We have to watch ourselves around the Vice Principle. That guy is always waiting for us to slip up-" Tanaka whispered only to be interrupted by me, I mean really is today a day of interruptions I really don't like how many interruptions have happened today. I'm probably gonna have a panic attack if this continues. "Serve it to me! I can handle anything you send." I claimed, I mean it could be true, I do train with Tenma I faintly hear Tanaka say something, but it didn't really register what he had said before I continued. "Listen jerk I only received one serve from you last year. Granted it was with face, but since then I've practiced with everyone I could. I am not the same person I was." When I finished speaking my leg twinged letting me know just how far I still have to go from last year. "Not the same person huh?...Well I've improved a bit in the last year too" Kageyama stated filled with confidence, but I could tell that underneath all the confidence there was insecurity, I wonder what caused it. "All right, all right that's enough smack talk you guys!" Daichi said in a placating tone as he tried to resolve a quickly escalating situation, it probably would have been better if we had actually paid attention to him. "They’re both first years, aren't they?" the Vice Principle asked seriously does that guy have any emotions apart from dead inside. Don't let him get to you. remember everything you learnt with the lady’s team. "Get ready" short and straight to the point just like Kageyama when I started paying attention again, I saw that Kageyama was preparing for a jump serve, that’s new. I ended up falling to the ground in order to dodge the resulting serve. Everyone was shocked, it was clear by the gasps of surprise that resounded throughout the gym. well... everyone except the VP. There were various exclamations of surprise. I never saw a serve like that from any of the ladies I played with.

"Pathetic, how’s that any different from last year?" Kageyama asked in a condescending tone, it made me wonder how he would do against Tenma, probably horrible considering that Tenma was set to play in a national team on an international level. "Argh... One more try!" I exclaim not wanting to give up

"Ok... Now cut it out!" Daichi yelled trying once more to get the situation under control, without much luck. "I see the new recruits have no respect for their captain!" if you can't guess who said that I'm disappointed, if you guessed the VP, you would be correct still ignoring everyone but me Kageyama prepares another jump serve, this time aiming for the corner on my left. using my speedy reflexes, I got behind it. This caused minor chatter to spring up in the background. Even though I had managed to get behind the ball my aim was off, and the ball veered off course heading straight for the VP's head. When the ball hit the Vice Principals toupee went flying off his head and landed on Daichi's head.

Everyone was silent... For a moment no one moved... I could feel my bones filling with dread... Was I going to be expelled? On my first day? And then suddenly everybody could move again. Moving to slightly surround the VP. "Oh man, that was a toupee?" Kageyama asked slightly confused which made me reply a little teasingly. "Your just now figured that out? I noticed it at the entrance ceremony." Did Daichi just growl? Or was it the VP? Was it both? I can't tell. "Dude! Shut up! It's not even that funny" Tanaka exclaimed barely holding in his own laughter.

"You shut up moron!" Kōshi yelled obviously upset with the situation. "Captain, a word please." the VP said with an even tone, which was somehow even scarier.

"Luckily we aren't in any trouble. He doesn't even want an apology. But we've been sworn to secrecy." Daichi said pulling a relieved sigh from everyone and a surprised gasp from Tanaka "and as for you two-"

"If you had handled the serve this wouldn't have happened in the first place." Kageyama started cutting Daichi off mid-sentence "you’re the same clutz you were last year I can't believe I thought you would be a challenge!"

"You don't know when to quit do you?" I asked annoyed at the comparison to last year when Daichi yelled out.

"Can it, there's something I want to tell you. I don't know what your reasons were for choosing to come to this high school, but I assume you came to win!" he finished talking a lot calmer than when he started

"Yeah!" I replied with Kageyama following up with a "Yes obviously"

"Up until a few years ago, Karasuno's volleyball team could compete with the best of them. they even made it to the nationals, but these days we're eighth in the prefecture. Not terrible but not good either. The people talk." Daichi explained "They call us... The wingless crows. I remember when Karasuno played in the spring high national tournament. I was a student at a nearby school that just happened to be in the neighbourhood. Watching them fight those tough opponents in that huge gym in Tokyo... It gave me chills. Let’s go back one more time!" what he said really struck a chord within me made me remember seeing Tenma standing on that court, the feeling of pride that I felt Knowing that it was my brother that I was seeing also gave me chills. But now all I could think was we're gonna play on that same court, it will be me that my family will be cheering for, but my thoughts were interrupted.

"The nationals huh. Plenty of high schools talk of making it there one day, doesn't mean they'll go." Kageyama said way too bluntly, I mean hasn't this guy ever heard of tact.

"What? you... Little" I think he broke Tanaka.

"I know what you mean. But I'm dead serious" Daichi stated the faint intimidating aura becoming stronger even though his expression didn't change. "If we want to get there, we need to be a cohesive unit. That means no more run ins with the VP for one thing." As he was talking Daichi started moving towards us, this resulted in Tanaka and Kōshi slowly moving away from us. "It's not like I'm telling you to be best friends or anything like that. I know back in Junior high you might have been adversaries on opposite sides of the net but you're on one side now and you need to make peace with that. Is that clear?" his tone of voice sent chills down my back worse than when Tenma threatened me when I told him I was giving up... I was seriously scared of my brother at that time. "I don't care how good you are, or how determined you are to play hard. Anyone who lets a petty rivalry get in the way of the team’s success gets the boot. You are banned from participating in club activities until you learn to think of yourselves as teammates." Daichi finished slamming the door in our faces.

Chapter Text

Hinata’s P.O.V.

I knew Daichi meant well. He wasn't being unfair; he had a dream and determination. So, to get let back into the gym I agreed to practice receives with Kageyama. We had challenged Daichi to a game. It was gonna be us and Tanaka against Daichi and two other first years. I am both excited and extremely nervous, but as agreed for a week before and after school I practiced with Kageyama. On the second day we had a run in with our two other opponents, one a tall blonde with glasses who seemed to not care who won the match and the other, who kept referring to the first as Tsukki, was of an average height and dark brown hair. The second introduced them both as Tsukishima Kei of year 1-class 4 and Yamaguchi Tadashi of the same class. So, it seemed I had no teammates in my class, year 1-class 4, I wonder how long people would fall for the dumb act. So, while we were interacting, I played attention seeker. It was starting to get late; it was already dark outside when we stopped practice. My leg was throbbing. So, I called Kōshi to see if Aunty could drive me home. I know my Mum hates me traveling by myself this late and it’s not like I can get home myself with my leg hurting as bad as it does.

"Hey Sho" I hear as Kōshi answers his phone "what's up? did something happen?" he continues.

"I'm fine I was hoping Aunty might be able to drive me home" I replied in a hopeful tone. Hopeful that the pain doesn't show through.

"Why? Where are you?" Kōshi asks in a slightly worried but confused tone. Hoping not to worry him I explained to him that Kageyama and I had lost track of time and Mum worries about me traveling alone after dark. I could hear Kōshi talking to Aunty in soft voices. I remember after the car accident Aunty spent a lot of time at my house and in turn so did Kōshi. She was over to help Mum with me so that Mum didn't have as hard a time. When I was finally able to move around by myself, we were able to go back to a semi normal routine and Mum was able to tell Aunty that she could relax more, that she didn't have to come every day. We were grateful, it had been hard. I was snapped out of my memories when I heard aunty say, "we will be there in five wait outside the gate." Loud enough for me to clearly hear.

My Aunt was like a female version of Kōshi except she was taller with a softer face and sharper eyes. she wasn't slim but she wasn't fat, she has a generous amount of muscle. Her hair was the same shade as Kōshi's and it was long about, mid-way down her back. My Aunt is my Mums anchor the most important thing to the both of them is the family. I wasn't waiting very long when Aunty and Kōshi drove up in Auntie's light blue Nissan, she'd had the car for a long time, so the paint was worn down due to age in some places. As I hobbled to the car careful not to aggravate the stump further Aunty got out of the car to open the back door and to help me remove the prosthetic.

"Hey carrot, you doing, ok?" This was how Aunty always greeted me and there was always a playful tone to her voice as she called me a plethora of different orange things.

"I'm in a bit of pain but thank you for agreeing to drive me home" I replied "I hope I'm not causing too much trouble" there was relief in my voice as I rub pain relief ointment into the stump that was once my right leg.

"We were about to head out to dinner at your house anyway. So, it hasn't put us out." Kōshi stated from the front seat. The inside of Auntie's car was much different to the outside, she had covered the seats with black seat covers that had blue and silver swirling embroidery. The seat covers used to be a light grey, but they were stained by Tenma when he got badly sick and hurled over the back of the front seats. Tenma had felt so bad that he'd replaced the covers with the ones on the seats now. As Aunty drove, we talked about random things, mostly about the first day of school and if I had settled in. We drove passed many fields and trees there wasn't many streetlights, and the conversation drifted to the volleyball team and our thoughts on how this year would go. The drive was short and soon we were pulling into the driveway of my small two-story house. It looks like any other house plain but with a well-tended garden, I can hear Mum yelling for Natsu and Tenma and faintly smell miso soup and katsudon. Dinner was spent in pleasant company with talk about what had happened since the last family dinner. Mum was happy to announce Natsu was attending the near-by elementary, which lead to talk about memories from when Tenma started, from when Kōshi also started and finally when I began elementary. The evening was ended with goodbyes and good lucks to Tenma who was traveling back to Tokyo for university. With Tenma promising to visit and come watch games when he could.

I will miss him, but I know he will keep his promise to me and Kōshi. I walked my aunt and Kōshi back to their car and thanked them for both the lift home and also for coming. The smell of lawn clippings drifted on the wind mingling with the smell of wood and leaves a pleasant smell that calms my mind. The slight breeze is cooling and brisk as I walk back inside locking the door behind me. Tomorrow Tenma would be leaving, and I would continue training with Kageyama, the self-centred king of the court. With renewed vigour I Head upstairs to bath and finish my homework.

As the week passes there is a kaleidoscope of different emotions that course my veins, most predominately are happiness and pain with under lying anxiety and a sense that something big was going to happen during the game. I had been receiving texts from my other older cousin all week wondering why I didn't attend his school, Tōru, thinks Aoba Johsai is the only school worth attending. Must be because of his unnatural ego. I had gotten into a routine of waking early going to school practicing in the gym till the men's volleyball team showed up and moving to outdoor practice, attending classes while practicing with Kōshi during lunch, attending more classes before more outdoor practice and then heading home. It was tiring but if the effort I put in can be of assistance to the team I will do it gladly. Some days I wonder if I will ever be a valued member at Karasuno. I have only been here for a bit less than a week and already I feel I've made myself into a nuisance, how will it be when they find out I'm missing everything below my right knee. Every day that passed while I was in hospital as a child felt like an eternity, the loneliness that filled the room when no one was there. I never want to experience again; I'll do what I can to stay on this team.

Saturday came before I Knew it and I felt unprepared despite Kageyama finally saying he would toss me some sets. I was filled with apprehension what will happen if we lose. I've only ever played one match and the match ended in colossal failure despite my confidence. I don't want to be a hindrance. As I prepared for the game my thoughts were filled with hope. Kageyama had said he would throw the ball to me. But does that mean he trust me? Tenma used to tell me that when a whole team works as one it becomes a well-oiled machine, a beautiful dance of which the music is the sound of feet pounding on the gymnasium floor and the ball being hit by both sides. Of the sound of success and failure. The one saving grace for the start of my day is that what's left of my leg doesn't hurt right from the start. Actually, today I feel great. I run out of the house with a breakfast bar in one hand yelling well wishes to my family as I leave. One of my elderly neighbours, a lovely woman, is walking past with her Shiba Inu. I greet her politely as I do every morning before hurrying on my way.

I'm an innocent little time skip

I had just arrived at school when I heard my phone ringing in my bag, pulling it out to check who was calling I was shocked. Why would Tōru be calling? shouldn't he be at his club’s practice? putting my phone to my ear I said "Ohayo gozaimasu Tōru-kun, what's up?" I can hear balls and sneakers in the background so Tōru must be taking a break. "Ohayo shrimpy, are you regretting not coming to Aoba Johsai yet?" Tōru's cocky voice sounds from the other end. I've never understood why but his ego has always been the size of mount Fuji

"Never I've always wanted to follow in Tenma-nii's footsteps and go to Karasuno." I confidently reply "anyway I don't like your sets at all or your ego." After saying this I remember back to when we were kids, and he would drag me around by his whim. "Well shrimp you know how to hurt my feelings" He said with no hint of actually being hurt in his voice "any way I called to wish you luck, but you still should have come to Aoba Johsai, bye shrimpy." Without waiting for a reply Tōru hung up, He can wait I honestly have more important things to worry about today. After locking up my bike I slowly make the way to the gym. As I make my way the gym my mind flashes back to the encounter with Tsukishima and Yamaguchi and how Tsukishima seemed to have it out for Kageyama. Tsukishima went out of his way to anger calling him his former nickname 'King of the court' and bringing up what must be a painful memory for Kageyama. I mean who wants to be reminded of their dark past. I was so caught up in my thoughts that I didn't even notice Kageyama running up behind me or hear the pounding of his feet until he had already passed me. So, I started running after him yelling "KAGEYAMMMMMMMMMAAAAAAAAAA" catching up to him just before the gym doors. Behind us our senpai's were walking up talking as they got closer, I heard Tanaka say "seriously are they wasting all of their energy now? what are they gonna do when their too exhausted during the three on three?" the reply he received from all the senpai was "I know right" as they made their way into the gym.

Before Kageyama could enter I grabbed his arm to say "ready to win this?" I knew his changed since I played him last year, he seemed less sure of himself, less trusting. It is almost strange, what happened to change him this much? I can only hope that he becomes able to trust me as a teammate and a rival. "Of course, we are gonna win this." He replied playing at being cocky "What are you scared?" he continued trying to cover up his unease.

"No, as a matter of fact I'm excited" I replied "I've been looking forward to this all week"

"Well, I'm the same, I will not lose" there's the Kageyama I played against his do it alone attitude, is he so sure that he doesn't need a team that he'd push them all away. Just when I was about to comment I noticed Tanaka walking towards us, when he got close enough, He stated simply "Let’s go win this you two." Kageyama made his way into the gym with me following close behind. The gym is a simple one court gym with a raised stage at one end, on either side of the gym there is a viewing balcony that can be accessed via a single ladder to each balcony. The other two first years were standing of to one side while the senpai's were setting up the net, I saw Kōshi talking to Daichi off to one side. He seemed slightly concerned and as he noticed me, he said something to Daichi and walked towards me, "hey Sho" He started in a low voice "How are you feeling today? think you will be ok for the game?" concern evident in his tone. There's this one thing about Kōshi he is a big mother hen. "I'll be fine Ko my leg doesn't even hurt today." I reply trying to ease his worries but it’s obvious he wants to say more his mouth opening to comment but before he can say anything Daichi speaks up "Alright everyone gather round it’s time to get this game started" before continuing he waited for everyone to gather around him "For this three-on-three game Tanaka will be with Kageyama and Hinata while I'll be with Tsukishima and Yamaguchi."

"Is that even fair?" I asked curious I don't really know how strong the captain is.

"I may be a third year but Tanaka beats me in raw strength." he replied so his strength must be in defence, because I remember Kōshi telling me he was the only third year setter. "Are you gonna change into shorts Hinata? you'll get too hot in those pants" one of the second years inquired probably confused as most of the team are already in their shorts. "Nah I prefer to play in sports pants I don't actually own any shorts." I replied which is true I stopped wearing shorts in public a long time ago, I got sick of the pity I got. I hate people assuming that because I'm missing part of my leg that I'm somehow less of a person, I don't want the team to know, at least not yet I want them to know that I'm not a hinderance. "Well, that's ok but don't blame us if you pass out." Another of the second years said before walking over to the scoring board to stand with the observers.

My body started to fill with excitement this is it my first mock game of high school, "Hey Kageyama, Tanaka let’s do this ok!" I stated heading towards the court seeing both Kageyama and Tanaka following. On the other side of the net Tsukishima pretended to cover his mouth and said loud enough for our side to hear "The buzzcut or the shorty which to crus... I mean block first?" showing his nasty personality "Oh and I also really want to see when the King loses." Ah so he is a sadist... Figures. Though his name sounds familiar does he have an older brother like me? "Tsukki... Hold on they can hear you; you know?" poor Tadashi is a whimp "that's pretty awful..." he needs a new back bone. Doesn't he know that you trash talk your enemies?

"I said that so I was sure they would hear it though." Tsukishima stated "Be thankful that I made them lose their composure." Beside me Tanaka was giving off a creepy aura connected to his creepy smile. Is he channelling a demon? please say he isn't. "For a guy with such a good personality, you sure do have some mean things to say, Tsukishima" Daichi said with amusement lining his voice not looking at Tsukishima at all, instead his gaze was aimed at Tanaka.

"Not, really. A king who has been abandoned by his retainers and left on his own would be a real sight worth seeing." Tsukishima said peeking at Kageyama's turned back from the corner of his eye. Obviously trying to see what effect his words were having on his fellow first year but with Kageyama having his back to Tsukishima, Tsukishima can’t see Kageyama clenching his teeth and glaring. The tension was evident in his expression, whatever had happened to cause his change must have been horrible. Will he be, ok? I don't have an answer for that, but I can hope. "Hey, You Guuuys~" came a strangely playful Tanaka "did you hear that just now~? saying such a thing" Tanaka spoke while posing like a gossiping housewife. "Geez, that Tsukishima-kun. Honestly-" he continues changing how his standing "We'll pulverize ya!" letting off an intimidating aura. With Tanaka's declaration the Three-on-Three match is about to begin.

Chapter Text

Kageyama’s P.O.V. 

All I remember from my last tournament is the feeling of being abandoned. I remember the crowds cheering the smell of sweat and hot and cold spray, the sound of the ball being hit, and hitting the ground with a resounding smack and bang. The opposing team's blockers were tall, and the game started to pressure me, I was starting to get irrational. I kept yelling 'FASTER' at my team and their stares started to get heavier, the distance between the team and I got wider with every missed spike. I heard several of my teammates 'TCH' me as they turned their backs. All my thoughts were 'Faster, quicker, why can't you just listen?' I never want to be left in that situation ever again. My pride got shattered that day, I doubt it will ever recover.  

After that game I was told by the coaches that I was going to be benched until I could play as a team. The rest of the team had begged for me to be removed permanently I overheard them say things like 'We can't work with him' and 'He doesn't listen to us.' I had been told that I could stay in the club, but I would no longer play matches with the team. So, I started looking into and applying to different high schools, ones where I knew none of the others were going. I even applied to the top volleyball school in the Miyagi prefecture, Shiratorizawa, though I didn't receive a scholarship nor was I scouted by their team. So, I had to take the entrance exam, I failed. I was drawn out of my memories by a male voice yelling "SOOOO RYAAAA." I had been brought back to reality by Tanaka spiking,  

One of the second years sitting on the sidelines exclaimed "Oooh, it went right past that huge first year!" Tanaka was celebrating his spike having removed his shirt, he spun it around in the air yelling 'ALRIIIIIIIGHT' as Tanaka messed around, I took the time to come back to reality and focus more on my surroundings. Had I really been playing on autopilot? Why must I remember the past right now, right in the middle of the three-on-three? 

Is this a bad omen about how this match is going to turn out? 

Hinata's P.O.V.  

Since the start of the match Kageyama seemed different, like his mind was somewhere else. Not present, his eyes where unfocused and slightly glazed, yet his body made no unnecessary movements. He made no mistakes. There was a symphony of sounds, the ball, our feet and the sounds of breathing both those on the court and the spectators. But still it seemed as though Kageyama didn’t hear, as Kageyama set the ball Tanaka ran up yelling "SOOOO RYAAAA" at the top of his lungs. Tanaka’s yell seemed to have woken Kageyama from whatever trance held him captive, his eyes cleared from the fog which had inhabited it not even a minute before. On the sidelines the senpai were talking about Tanaka’s spike which had slammed right into Tsukishima’s hand before slamming into the court with a loud bang. 

In front of me Tanaka had at some point removed his shirt and was swinging it around, Tanaka’s celebration was interrupted by his fellow second years. Their comments distracted him and drew his attention away from the court. Based on the interaction between the second years I can tell this is a good team, the kind of team that covers each other’s backs, that playfully teases each other but will turn around and motivate you if you hit a slump. As Tanaka calmed from the teasing, I overheard Daichi commenting to Tsukishima “It was probably a bad idea to get Tanaka riled up…” You could see on Tsukishima’s face that he was annoyed, it was clear to me that he thought his plan would go better. His expression made me wonder if he had ever read ‘The Art of War’ to me it was an interesting read full of different ways to blindside your enemies.

While I had been observing Tsukishima’s, sour look the Three-on-Three match had continued, and somewhere along the way Tanaka had replaced his shirt. All through the room the sounds of the match could be heard, each step, each breath and each calculated movement. Both teams refusing to let up, not allowing the other to score. When I noticed my chance, I began to move forward, ‘Tanaka is amazing too, but… I’m…! I’m also…!’

“Hinata!!” After, hearing Kageyama call my name the sound of the ball moving through the air and the thought that he’d finally sent me the ball were the only things on my mind. “Yeah!” I yelled as I made to spike the ball ‘this one shot should commemorate our first high school match!!’ Excitement flooded my body and soul I could almost feel my cells vibrating. The people on the sidelines, our senpai, looked shocked that someone as small as me could jump as high as I can. My thoughts where focused on this spike ‘this will decide it!!!’ was running through my mind on repeat like a playlist with only one song. Before I had even realized Tsukishima had jumped and blocked my spike. When landing there was a moment of sadness as I noticed that ‘even here, I will be blocked.’ That ‘there’s another high, high wall to overcome.’

“It surprised me yesterday too, but you can really jump!” Tsukishima said his voice full of a mocking tone “now if were only a whoooole 30 centimeters taller, you’d probably be a real superstar.” Man, he is a jerk I get it I’m short, is his record player broken or does he only have the one record. I get these exact insults from Tōru, but there’s one thing Tōru has taught me ‘even if the opponent is huge, he’s only one person… I’ll get through next time!’

“o-ONE MORE” I yell not letting Tsukishima’s words annoy me, let it be known I am on to your game Tsukishima, you will not win. I mean he can’t be worse than Tōru. His personality is trash.

Sugawara’s P.O.V.

I could tell Shōyō was getting increasingly frustrated by constantly being blocked. “Blocked again…” I said mostly to myself Shōyō and Kageyama are starting to act off, my inner setter is telling me that they aren’t working at 100%. I can vaguely hear Shōyō’s expression of frustration from where I was sitting on the sidelines under the comments from the 2^nd years. “How many does that make?” Kinoshita inquired

Narita who was sitting right next to Kinoshita commented in reply “Tanaka would definitely be able to get it through though.”  I have faith that Shōyō will spike a ball past the block, there is no doubt in my mind. I couldn’t hear what was said on the court but it seemed to rile Kageyama up. After Yamaguchi flopped his turn to serve, Kageyama grabbed the ball and with a dark look prepared to serve. From what I know of Kageyama his specialty is a jump serve. ‘Kageyama’s jump serve… It’s pretty strong…” I just hope it doesn’t hit anyone in the head or face.

Kageyama’s P.O.V.

After he was blocked, he looked frustrated and kept getting blocked by Tsukishima alone. ‘This guy is better than I thought he would be…’ for a guy who doesn’t seem to care about the sport he has a good amount of skill blocking. His height gives him an advantage against a small player like Hinata. His decent at spikes and serves as well, but his attitude is the worst. “C’mon I’m just going keep blocking it, y’know?” Tsukishima taunted “You should go ahead and use ‘The King’s Toss’. The sort that leaves blockers in its wake!” the smug look on his face pisses me off. I swore I wouldn’t behave like that anymore, that I wouldn’t use that toss. “Just like the time you did the same to your spiker- “

I know his saying this stuff to piss me off but it gets on my nerves. I could faintly hear Daichi yelling “Yamaguchi, nice serve.”

Before I responded to Tsukishima “… Shut up already.”

Picking up the ball after Yamaguchi’s failed serve, I said with my voice even “… Even if I can’t attack with speed,” I say as I walk to the end of the court for my serve. “I’ll still win” I finish voice full of confidence. As I start focusing on my serve the sounds around the gym become background noise.

 ‘I’ll score the deciding point…!’ I refuse to lose to someone without a passion for volleyball. The serve that I made was dug up immediately by the captain as if it was a chance ball. They made my serve into a point for their side with Yamaguchi spiking the ball.

“Dammit…” I mutter to myself though Tanaka must have heard me because he wanders over to explain. “…Daichi-san’s weapon isn’t so much attacking as it is that steady receive… His defensive ability is absolutely perfect.”

“Did you think you’d score a few points with that?” Daichi asked

I didn’t respond instead looking at him in question, “… Even without excelling in ability, I have engrained this receive into my body for two years longer than you have.” Daichi continued answering my unasked questions. “Don’t think you’ll be able to breck through that easily.” He finished his tone even and laced with pride. From his response I can feel the love he has for this sport; the pride he takes in the effort he has put in his skills to improve.

I should not underestimate my upper classman just because I have a big head. “………” I had no reply, my thoughts were interrupted by Tsukishima’s taunting voice saying “C’mon your Highness!” his face covered with a smug expression, reminding me of Oikawa-senpai. Maybe that’s why he rubs me the wrong way, He reminds me too much of Oikawa and that makes me uncomfortable. “Shouldn’t you start getting serious soon?” Tsukishima continued clearly trying to make me angry. From behind me I could hear Hinata make a growling noise. Why was he getting annoyed on my behalf? Didn’t he still see me as an enemy? I don’t think ill ever understand Hinata. “What the heck’s with you!? You’ve been at this since yesterday!!” Hinata yells clearly angry “What the hell’s a king’s toss!!!” Is Hinata a dumbass?

Hinata’s P.O.V.

Honestly, I know they think I’m stupid but I had seen the game, after all Tōru is my cousin. He sent me a copy of the recording from that game. Tōru has a rotten personality and he wanted to share with me the moment his ‘special disciple’ lost his position as a starter for Kitagawa Daichi.

“Do you know why this guy is called ‘The King’?” Tsukishima asked honestly, I was having fun playing dumb so I decided to play ignorant.

“Isn’t it ‘cause he’s kinda really good…?” I said in a tone of confusion “And guys from other schools are all scared of him?”

The way I said it must have been funny to Tsukishima because he let out a small laugh before replying as if speaking to a toddler “I think there are definitely guys who feel that way too, though.” His tone of voice changed when he said that last word his demeaner becoming more serious. “… Rumour says that the nickname ‘The King of The Court’ was given to him by the guys at Kitagawa Daichi. ‘The Kings’ own teammates, in other words.”

“It means” Tsukishima continued talking not giving anyone a chance to interrupt him. Not that anyone was trying to. “A selfish egotistical king.”

“A tyrannical dictator.” With each comment from Tsukishima, I could tell that it was getting to Kageyama, he was too quiet. “That’s just a rumour I heard once, but… Watching that game, I was in full agreement.” Kageyama no longer seemed to be paying attention to Tsukishima’s words, it seemed like he was no longer in this gym with us but instead trapped by his past.

“He took oppressive to such an extreme in that decisive match” Tsukishima continued “That he was forcefully benched.” The air in the gym was ripe with tension the 3-on-3 at a complete stand still. The upper classman looked worried but still Tsukishima continued “And you can’t use that quick strike anymore because that decisive match left you scared, right?”  it seems that the match has been forgotten for now, everybody taking in the words Tsukishima said. “… You’ve been mouthing off for a while now, you bastard.” Tanaka said his voice fille with tension. But he was stop from further comments by a stern “Tanaka” from Daichi who was clearly trying to stop a fight from breaking out right here on the court.

It was silent for but a moment as Daichi and Tanaka glanced at each other, both deciding to say nothing else. The silence was then broken by Kageyama tensely saying “… Yeah. That’s right.” As Kageyama spoke he started to look up. “Tossing the ball up only for no one to be there behind me”

“Frightens me down to my very soul.” The silence that rang through the gym at Kageyama’s words was deafening. The silence caused by honest words was heavy as if it would never be lifted. “Eh” I exclaimed needing for the weight to be gone, the silence reminded me to much of the day I learnt that I’d lost my leg. “But that’s just a story about junior high, isn’t it?” causing everyone to look at me in shock.

“Since you toss the ball to me properly and all, that stuff doesn’t really matter to me.” I continued, Kageyama’s look of shock told me he never expected to have someone support him ever again. “The only problem is here is how we’re gonna knock you down!” I exclaim as if it was obvious while pointing at the other side of the net where Tsukishima was standing. Causing Daichi and Tanaka to laugh a small amount, “we’re gonna win against Tsukishima and start club activities for real, and you’ll be a setter, fair and square! So, then you can toss to me!”

“Is there anything else to it?!” I finished from Kageyama’s facial expression I could tell he wasn’t sure how to take me declaration.

Kageyama’s P.O.V.

I’m not sure how to respond to Hinata, he doesn’t seem to be lying but I learnt the hard way you can’t trust anybody. But he has spirit when it comes to volleyball, and his speed last year surprised me. Along with his high jump despite his small height. I was yanked out of my thoughts by Tsukishima words as he moved away from the net “---That sort of… ‘Genuine straight-forward’ emotion truly, irritates me.” Hinata made questioning noises as Tsukishima spoke, his facial expression changing from irritation to confusion. “You can’t fill gap in height with fighting spirit. If you think you’ll get by on effort alone, you’re gravely mistaken.” As the 3-on-3 continued I started having trouble deciding who to toss to both Hinata and Tanaka would call for the ball but I couldn’t decide. Because Hinata can’t win in a head-to-head battle in the air. Tanaka was more skilled and had more practice… “Tanaka-sa- “

“KAGEYAMA!!!” Hinata’s shout filled the gym, in the past no one was there. I was scared to set for another fast ball. “I’M HERE!!!” in my surprise I couldn’t stop myself from setting for a fast ball. When Hinata landed I was still too surprised to say anything or hear anything said. “All of a sudden, you—” I started to say but was cut off by Hinata loudly saying. “But I was right there to receive the ball!!!” he stunned me to silence “I don’t care about any of that stuff from junior high!! For me no matter what kind of toss it is, it’s one I reaaaally wanna receive!!” Hinata exclaimed “I’ll jump anywhere!! I’ll hit any kind of ball!! So keep on tossing my way!!!”

Chapter Text

Hinata’s P.O.V.

As I jump to spike, I was filled with anticipation, a fast set, a quick attack like Tenma’s. I was buzzing with energy, it felt as if every nerve in my body was overcharged but it didn’t hurt. I felt amazing, no matter how many times I got blocked I knew that I would get the chance to spike. I could see Kageyama hesitating, like he didn’t know who to set for. His expression changed to one of surprise after he heard me shout “I’M HERE.” In a split second he changed who he was gonna set for, from Tanaka to me. Kageyama was not the only surprised one, everybody except myself was.

I knew Kageyama has been struggling to overcome his former teammates abandoning him, I want to show him that I will stand behind him. Maybe I will be able to trust him with the secret about my leg in turn. I was pulled from my thoughts by Tanaka exclaiming “Oi, you guys can do quick sets?!” his voice was full of surprise, which just made me want to mess with him even more. Maybe I should spend less time with Tōru. “Quick set??” I say in my best curiously innocent voice, as if I don’t understand his words. “Like that fast attack just now!!” He explains, oh god Tōru would find this hilarious.

“Nope, not at all.” I say innocently “I’ve only ever hit tosses that go up with a ‘BWOOOOO’ and look like a tall mountain.” And just like that my vocabulary rolled over and died. “But you did it just now, didn’t you?!” Tanaka said still patiently explaining it to me “and back in junior high, when you hit that amateur setter’s missed toss! That sorta thing…” I fear that I might be killed if he finds out I was messing with him by playing clueless. I guess I should spend less time with Tōru, I am start turning into his clone. Though I suppose there are times that Kōshi acts like a troll, especially when he is comfortable with the people he is around.

“Ehh? But I don’t remember how I did that.” I’m so going to be murdered when they learn I’m not an idiot. I suppose Kōshi will be getting a good laugh from this. I am too. “GEH” it is taking everything I have not to burst into full belly laughs at Tanaka’s dumbfounded look, he doesn’t know how to take my sheer stupidity. “But whatever kind of toss it is I’ll hit!” I exclaimed voice layered with desperate confidence “I’ll hit it you hear!!”

Kageyama’s P.O.V.

I don’t know how to react to this situation, this short carrot top is making big claims. Like where does he get the confidence to make these claims, is he an alien or something. I was silent for a moment while I collected my thoughts before saying “… We aren’t in synch, so something like a quick attack is still impossible.” After saying that I expected to be ignored and abandoned yet again for my communication problems. I was surprised by Hinata’s reaction to my words. His facial expression changed to one of disbelief. What has him making that face? Which of the words I said is going to ruin my chances of making friends?

“What the heck, you’re being weird! That faint heartedness is creepy weird!!” that’s what his reaction is for, he doesn’t like what I said. Why is it so hard to communicate with other people?

“…Just shut up.” I say moving back to my position on the court. I hate that Tsukishima seems to have me read. Especially with an attitude like his. Hinata makes no response after I told him to shut up. His silence is making me remember that last game. I don’t know how to fix this.

Suga’s P.O.V.

Since the match started Kageyama has been tense, I can tell that he is struggling with what happened in the past. I know that Shōyō has also noticed Kageyama’s behaviour despite his innocent and naive act, he was probably trying to figure out how to help him relax. “Isn’t that because he’s not his usual ‘Kingly self’? Tsukishima taunted pretending to whisper. I could tell his tone had rubbed Sho the wrong way, and I knew why it had. It was the same tone people used after Sho lost his leg but still said he was going to be a pro volleyball player. As if him missing his leg was going to stop the miniature sun that is my cousin. “I’m gonna knock you down, you just wait!!” Sho yelled voice full of angry determination. Determination to make Tsukishima eat his words, just like he will show everyone who said he can’t that they won’t stop him. “You’ve really gotten reaaally mad again~” Tsukishima said as if he had done nothing.

“You know ‘it’ll be fine if I always recklessly exert myself’ isn’t a good mindset.” Tsukishima seems to have some trauma related to volleyball “after all each person has his own weak and strong points.” I can see Daichi physically restraining Tanaka by placing a hand on his shoulder. Tanaka was visibly irritated by Tsukishima’s words, to the point his body was shaking slightly. I could tell that if Daichi hadn’t placed a hand on Tanaka’s shoulder, Tanaka would be giving Tsukishima a piece of his mind.

Hinata’s P.O.V.

Tsukishima seems to think I don’t realise that my height is a disadvantage in volleyball. But I saw the struggles my brother went through just to get a starting position on this team during his time at high school. Tenma has always been my hero, and he taught me a lot about how to reach the top before anyone else. “… It’s true that in junior high… and even now…” I said tone neutral “no matter how much I jump; I’m only stopped by a blocker.” 

I don’t care how many people tell me I’ll never get the ace position because I’m too short or tell me to change to the libero position. That volleyball is a game of mid-air battles and that having height is the way to win. “But that’s just what the ‘Tiny Giant’ did!!” I continue to say tone completely neutral. “---That’s why I’ve thought about how much I want to be like that.” I say calmly but my tone serious to convey my message the gym was completely silent while I was talking. “So, Things like disadvantages and inability don’t matter to me at all. With this body, I’m gonna fight, and win, and keep winning.” As I continue talking my heart starts pounding “I want to stand on even more courts!” I finish while remembering the only game I played last year. I can still taste the defeat fresh on my tongue. ‘I still want to stand on the court.’

Kageyama’s P.O.V.

As Hinata was talking I was silent mind going back to when I was benched last year. How all the told me was to go sit on the bench already. The words seem harmless, but they filled me with shame and anger. Hearing those words made me feel like I was unwanted on the court, I never want to feel like that again. Hearing Hinata so confidently say he would hit any ball was making me hopeful, Hopeful that someone would to be able to hit my fastest set with ease. That someone would want to hit my set, this is a feeling I have looked for since I became a setter. “… Clearing the wall in front of a spiker…” I said moving forward, my shoes squeaking as I walked. Hinata partially turned to look at me when I spoke “is what a setter is for.” Most of the gym was shocked but Tsukishima seemed irritated that I wasn’t affected by his tactics anymore. And Hinata was dead silent staring at me in disbelief.

 “…Listen.” I said turning to Hinata “If you can’t return the ball then dodge. Using all your physical ability and reflexes, hit my toss.” I really don’t to get my hopes up, especially because he has no real game experience. “HAAH?! That’s your explanation of how a ‘Quick Attack’ works?!” Tanaka shouted tone full of disbelief.

“I got it” Hinata exclaimed there is no way he understood that explanation, but we have to try.

“You liar there is no way understood that!!” Tanaka stated his tone littered with disbelief.

“We still have to try” Hinata and I said in unison which caused Tanaka to look shocked and speechless for just a moment.

“…All this even though you were completely unyielding a few minutes ago” Tanaka said his voice calm. I’m glad he isn’t starting any fights.

“I haven’t yielded at all though” I replied because it is true, why would I change how I play for someone I barely know.

“You freakin’ liar” Tanaka shouted he isn’t going to get physical, is he? As the game starts back up, I lose myself to my thoughts ‘if it’s his speed and reflexes we’re talking about, then he might be able to hit a fast toss’ have I finally found a match to my sets? I’m dragged out of my thoughts by Hinata’s exclamation.

 Hinata’s P.O.V.

I swear my arse is going to become grass when the others find out I was lying. Is that going to stop me? Absolutely not, if anything that means I’ll keep it up. I think I spent too much time with Tōru when I was younger and of course I also spent way too much time with Kōshi. Bring on all the tosses, I don’t care where they come from or how fast they are I will smash them. As Tsukishima goes to serve, I see Kageyama facing me while pointing to the right in place of actual signs. Well, if that’s where he wants to send it, I will agree. Let’s see what Tōru’s protégé can do. Tsukishima’s serve came right to me, but I made sure to set it a little off while also failing to make a run up in time to jump at hit the ball. This would make for great footage to show off in that volleyball group I’m in. this pretending is going to get me murdered by my upper classman hopefully Kōshi saves me. “Oi, what the heck were you doing! Jump fas---” Kageyama started yelling but stopped himself seeming to freeze up but he was dragged out of it by Tsukishima.

“There it is The King’s Toss” Tsukishima stated his tone full of teasing. He reminds me of one of the boys in the volleyball group, but the only way for me to find out if he is apart of it is to ask. We don’t use our real names in the group, so as to keep it anonymous. It seems like Tsukishima is the type of player to rile up the opponent to force mistakes. And while that is a great way to score points. It doesn’t work against every opponent, especially opponents with strong wills. It seems to me that Tsukishima has found Kageyama’s button and is going to press it till it hurts. We attempted several more quick attacks to which I failed all of them differently, I think Kageyama will murder me before the upper classmen get the chance, he seems angry. “UGH… I can’t get the timing right at all…” I say acting as if I was worn out and tired. In truth my leg was starting to get itchy, and I just know that I have sweat through my prosthetic sock, I hope I remembered to bring spares.

“It’s because you need to react faster.” Kageyama yelled clearly lacking in communication skills “Come at it with more Bam! Guwaa! Like that!” is Kageyama mentally challenged? He seems to have problems explaining things like a rational person. Though based on his past he might just lack communication skills “Bam! Or Guwaa! Which is it?” I ask clearly, he doesn’t do well I school because his vocab is lacking.

“Don’t get caught up on the terminology” I hear Tanaka exclaim. I don’t really care how Kageyama explains things, I just want to finally be apart of an actual team. “Kageyama” Kōshi says his voice full of concern as he picks up the ball. “That is the same as how you acted in Junior high” Oof you really didn’t hold back did you Kōshi. But now I but you gonna act like you didn’t mean to be so blunt. But hey you silenced Kageyama, that’s something.

“Ah. Err...” Kōshi said with an awkward tone. Called it, you and Tōru get along for this exact reason. I bet behind that mask of nice you are cackling and planning to tell Tōru. Kageyama seems to be struggling to form his sentence.

“…Hinata excels in mobility, reflexes and speed… and in addition, he has the jumping power…” Kageyama states “If he gets use to it, he could even pull off a quick attack…”

“Hinata’s weapon that nimbleness of his…” Kōshi analysed “Isn’t it being diminished by your toss?” why do I get the feeling his about to directly attack my volleyball skills? Did I do something to make him angry? “…Hinata doesn’t have technique or experience.” Ahh, there it is the attack to my self-esteem, but hey at least he isn’t spilling all my secrets right. “Sugawara-san?!”  I shout faking questioning confusion.

“The team you were just barely able to bring together in Junior high had far from excellent players.” Kōshi just cause it is true doesn’t mean you should say it. “But the raw material was top quality.”

“Eh, that’s… I mean calling me a prodigy is too much…” I say faking bashfulness. Kōshi and Tōru used to laugh about how I was like a feral child when it came to volleyball because anytime someone spoke bad about volleyball, I would go crazy at them. Those two have always like to tease me, mostly because they are both older than me. “No one’s calling you that.” Tanaka stated bluntly but it’s not like I thought Kōshi was really calling me a prodigy. I know he was teasing me, because that is his personality, no matter how much he fakes kindness he will always be a tease. “… With your skills…” “Kōshi said with a slight pause “how do I put this? More of Hinata’s character or ability or whatever you’d call it…” Kōshi did you break? Are you having an episode? “It’d be more like… erm…”

“Suga-san fight-o” Tanaka exclaimed when Kōshi took a break to think and make random hand gestures. Kōshi you are acting like a crazy person.

“It’s like he’ll somehow be better at using it, wouldn’t he?!” Kōshi continued “… I’m… A setter like you, so I was nervous… watching you in the match last year.”

Sugawara’s P.O.V.

I guess my insecurities are coming out, I only wanted to give a bit of advice and tease Shōyō a little. But it some how turned into a dump of my insecurities. “You have sense and ball control better than anyone else!” I stated “And above all…” if Tōru were here, he would be on the ground cackling despite the fact that we both know he has the same insecurities. “You calmly saw through the opposing team’s blockers’ movements and made decisions accordingly!!” Tanaka is starting to look like he wants to say something and Shōyō is looking at me with that look, the one that tells me he is going to snitch on me later damn. “…Those were all things I didn’t have.” I pause my speech to take a small breath and hold back the torrent of insecurity that wants to spill out.

“Th-That’s not true Suga-sa…” Tanaka started to shout but Daichi cut him off.

“Tanaka. You should listen for once.” Daichi said it firmly which shut Tanaka right up. Even if he looked like he wants to continue refuting my statements. Tanaka has too much respect for Daichi to ignore his words.

“For you who has technique, probably more than enough willingness and above all… ‘Excellent eyes which can see everything around you’, there is absolutely no way you can’t see your comrades!!” I finished my rant. My rant seems to have knocked something in Kageyama’s head because he looked like he had figured something out. Shōyō why are you cosplaying as a bobble head, you look ridiculous. Sho is standing there wobbling his head back and forth.

Kageyama’s P.O.V.

What does Sugawara mean when he says that Hinata will somehow be better if I adjust to him instead of force him to match my set. But now that I think about it the quick that he hit was one I threw after he had jumped, maybe that is what Sugawara meant? “… I am jealous of your physical ability!!” I stated.

“Wha?! Huh?!” Hinata made confused sounds. Does he even have a brain or is his head just full of volleyball and air.

“That’s why you who has abilities, but no skill irritates me” I say voice filled with irritation. My words cause Hinata to make more confused noises. “Since that’s the case, I will have you show all of your ability” I finish does he understand what I’m trying to say.

“The heck” I heard Tanaka say from behind Hinata, but I was too busy focusing on Hinata’s reaction. From his face it looks like he doesn’t get what I’m trying to say should I explain more.

“At your fastest speed, perform your highest jump and I will deliver the ball to you!” I stated dead serious.

Chapter Text

Hinata’s P.O.V.

Kageyama’s words were so serious, I guess it’s time to stop missing. Maybe I can try something new, that might be the way to go. I guess I could try hitting it with my eyes closed, I mean Kageyama did say not to look at the ball. Well, if Kageyama is going to deliver the ball let’s play the ‘I can’t hit the ball with my eyes open’ game. “You’ll get the ball to me?? What’s that mean?” I said voice layered with confusion. I feel like I will lose all my brain cells if I continue this act for too long. I mean there is only so much stupid I can pretend before my braincells leave me.

“Don’t worry about that… Just jump as fast and as high as you can where there’s no blocker. Then hit with all your might.” Kageyama explained quick attacks simply “you don’t need to see my toss. You just need to connect with the ball.” Well guess it’s time to play somewhat serious, I mean how hard can it be. “haah?! I have to see the ball, or I’ll just be swinging at empty air” I exclaimed ok after this I will have no IQ points but hey at least I’ll entertain Kōshi. “Probably” Kageyama said his tone neutral, I guess geniuses struggle with explaining things no matter what field they are expert in.

“Oiii” I exclaimed not really knowing where Kageyama is going with his speech. I can only hope he gets better at communication with constant conversation amongst the team. “But… I want to give it a try.” Kageyama said that with such finality that I felt the need to agree with him.

“I got it.” I stated firmly. Well might as well prepare for failure.

“You’re planning to do something again?” Tsukkishima said questions “I’m telling you; nobody can hit the ‘King’s Ego-centric Toss’.”

“You got that right” Yamaguchi chimed up. Yamaguchi gives me typical lackey vibes, as if he is following the first person that seems to be unbeatable. He seems like the type that gets bullied easily, do not get me wrong I would never bully someone, but Yamaguchi gives off a pushover vibe. He is kind of plain with his short brown hair and his smattering of freckles. He does not seem very confidant. He kind of reminds me of myself after I lost my leg. Yamaguchi really needs to grow some balls if he wants to survive high school volleyball. On another note, why does Kōshi look like his constipated? Is he going to be, ok? Is he worried about how this game is going to turn out?

As the distraction ends everyone moves back to their positions on the court, the match continues, and many mistakes were made by me pretending to try to hit the ball with my eyes open. They weren’t real attempts on my part, but I have a feeling that Kageyama is reaching the boiling point. The gym was filled with the sounds of the match, each serve, receive, set and spike. All the general communication of a match, each side trying to get that next point but not drop the ball at the same time. As the match continues Kageyama seems to get deeper into thought, it seemed as if he didn’t even hear the match anymore and was only paying attention to where each player was. Damn that’s some concentration, well Tōru did say he was irritating. Guess it’s time to get serious.

Kageyama’s P.O.V.

The sounds of the gym started to fade as I focused on where everyone is standing, how each player is moving, where they are going to end up. All I need to do is look, watch and adjust. Where are the blockers? Where is the ball? Where is the spiker? How will he move? Where will he jump? What will his max height be? Now!!! With this timing! At this angle!! This set up! It’s perfect!!! I set the ball right to Hinata and he actually hit it. This feeling I can’t describe, it's like I’m starving and full at the same time. Sound comes back as I set in a rush as if I’d lifted my head out of water. The sound of Hinata spiking the ball and it’s resounding impact rocked the gym as no one moved to receive the ball. “Alright” I exclaimed thinking the faces from the other side are from Hinata hitting the ball at all. Hinata must really be surprised he hit the ball because he made noises of shock after hitting the ball. “I hit it” He said voice full of shock “with this hand!!!” Hinata yelled excited.

“You hit it? You’re making a big deal of nothing…” Tsukishima said in his usual couldn’t careless attitude. Meanwhile the captain Daichi seemed shaken by something. He looked like he was having trouble getting a sentence together. “… Oi… Just now…” He began sounding like he still couldn’t trust his eyes “Hinata… Had his eyes closed…”

Daichi’s words shook me to the core. What did he mean? Did Hinata really jump blindly? “…Um, what does that mean…?” Tsukishima asked confused.

 “From the moment he jumped to the moment he swung at the ball, Hinata had his eyes closed…” Daichi explained “in other words, Kageyama brought the ball directly to the palm of Hinata’s hand, and Hinata wasn’t even watching it at all…” as he spoke, I could not believe the words he said Daichi had to be trying to pull some prank on us. “The instant his swing connected… There wasn’t even the tiniest bit of hesitation…!” Daichi finished I still don’t fully believe him; I mean there is just no way, right? And if there was a way, would it not take hours, months, years even of practice with the same setter?

“Haaah?!” Tsukishima made confused noises I guess he is also having a hard time believing the words Daichi spoke. On the court Hinata was still cheering on his successful hit. I feel like my mind is going to break from what just happened. But now we have a weapon we can practice.

Sugawara’s P.O.V.

Um Shōyō who gave you the right to be a prodigy? Huh… where did you pull this from? because Tenma definitely didn’t teach you how to be this sporadic. Do you even know how to play normally anymore? or did Tōru corrupt you? Well, any way Sho you are now taking your true first steps to becoming the Tiny Giant. I guess my third year just became interesting. But I’m still telling Tōru, you little shit.

“Awesome, that was amaaazing!!” Shōyō cheered as he jumped around the gym. I hope he doesn’t dislodge his leg with all this jumping. “H-heey?! What was that just now?! I hit it, though!! With my hand!! Just now!! I did!! Hey!!” Shōyō shouted his voice full of excitement. I guess he is just so happy he forgot to act stupid and is just stupid now. God, I wish I could record this to send to Tōru.

Hinata’s P.O.V.

“Oi! Why did you close your eyes?!!” Kageyama yelled at me which brought me back down from all my excitement at having succeeded. Come on Shōyō get your head in the game.

“You said ‘don’t look at the ball’ didn’t you?!” I stated pretending to be a little confused. “If my eyes are open, I end up watching it no matter what I do, so…”

“I definitely said that, but…” Kageyama said hesitantly.

“but that was a success just now, right?! What’s the problem?!!” I asked. Oh god did I just see Kōshi smirk oh no his going to rat me out to Tōru.

“that might be true, but is it usually possible to trust someone 100% like that?!” Kageyama asked his face clearly showing his confusion. That incident from middle school really messed him up didn’t it. I mean he used to try to force Kitagawa Daiichi middle school to do quick attacks at speeds they weren’t prepared for. I remember, Tōru telling me about how one of the underclassmen he kept in contact with would always complain about how Kageyama was becoming nothing but a dictator. Tōru always felt like Kageyama was looking down at him because of Kageyama’s prodigy status. Tōru has had a strong dislike Kageyama ever since. I believe Tōru only hates Kageyama because he felt inferior to Kageyama, like Kageyama was going to permanently going to replace him.

“It’s cause I don’t know how to do it any other way!!” I stated I wonder if I can bring this tortoise out of his shell. Even if it is to mess with Tōru. Tōru would deserve it for all the shit he pulls with me. I think my statement shocked Kageyama speechless. Does he expect everyone to be like his last team. “That was amazing! Oi, you hear me, amazing” Tanaka said dragging me away from Kageyama and knocking me on the head with one hand. “The heck was that just now, huh?! Oi what was it?!” Tanaka continued to ask all the while Kageyama had been awfully quiet. I hope I didn’t break him; I think the team might kill me for that before they kill me for my act.

As if brought back to reality by my thoughts Kageyama piped up “…Okay! Since Hinata’s spike was successful, now they won’t know who to target, so it’ll be easier for Tanaka to score hits!” ok so I didn’t break him… Good.

“OOOH!” I said not knowing what else to say but agreeing anyway. I mean this move will not stand up against a team that has time to adapt to it. I want to see how far I can take this move before I evolve it to something better.

“Alriiight!” Tanaka agreed with Kageyama as well, so I guess we have a proper game plan now.

“… Even though we haven’t got any mutual trust built up between us…” Kageyama started “I’ll get the ball to you next time, too. So, believe in me and jump.” All I could in the face of Kageyama’s fragile confidence was nod. We are going to win this practice match; I mean we should at least try to after all Kageyama doesn’t seem like his confidence would survive having to change positions.

Once again the game continues I’m starting to think that these interruptions are going to keep happening. As the game comes back to a rhythm we continue to try to achieve a successful quick attack, but to not expose my lie I make sure to flub a few. Going so far to take a set to the face. “My bad” Kageyama said after setting to my face instead of my hand. I could hear my upperclassmen talking on the sidelines, so I tuned into their conversation. “Hrmm… so that just now was a fluke after all huh…?” one of the upperclassmen said, I think his name was Kinoshita. Kinoshita is about 174 cm with short light brown hair and dark brown eyes.

“Still…” I heard Kōshi say with a start “The toss’ accuracy has certainly improved…”

“You think so?” Kinoshita asked his voice layered with doubt. I can understand where he is coming from. It is beginning to look like Kageyama, and I are going to lose. But I refuse to show my true personality. Not till I know I have a spot on this team.

“Yeah.” Kōshi replied clearly distracted by something. As I walk back to my position on the court I rub my face because Kageyama’s set to my face actually hurt.  As I am returning to my position I see Kageyama smiling and feel the urge to pick a fight with him. I mean I did grow up with Kōshi and Tōru.

“What are you grinning for? Don’t screw with me!! That’s the second time it’s hit my face y’know!!” I yell at Kageyama. I get my vain streak from Tōru.

Kageyama’s P.O.V.

“My Bad” I said to Hinata, I just can’t get the angle or the timing right. This time was too far from the net… Like I thought this isn’t going to be easy… And constantly being aware of the entire court is tiring… But! This is fun…!! I was brought back from my thoughts by Hinata yelling at me but in my shock I had no reply which seems to bring about a whole other argument.

Daichi’s P.O.V.

“…I don’t get it.” Tsukishima said tone full of angry confusion “Even though that was a fluke earlier, how many times will they keep trying until they are discouraged…?”

“… Well, probably…” I start to reply still reeling from the shock of Hinata’s quick attack “Until Hinata… Jumps without seeing the ball again, I guess~” Kōshi used to tell me he was jealous of the drive his young cousin had. That his cousin had grown as a player even after a terrible accident. Kōshi would say that he wanted to be able to play as freely as Shōyō could. My statement had left Tsukishima silent as if he could not think of what to say. “It’s certainly hard to understand.” I said trying to explain as best I could the drive those two have “Trusting another person 100%. It’s not something so easily done. And what’s more, they’re ‘fated rivals’.” It seems Tsukishima either didn’t know how to reply or didn’t want to acknowledge my words as fact. But something I know for sure is that Hinata Shōyō is someone we can polish into the greatest weapon. A decoy, A striker someone who can fool the enemies with his aura alone. Our little red will draw the attention of everyone. We just need to give him a stage to preform on.

Kōshi I can see where you were coming from, your cousin is a monster in a small human package.

But…

He is a weapon we can use. His size is not a disadvantage…

It is his weapon.

Hinata’s P.O.V.

“Dammit, I need to get better at this.” I said out loud as if I was frustrated with where my skills currently are. I wonder if I can convince Kōshi to record my little act. I mean Tōru has been down since he sprained his ankle. I mean that was his own fault. But right now all I want to do is hit one more spike get one more point. Jump, run, play. I really don’t want this to end yet. I love feeling the weight of the ball against my hand. I’ve missed that sensation of playing on a team.

So, one more time…

Send me the ball Kageyama…

Kageyama’s P.O.V.

One more time, a deliberate, so the spiker can use his max strength to maximum effect, toss. It was Yamaguchi’s turn to serve. “Alright! Leave it to me!!” Tanaka yelled as Yamaguchi’s serve goes right to him.

“Nice receive” I reply as Hinata prepares to run up. With Tsukishima at the net and Daichi and Yamaguchi prepared to receive there is a chance His spike will be picked up.

“No matter how many times you toss to that shorty, it’ll end in failure.” Tsukishima said as if he already knew how this match would end “If you only target Tanaka-san, then…” Tsukishima stopped what he was saying because Hinata had begun his approach to the net.

“Yamaguchi!! You come too!! We’ll stop it together!!” Tsukishima yelled at Yamaguchi. At Tsukishima’s words Yamaguchi approached the net to block Hinata.  But Hinata dodge to the other side of the court. Running from the right side where Tsukishima and Yamaguchi were prepared to block his attack, to all the way over on the left. Just as I jumped to set the ball. But although Tsukishima was shocked he still moved to block Hinata, only for Hinata to spike above his attempted block. In his shock Daichi failed to dig up the ball, which earned us our final point. After a moment, it sunk in we won. My set and His spike turned this match around. Even if it was a practice or assessment match we still worked together.

“ALRIGHT!!” Hinata and I yelled at the top of our voices clenching our fists in victory.

Hinata’s P.O.V.

Ok so I really can hit the ball without looking at it. But I swear that will never be my only skill. But I have to admit it feels good to hit one of Kageyama’s sets. Now if only my leg didn’t ache.  But victory tastes so amazing because it means I can prove that being an amputee will not stop me. It never will.

The chat group I am a part of will love to hear about my small victory. It is a chat group for disabled high school volleyball players. Not all of us are amputees, most of the others actually have different disabilities. And I can’t wait to tell them about how I overcame myself today, but also about the small but harmless prank I’m pulling on my team.

Chapter Text

Kageyama P.O.V.

Sharpen your senses, the ball, the blockers, the spiker. Don’t overlook any of their movements. With perfect timing, I will perceive the spikers highest point!!! While I was calculating where to set the ball Hinata was preparing to run up. Then he was preparing to jump where there were no spikers. I aimed right for the peak of his surprising jump. My focus was rewarded when Hinata hit the spike with a loud bang. “UWAA!” Tadashi exclaimed as he tried to receive the spike, only for the spike to bounce off his arms and out of the court.

The spectators on the side were in a state of shock at how the game was turning around. “!... Again…!” One of the second years stated in disbelief.

“Amazing they scored again!!” Another of the second years exclaimed. It was clear they hadn’t expected me and Hinata to be able to work together. I need to prove my skills. I never want to be left behind by my teammates ever again. “…! They completely turned it around…!” The final sidelined second year said. Of course, we turned things around with my sets.

“There’s just 1 point left for the set…!” The first second year stated. This set is going to be ours. I refuse to lose my spot as a setter. I don’t care that I can play the other positions, I am a setter, that is where I belong. “The toss’ accuracy… is improving at an incredible rate…!” Sugawara exclaimed. I could barely tell what was going on outside the game my focus was all on one thing… Success.

Sugawara’s P.O.V.

“The toss’ accuracy… is improving at an incredible rate…!” I said not believing what I am seeing. Not really anyway. I knew Shōyō was impressive but, to see Kageyama adjusting to what Shōyō does makes me realise that we have had some real monsters join the team. And Shōyō is the king of them all, I don’t think Kageyama even realises that he is being led around by Shōyō’s rhythm. Growing up Shōyō never had trouble making friends. His always danced to his own drum. Drawn in a crowd of people with just his vibe alone.

I thought that because of Kageyama’s moniker he would be impossible to bend. I knew he was an incredible guy because of his strong serve and the moniker he had gained but his setting ability is something else. He is definitely on par with Tōru and even Tōru gets bossed around by Shōyō. To see Shōyō bring Kageyama out of his shell even for just the match is marvelous. I can’t wait to see Kageyama marching to Shō’s drum every game. Shōyō looks so happy at playing in a practice match, at having a setter for that match. An actual setter. Unlike middle school where he only had a stand-in.

He looks ready to fly. To soar. To break all the walls that stand before him. When he was glancing at the hand the spiked the ball, he looked like he had just won gold at the Olympics. This is a huge milestone for Shōyō. Because ever since he lost his leg, he has struggled to get a volleyball team together. All his friends were into other sports except the ones he made online. But none of those friends went to the same school as him. And although he doesn’t struggle to make friends because of his sunny personality, He could never force someone to play a sport they truly had no interest in. that they would put no effort towards.

“UOHOHO YESSSS!!” Shōyō yelled bringing me out of my thoughts. That cousin of mine really goofed off for a bit there, going so far as to take a ball to the face. But It was kind of funny to see, I wish I could have recorded it to show to Tenma and Tōru. Ah they would have enjoyed it so much. As we continued to watch the game from the sidelines Shōyō ran up for another spike Tsukishima prepared to block him “I won’t let you get another one past me like that!!” He yelled clearly frustrated by what was happening. Despite his words that it was just a game.

Hinata’s P.O.V.

As I went to spike one last time, I saw Tsukishima move to block me, I was not shocked by his announcement to block me. Even if the upperclassmen watching were. Behind me I could hear the run up of Tanaka. From the corner of my gaze, I could see Kageyama set to Tanaka. My role as decoy working in our favor. By drawing the other side’s attention to me. “Here it cooooomes!!!” Tanaka yelled at the top of his lungs. As he spiked the ball, not giving the other team time to respond, more than Yamaguchi trying to retrieve the ball. Tanaka’s spike blew Yamaguchi’s arms away, resulting in a point for our side.  The senpai off to the side were amazed by Tanaka’s spike on of them going so far as to say “Gyaa… Once he hits a free ball there’s just no touching it…” I think it was Ennoshita. It is so nice to have reliable upperclassmen to depend on in a pinch.

“Shit…” Tsukishima said from across the net. Kageyama, Tanaka, and I had won the first set.

“How’s that, Puuuuuunk!!!” Tanaka yelled while giving Tsukishima his middle finger “Heeey Tsukishima!! Didn’t you say you were going to crush me and Hinata, huuuh!!” all of Tanaka’s yelling made me want to put my 2-yen in.

“That’s right, that’s right!” I chimed in from behind Tanaka as if I were slightly scared that Tsukishima would lash out.

“You just fucking try it!!” Tanaka continued to yell not put out by my chiming in or my hiding behind him. So that gave me the motivation to continue chiming in.

“Yeah, you just try!” I chime in still hiding behind Tanaka but let me clear one thing up. I am not scared of Tsukishima; I am trying to hide my silent laughter. Because Tsukishima’s reaction to Tanaka is hilarious. Tsukishima didn’t respond to Tanaka’s heckling but Kōshi did “why are you the one lording it over him the most Tanaka” he yelled out his voice full of teasing tones. Which made Tanaka pause. “Ah. Eh?” Tanaka responded clearly at a loss for words at being called out.

“Yeah! And you were able to hit it thanks to that 1^st year, too” Ennoshita yelled also teasing Tanaka. Ennoshita’s words seem to encourage the 2 other 2^nd years spectating to pipe up

“That’s some attitude you’ve got there” Kinoshita teased

“Baaaldy” Kazuhito finished off.

“Who mixed in a regular insult just now, dammit!!” Tanaka yelled clearly still riled up from Tsukishima’s earlier words. “I ain’t bald”

Sugawara’s P.O.V.

Honestly, I was worried about Shōyō, last night I spent an hour talking to Tōru about my concerns. In-between him teasing me for my concern, which is just like him, he was trying to get me to see sense. I should have known Shōyō would be fine. But ever since he lost his leg all I have wanted to do is support him. Tōru is the same. We saw Shōyō at his lowest and it hurt to see him like that.

“… Frankly… Tsukishima’s team lacks determination, so if they can’t stop Kageyama and Hinata’s attack, it’s going to be hard on them.” Ennoshita said drawing me out of my thoughts.

While I had been distracted the two sides had prepared for the next set. “Let’s do this!” came from Tanaka while Shōyō yelled out ‘osu!!’ the next set was fair game from the start the teams tried their best. Kageyama jumped for blocks, Shōyō took a spike to the face and at one point Tsukishima got so worked up he took one of his tops off. At one point in the set, it was neck-in-neck with both teams on 19 points. At set point for Shōyō and Kageyama’s side Kageyama set For Shōyō and Shōyō successfully spiked the ball scoring the winning point.

“… Kageyama… Is definitely amazing, but” Hisashi started seemingly deep in contemplation “That precision toss really seems to be wearing him down.”

“It looks like it’s effecting Hinata’s range of movement, too” Ennoshita commented.

“… Yeah… but” I started to say only to have Shōyō and Kageyama shout from the court.

“Alright”

“… They look like they are having fun.” I finished after the interruption. The whistle was blown to signal the end of the match the final score of set 2 was 25-21 with Kageyama and Shōyō coming out victorious winning in straight sets. Looking over at the court I catch a humorous sight of Kageyama holding onto the net and Shōyō imitating a corpse on one side. While Tsukishima stands with Yamaguchi who was sitting on the ground on the other side. At some point Daichi had moved from the court to beside me where his bottle was resting. Tanaka, who is visibly breathing heavy, approached myself and Daichi. Tanaka’s face was cover in bewilderment and he took a moment to gather his thoughts. “Daichi and Suga, you both…” Tanaka started “said that stuff so those guys could figure out how to pull off an attack like that, didn’t you?! You’re seriously amazing!!”

“Ehhh!?” Daichi and I exclaim in question in unison.

“Th-that’s not true at all! I was just trying to say ‘give Hinata tosses that are easier to hit’” I lied. I know Shōyō is trying to prove himself for whatever reason. So, until he is ready, I will support him however I can. All while rubbing it in Tōru’s face that Shōyō came to Karasuno instead of joining Tōru at Aoba Josai.

“And I just thought that it seemed like Hinata would be able to match the rhythm of Kageyama’s somewhat unreasonable toss.” Daichi added “but they’ve betrayed my expectations in a good way.” As Daichi spoke his tone slowly changed from slight confusion to an excitement. For the first time since he has hope, hope that we can go to nationals. Hope that we can take back our powerhouse title.

“It wasn’t Hinata who matched the toss’s rhythm.” I stated “rather, it completely matched his… regardless of where he jumped.” As I spoke, I thought back to the match. Mentally analyzing each movement, each step Kageyama took to set each ball. “The precision of that ‘enabling’ is unexpectedly high.” I continue to explain as I think “especially since Hinata is still really clumsy and couldn’t hit it before. That really forced Kageyama to show his true skill, huh…”

Daichi’s P.O.V.

“Yeah… How to put it… Think of it like this” I started to explain “if by themselves they are 10 + 10, then when they truly work together, they are 10 x 10.” I remember watching their match last year. Seeing Hinata run as fast as he did to catch that stray ball was amazing. I remember having a conversation with Suga about Hinata. Suga talked about a bet he had with one of his cousins about which school their cousin Hinata would attend. I can tell Suga will be gloating for a while. “Hinata who has a natural talent for speed and jumping.” I continue still thinking heavily “And Kageyama, who makes full use of those abilities through his high level of skill…”

“Each brings out the other’s best performance and ability… this has… probably created an even more amazing combo then I’d anticipated.” I finish filling with hope that this was going to be our year to make it to nationals. As I look over at Hinata and Kageyama talking I can’t help but fill with anticipation for what the year has to bring. And I get to see all of it from front row seats, ah I am so lucky this year.

Hinata’s P.O.V.

I could see Kōshi and Daichi talking to Tanaka over by one of the walls, it looked like a serious talk. Time to drag Kageyama to be good sportsman. “Kageyama!” I say loud enough to get his attention.

“What!” He shoots back tone showing how annoyed he is.

“we need to go show good teamwork.” I said to him pointing at Tsukishima and Yamaguchi. My words cause Kageyama to make a face like he’d smelled something bad. But before he could say no I grabbed him by the arm and started dragging him over to Tsukishima and Yamaguchi. “Tsukishima” I yelled to get his attention causing him to partially turn towards me.

“Huh??” He made a questioning noise staring at the hand I held out as if it contained the bubonic plague or the Spanish flu. We stand there in quiet for a moment with Tsukishima staring at my hand as if it was a foreign object not yet identified. “… What.” He says shortly.

“You shake hands at the beginning and end of a match, right.” I say as if put out. Slightly offended by his reaction to my hand. “We didn’t do the one at the start of today’s match though.” I continued And we’re gonna be teammates from now on too, even though I’m not too happy about it.” Upon hearing my words Tsukishima makes a face of disinterest, while remaining silent. “Hurry up and shake it already.” I whisper to him pretending to nervously look towards the captain. “don’t you know?! If you don’t have an ‘awareness of being teammates’, then you’ll be thrown out of the gymnasium!”

“… You two were banned from the gymnasium because you repeatedly ignored the captain’s warnings,” Tsukishima stated tone neutral as if speaking to an idiot.  “Started a game of your own accord, and ended up knocking the vice-principal’s wig off.”

Tsukishima managed to stun Kageyama, but I knew Kōshi spilled the beans the first chance he got. His probably still laughing about it. I stayed silent for a moment before making an awkward displeased face. “w… Whatever, don’t sweat the details.” I stutter out “just shake my hand” I continue leaping for Tsukishima’s hand startling Tsukishima and Yamaguchi. In an effort to get away from me Tsukishima threw his water bottle into the air, shocking Yamaguchi who caught it. I could hear Tanaka comment “What the heck are those first years doing…” as I manage to grab Tsukishima’s hand. Me grabbing Tsukishima’s hand resulted on him going bright red and staring at his hand while Yamaguchi fussed over him. “you ok Tsukki?” Yamaguchi just about yelled.

Tsukishima’s P.O.V.

Shō is punishing me. I know he is. All because I said that I wanted to keep our relationship a secret until we could determine how the team would react. Of course, his cousin and Yamaguchi know, but I don’t know how the others will react.  Our other partner would also be affected by any negative responses, and as it is his last year of high school, we don’t want to disrupt his studying too much. Although I think he is out with his team, and they didn’t react too bad, I do remember him getting suspended for punching a homophobe last year. But I don’t think they were on his team. I am drawn out of my thoughts By the captain Daichi calling out to me as he approaches.

“What’d you think? About the 3-on-3 match.” He asked in a friendly voice. I guess he was informed by the club advisor about my autism.

“… I didn’t… Really care about it.” I replied hesitant to admit that my brother lying to me all those years ago still hurts me. “We were against the ‘king of the court’, so there’s nothing strange about us ‘common folk’ being unable to win.” I say trying to keep the resentment out of my voice. To save face I turn away from him.

“… Hmmm… and yet” Daichi said his tone happy, but nowhere near as happy as Shōyō’s tone gets. “You got really serious out there, didn’t you.” As Daichi finishes his sentence I can tell there was no need to reply. But even knowing that it wasn’t a question, I stood there staring in his direction for a moment pondering his words in silence before Shō and Kageyama yelling out “Captain” drew me back from my thoughts. Daichi jumped slightly from the shock of having his name called so loudly, so suddenly. Before turning to Shō and Kageyama.

His tone when he addressed the two was lined with confusion “What is…” before his expression was replaced with one of realisation. Across from him Shōyō and Kageyama wore masks of Hopefulness and disinterest respectfully. Daichi accepted the two club forms he was being passed before turning his head slightly in the managers direction.

“Hey Shimizu, those have already come in, right” Daichi said addressing The manager Shimizu. Shimizu put down the two bottles she had been holding and walked into the storage room out of my sight. It took a moment before she walked back into view holding a cardboard box, she set it down by the side of the court before opening it to show the contents. My first thought was ‘oh no, Shō is going to be insufferable for weeks.’ Shō has been going on and on about how when he joined Karasuno he would finally have a Karasuno volleyball team jacket. It’s been his dream for years. But I am so proud of him.

As Shimizu holds the team jacket up Shō starts to uwaaa in excitement. His words failing him so hard. It becomes really hard for me to keep the disinterest off my face. All I want to do is pick him up and cuddle him till he turns tomato red. As we are each handed our jackets Shō still has not remembered how to use his words. I wish I had this on film, no wait Suga is filming discreetly. I’ll just get it off him so I can send it to Eita.

“The size will probably be fine, but tell me if there are any problems.” Shimizu comments picking up the box to move it out of the way. Shimizu talking seems to have reset Shōyō’s brain because he finally remembers his words.

“thank you” Shō and Kageyama chime in tandem. Suga, who had stopped filming Shō, approached me to heckle me.

“Why don’t you try it on too” Suga said his voice full of playful teasing.

“No, I’ll do it later” I reply voice flat. Tanaka who had moved over during all the commotion piped up to give his 2-yen.

“What’re you embarrassed! It’s fine, just try it on!” Tanaka’s voice was full of teasing encouragement. I thought I had managed to keep a reaction off my face, but judging from the change in facial expressions I failed.

“Oooh” they chimed as if they had an epiphany. So, I reluctantly try it on, I had been worried that the jacket would be made from a material that would be itchy and uncomfortable, but it was surprisingly soft and comfortable. I just manage to keep the surprise off my face. Once all four of us were wearing our jackets and had confirmed they fit, we were instructed to stand in a line across from the upperclassman.

The upperclassmen stood in a line across from us smiling. I could tell the two third years had been filled with a renewed sense of hope. I can remember Shō telling me that since before the third years joined the club and sometime after both our brothers had left the club started to stop caring. They lost contact with Nekoma, they stopped having practice matches and failed to pass the torch to the next generation for the team. Akiteru and Tenma used to try to make it to every Karasuno game but at one point they got so swamped with Uni and work they stopped being able to go.

I was drawn out of my thoughts by the captain Daichi addressing the team “Let’s do our do our best, as Karasuno’s boys’ volleyball club.” His voice seemed lighter than it had when Yam’s and I had spoken to him at the start of the week. Shō looked towards Kageyama who looked at him in caution. Neither one said anything, but I could tell that Shōyō was curious. I mean we were both at that game.

The one where Kageyama lost all his teammates.

Suga’s P.O.V.

Shōyō and Kageyama made a sound of agreement to Daichi’s words. While Daichi had his speech, I took a glance down the line to check on Tsukishima. He seemed tense earlier When Shōyō tried to grab his hand. And although part of me found it funny, I know he is worried that the rest of the team will shun him for being gay. I suppose I can understand his fear, especially at a new school with a team he doesn’t know. After confirming that Tsukishima was alright my gaze shifted to Shōyō. I have been worried that Shōyō would struggle to play a hard match because he is missing his leg. It seems like this match may have chaffed his stump somewhat. When I get a moment with him, I will offer him some pain meds.

Walking off to the side to talk with Daichi and Kyoko, who was crouched over the box containing spare team jackets. “Phew.” Daichi let out a breath as if gathering his thoughts “… things are… settled, for now…” Daichi’s tired tone made Kyoko and I look at him in question. “You and Tanaka” Daichi continued “really managed to pull off all sorts of things, huh, Suga?”

“Gwah?!” I let out in a tone of surprise. “No. I mean I didn’t really do anything?!” god Did I just Gwah, I’m so glad Tōru is not here. Tōru would make fun of me forever.

“Anyway, I’m glad things have been resolved…” Daichi states calmly “thanks.” Seems like he has been very stressed lately. I should help relax him later. By contacting his partner. What did you think it was me? It’s not. Kyoko and I exchange a glance before moving to pat Daichi on the shoulder “good work” we say in praise stunning Daichi.

“!? What the?! Oi!” He blurts out trying to recover from being flustered. For as long as I’ve known him, he has always been easy to fluster. I have made it an art form to fluster him usually using his partner to fluster him.

This is going to be a great year.

Hinata’s P.O.V.

“Oi, Hinata!! You rested up?! You’re rested right?!” Kageyama yelled out as he grabbed the ball and moved towards the court. “Let’s practice the quick attack again! We’re just getting the hang of it!!” he continued yelling as he moved closer to the court. Before replying I carefully removed my jacket before tossing it behind me.

 “Yeah” I cheer as bright as I can moving to follow Kageyama.

“Tanaka, we’re taking the ball!” Kageyama yells looking back towards Tanaka slightly startling him.

“Geh! You guy’s are already moving around again?!” Tanaka asks shocked that we still have the energy to practice. I mean he doesn’t know about my leg right.

“I want to try the quick attack in an actual game a soon as possible…” Kageyama spoke face and voice full of melancholy “even if it’d probably be a practice match…”

“A practice match…!!” I say lacing my voice with confusion and excitement “a game against… another school…!!”

“In an actual game, there’d be blockers that is like having three Tsukishima’s you know!” Kageyama snapped back. Please Kageyama, do not under any circumstance give me the idea of 3 of my tall container of salt. I might get a blood nose. But time to punish my tall salty boy just a smidgeon.

“Uoooh! That’d be really awful!” I say not trying to hide my words from Kei who was right near me. Kei stayed quiet keeping an indifferent look on his face, but I could tell he knew I didn’t mean a word I said just now.

“What’d you say!” Yamaguchi exclaimed pretending to come to Kei’s defense.

I could hear Daichi commenting on Kageyama’s sentence from the short distance that was between us “… I’d certainly… like to put together a practice match soon… but…” before Daichi could continue his sentence the sound of yelling resonated from outside.

“we’ve got one” a male voice I vaguely remember hearing came from outside the gym. “its all set up! A practice match!!!” came as the door to the gym was thrown open with a loud bang. Causing everyone to look towards the source of the noise. A disheveled man stood just outside the door out of breath probably from running all the way here. His tie was thrown over one shoulder and his jacket had slipped down his arms. His black hair was a mess, and he was covered in sweat. I was surprised that his glasses had stayed on his face with how disheveled his appearance was. I had spoken to him before, because it was deemed necessary for him to be informed about my disability. I made sure to inform him that I wanted to be the one to tell the team about my missing leg. “The opponent is one of the prefecture’s top 4!!” Takeda continued “Aoba Johsai high school!!” the bomb Takeda-sensei dropped stunned everybody. I’m so excited to face Tōru, I want to spike a ball into his smug face.

“Seijo?!”  Kōshi asks in confusion, I mean I can understand. Because even though our cousin attends Seijo, they have never had a practice match against Karasuno.

“Geh.” Kei choked out in surprise. He and Tōru have always butt heads, mostly because of their personalities.

“How in the world did they arrange that…” Kōshi blurted out still reeling from the shock. So, I decided to continue playing dumb. But also let Takeda know that I haven’t told the team.

“… Who’s that?! A teacher?!” I say laying the confusion on thick.

“No idea!” Kageyama replies voice equally confused. I am so excited to face Tōru’s team. I hope to spike a ball into his face on ‘accident’.

Chapter Text

Hinata’s P.O.V.

The gymnasium was silent. Everyone trying to digest the proclamation, after the initial shouts of disbelief. To break up the silence I decided to yell. “A practice match with Aoba Johsai high school.” With enthusiasm lining my voice and excitement masking my evil thoughts. All I could think about was making Tōru admit he lost to me.

“So you two are the troublemaker duo Hinata and Kageyama, Huh!”  Takeda said as if he didn’t already know exactly who I was. We had had a meeting just yesterday. “Starting this year I am the boys’ volleyball club advisor Takeda Ittetsu!” His carefree appearance makes him seem laid back, but I know he has a stern approach. He won’t allow us to run ourselves to the ground and will force us to stop if he sees us pushing beyond our bodies capabilities. “I don’t have any volleyball experience so I can’t offer any advice on the technical parts, but aside from that.” He said calmly “I look forward to us giving our all and doing our best!”

“OSU!” I exclaimed at the top of my lungs startling Kageyama. I can’t wait for the end of the day. I want to hug my tall saltshaker. Maybe he will agree to a study date. I’ll text him.

“wheew, since I went to various places asking directly for a practice match, I didn’t think I’d end up making this meeting at all…” Takeda said showing how worn out he must have been.

“Seijo is a really strong school” Kōshi said tone full of confusion “So how did you pull this off, sensei…?!”

“Don’t tell me you kowtowed again…?!” Daichi asked worried, I guess that Takeda-sensei has a bad habit of kowtowing. He seems dedicated to his job both as a teacher and as a club advisor.

“I didn’t, not at all!” Takeda said wildly waving his hand around “Although Kowtowing is my strong point, I didn’t do it this time!”

“Sensei…” Daichi said clearly resigned whispering under his breath “this time he says… so touching.”

“It’s just… there’s a condition for the match…” Takeda said getting more sheepish as he spoke. Moving one hand to rub the back of his head.

“A condition?” Daichi asked face full of caution worried that it was going to be an unreasonable request. Honestly I have a feeling I know what the request is going to be. I mean usually the Kitagawa Daiichi students move on to the associated Highschool Aoba Josai. They probably want to see if Kageyama has changed.

“Kageyama will be the setter for the entire game.” Takeda informed us so yep they definitely want to see if Kageyama is the same. Takeda’s words brought silence to the gym as everyone was shocked. Kageyama seemed to be trying to process what was said and what it would mean for him.

“Wha!” Tanaka made a noise of disbelief before saying “so they’re saying that they’ve got no interest in Karasuno itself, but right now they only want to play against Kageyama, is that it? What the hell? Are they mocking us? How about I mock them!” well it is obvious that Tanaka took that to be a negative. To me it is obvious they want to show Kageyama how much his former teammates improved without him around. I mean Tōru has a terrible personality he probably had a hand in this.

“N… No, erm, they don’t mean it in a nasty way. Erm…” Takeda said panicking.

“Th… That’s fine isn’t it.” Kōshi piped up saving Takeda from trying to defuse the situation “this isn’t a chance you get every day.”

“Are you really okay with that Suga!” Tanaka bursts out clearly frustrated “You’re Karasuno’s regular setter, aren’t you!”

“I want to see just how good Hinata and Kageyama’s quick attack will be against one of the top 4.” Kōshi replied face straight and tone neutral. Kōshi’s words silenced any further protest that Tanaka had to say silencing the gym once more. After a moment Daichi side-eyed Kōshi and then he spoke up “Sensei, please us give the details.”

Takeda was silent for a moment, probably trying to word it so that it caused no more anger. While he was silent it was almost like everyone was holding their breaths. You could hear a pin drop on the other side of the gym. Takeda was only silent for a moment before giving us the information. “Okay.” Takeda said drawing all eyes to him “Umm… The scheduling is a bit sudden, but the match will be on Tuesday of next week. It’s because they already have other practice matches booked for the weekend. Since time is short, it’ll just be a 1-set game.”

Takeda took a moment to pause catching his breath and thoughts before continuing “We’ll borrow a school bus to get there. As for the time…” Takeda continued explaining the details for a time before we did some practice. To get used to working as a team with Kageyama as the setter. Kōshi was on the other side of the net with a spiker, one of the second years and Kyoko sending balls over the net for us to receive and send back over the net.

This is going to be our first match with these team members. Even if it is only a practice match, I can’t wait to turn Tōru’s team into paste. Ah, it’s going to be fun. We practiced for a few hours before being released to head home.

Kageyama’s P.O.V.

Once we had been released from practice I chased after the vice-captain Sugawara running to catch up with him. By the time I caught up with him Sugawara-san was already nearing the base of the hill in-front of the school. On the right side of us there were houses and powerlines while on the left there was a farm plot “Sugawara” I yelled jogging to catch up with him, my yelling had caused him to slow to a complete stop near the base of the hill. When I had caught up to him I took a moment to catch my breath before saying “this time I’m going to be a starting member automatically, but next time, I will win my position as a regular through skill.” It kills me that I am being given a starting position without earning it.

“Ehh?!” Sugawara made a confused noise shock covering his face like a curtain.

“Ehh??” I also make a confused noise not knowing how to continue as I have never been the best at conversations. I have never known how to keep one going or how to start one. But it seems like Sugawara only needed a moment to catch his thoughts before he could speak. His face was unreadable not helping me get a feel for how he would react. I hope I am not about to be shunned out of yet another team. I want to find a place where I can create a masterpiece on the court. With a team that I can send any ball.

“Ah, well, I’d thought that I would be beneath your notice somehow, so that surprised me…” Sugawara said voice full of mixed emotions I still couldn’t gauge how he was going to react.

“why would you think that??” I ask him trying to show him the respect he deserves as my upper classman. I tilted my head to the side to show my confusion. Wanting him to know I was not disrespecting him. Needing him to know I don’t think of myself better then him.

“Because your constitution and ability are both definitely better than mine, right?” Sugawara questioned. The lack of hate being thrown at me is making me nervous I don’t know how to react. When I was with my last team I knew how to act, how to respond. I want to quickly learn how to interact with the team.

“You can’t fill the gap in experience that easily…” I say to him my mood darkening to the point it is probably shows on my face “also…” before I could continue I was interrupted by a mixture of Suga and Sugawara coming from behind me briefly stopping me from continuing.

“Th… Things like having the other players’… Tr… Tr… Trust, and stuff…” I stutter struggling to get my words out. For a spilt second Sugawara’s face showed an emotion I knew well… Shock. “I will not lose!” I finished taking the chance to be a little brave. Sugawara was quiet for a moment, the three approaching behind us getting closer.

“… Yeah. I won’t either.” Sugawara finally leaving the two of us in silence until Hinata and Tanaka moved to join us. Daichi having gone into the Konbini Sugawara, and I had been standing in front of.

“Suga, Daichi said he’ll treat us to meat buns…” Tanaka yelled as they walked to us his sentence was cut off by Sugawara so whatever else he was going to say I will never know.

“But y’know Kageyama…” Sugawara started, pausing for a moment before finishing his sentence once Hinata and Tanaka had caught up with us. “A large number of Kitagawa Daichi’s players have moved on to Aoba Josai.” His tone was calm not giving away what he was trying to imply.

“Ah, well yeah.” I reply still trying to figure out what Sugawara was trying to say. Sometimes I wish people would just say what was on their minds. It would make life easier.

“No, I mean… I thought that it would be hard on you.” Sugawara said ah so that is how it is. He knows about the tension with my former teammates… No they never saw me as a teammate. To them I was little more then a tyrant. Not someone they would trust in the end. They threw me away like yesterdays trash. They filled my world with pain and betrayal. I wanted a new start, a new team. A team that would accept me and teach me to play in different ways. Because it is clear to me that my way of playing is not a guaranteed win. There is no one way to win every game.

“?... If we were on the same team, I would probably think like that, but…” I paused a moment while replying to Sugawara remembering all the pain I felt at being thrown away. “Since we are competing, I’m just going to do this while giving it my all.” I will show them that I am not the same Tobio Kageyama that they knew. I will make them regret everything they said to me. I started to fill with a renewed determination. I have a new weapon, one that I can hone, I will take this team to nationals.

“… I see. You’re right” Sugawara said finishing our conversation.

Hinata’s P.O.V.

After Kageyama and Kōshi had left I was in the gym with Daichi, Tanaka, Yamaguchi and Kei. The three second years that had been on the sidelines had offered to clean the gym before they left. Daichi turned to us “as a welcome to the club I’ll buy everyone a meat bun From the Konbini at the bottom of the hill.” I never need encouragement to eat especially meat. Just ask my boyfriends.

“Daichi you’re too good for us” Tanaka shouted drooling as he grabbed his bag. Following his lead I grabbed my stuff, following my upperclassman. While we walked to catch up with Kōshi and Kageyama before they left without getting a share of the meat buns. As we left I texted Eita and Kei checking the date plans for tomorrow. As well as making sure Kei knows that I am ok and not in pain after the intra-team match. There was some small chatter as we make our way out of the school grounds and down the hill. We could see Kōshi and Kageyama at the base of the hill out the front of the Konbini. I couldn’t see Kageyama’s face but from the look Kōshi gave as we got closer gave the impression that it was a challenge not to laugh. Or cry maybe, it’s hard to tell we are about half-way up so I can’t see his face very well.

As we get closer we yell out a mix of Suga and Sugawara. It is so hard not to burst out laughing every time I see the face Kōshi makes when I call him Sugawara. When we reach the front of the Konbini Daichi moves toward it heading to buy meat buns. Tanaka and I only hear the tail end of the conversation with Tanaka interrupting Kōshi briefly to tell him Daichi is buying us meat buns. But you know what Kageyama is right, this is a competition and I refuse to lose to Tōru.

“But are you alright with this, Suga! I mean… I’m not satisfied at all!” Tanka ranted. Tanaka just wants for Kōshi to be able to shine on the court, I mean I do too, and I can guarantee that Kōshi wants to make up for last season’s mistakes.

“… It’s disappointing… but…” Kōshi says tone slightly melancholy before his face changed to a smile “if they think Kageyama is the same guy his was in middle school, then they’re making a huge mistake. I want them to see that!” Kōshi finished speaking with a pat on Kageyama’s shoulder, shocking Kageyama. Ok Kōshi but let’s be honest you just want to be able to laugh at Tōru. Just like you laughed at him when you found out how he got injured.

“… That’s right!” Daichi said making Kageyama and Kōshi turn slightly to face him. Daichi handed me one of the meat bun bags, which I decided to open and get one out to use as a cover for the internal laughter. “Kageyama ‘alone’ isn’t what’s frightening. Let’s show them.” Daichi continued to address the others before turning slightly to me saying “right, Hinata!” when everyone turned to me I had my mouth stuffed with a meat bun. The bag open in my hand.

“Ah.” I grunted in confirmation “Yeff!” everyone was looking at me anger in their eyes at the audacity I had to stuff my face before everyone had one. Tanaka and Kageyama moved toward me grabbing my collar. They lifted me slightly off the ground and I could feel my prosthetic go slack as I left the ground.

“what the heck were you doing, eating before us!” Tanaka yelled at the same time that Kageyama yelled.

“Quit fooling around!!”

“Oi, you lot are volleyball club members, ain’tcha?!” the Konbini owner yelled as he left his shop “don’t go making a ruckus outside my shop!!” the shop owner looks to be in his late 20’s. With bleach blonde hair with the roots showing his natural hair colour is brown. His face conveyed annoyance more than anger, and he was waving around a duster made from cloth. His shouting made Tanaka and Kageyama turn their heads to him and let me go saying “… we wooon’t” after a pause. I had dropped my meat bun when the two had grabbed me meaning that I no longer had a meat bun and am going to spend 2-hours mourning the meat bun loss to Kei and Eita till they make me new ones. Kōshi and Tanaka had taken a bag each and were handing out the remaining buns. Kōshi even handed me a new one, as Yamaguchi and Kei arrived. The moment really made me feel like we were a team. Like we were meant to be a team because we could challenge each other to become better.

Each one of us is unique. Each one has brought our own skills to the court. We are Karasuno men’s volleyball team.

Sugawara’s P.O.V.

When Kageyama had called out to me I had been worried that he had returned to his cocky ways. Concerned he had come to gloat. But I could see the insecurity in his eyes. The pain he tried to hide. When we first saw he wanted to join our club Daichi and I held a meeting with Takeda to discuss our team plan. The three of us were concerned about how we could support someone with the skill Kageyama has. It seems I found a way. We need to rebuild his confidence, give him positive thoughts instead of negative ones. Teach him to be a team player but still show him his individual skill matters.

All I could think was Tōru messed up when he became jealous of Kageyama’s skills. While sharing out the meat buns I took a quick glance at Shōyō, to see what expression he had. I could tell from his grin that he wanted to make this team greater than it already is. That is until he saw Tsukishima and then his expression changed to show the dirty thoughts he was having towards him.

Daichi had taken time to apologise to the owner of the owner of the Konbini before turning to Kageyama. “Kageyama, do you have a minute?” Daichi asked and after receiving a confirming osu he continued. “We are going in here to talk for a moment.” At Daichi’s words Kageyama’s eyes flashed with panic, his body naturally stiffening in defence.

“It’s ok Kageyama we just want to talk game plans with you.” I said trying to help him relax. I it seemed to do the job as his body relaxed slightly. This is my kid now anyone messes with him dies. We will make Tōru and everyone on the Aoba Josai team see that they were wrong about Kageyama.

We entered the Konbini to use the table ordering some tea to drink while we spoke about game plans. “Don’t cause a ruckus you hear!” the owner said in a warning tone, letting us know he would chuck us out if we caused any trouble. While waiting for the tea to boil beside us on a heater-stove combo we asked Kageyama what he thought of the team. “From what I have seen each member loves the sport, but we have a long way to go to become a true team.” Kageyama said in response. I mean his not wrong with the added new members we will have to learn to work as a team.

“So I’ve been thinking over what to do about Hinata’s position in the upcoming practice match.” Daichi stated one the tea was served.

Kageyama took a breath before saying “I think…”

Chapter Text

Hinata’s P.O.V.

I was awoken by my phones alarm going off, signalling that it Sunday to be more specific. That means a date with my 2 awesome and supportive partners. I was pumped because we decided to do a movie marathon at Kei’s house. And as always Kei picked a dinosaur movie and Eita picked a romance while I’ve picked a horror, gives me a perfect reason to cuddle my two men. The outfit I picked to wear for the date is a yellow long sleeved undershirt with a black short sleeved t-shirt, a pair of comfortable jean shorts with black thigh-high socks and a pair of black doc martins. Around my neck I put the first necklace Eita gave me a black ring choker collar and the first necklace Kei gave me a shark tooth on a silver chain.

 I applied a small amount of black and silver eyeshadow to give my eyes a smoky appearance and some ChapStick. After taking a last look in the mirror I decided that my look was complete before heading downstairs where Eita was waiting for me.

Eita was wearing a blue denim jacket over the top of a ruby red hoodie, which was brought for him by Kei and I for his last birthday. Paired with a pair of white leggings that showed off his powerful thighs and shapely butt. Seeing him in those leggings makes me feel the urge to slap his arse and I can tell he knows. He smirked at me as I entered the kitchen where he had been speaking to Tōru, who was visiting to look after Natsu for my mum. “See ya Tōru, seems my date is ready.” Eita says his smooth voice full of humour.

“Yeah, Yeah rub it in that I don’t get to spend time with my idiot.” Tōru says, he always struggles to find time to spend with Terushima. Considering their teams days off are conflicting.

“don’t take your loneliness out on us.” I say jokingly implying that he is single. “we have to go Tōru, thank you for looking after Natsu for us.” I finish the conversation after looking at the clock and realising we had to leave.

We always do this when we meet at one of our houses, Eita or Kei will pick the other or me up before going to the house where the date is to be held. This is our second year together and I hope we stick together even after Eita leaves for University. When I am at school people tend to think I am a sunshine kid, I guess it is because of my name too. Don’t get me wrong I can be cheery but im usually more subdued. But in our relationship it is actually Kei, I usually prefer dark clothes and horror movies. Whereas Kei at school has trouble communicating because he finds it hard to pick-up social cues. But if he gets asked about dinosaurs, he does this little happy dance and lights up before explaining everything he knows about dinosaurs. I love that about him.

Eita is always told he is so mature. But of the 3 of us he is the most like a teenage boy. He can’t handle sexual innuendos without either laughing or popping a boner and blushing. Whereas Kei and I can read Yaoi with a stone-faced expression. On the other hand though he is super supportive and extremely anxious. Both of my boys need love and support and I have that in droves.

As Eita and I walked to Kei’s we spoke about our weeks commenting on little bits here and there just living in the present. Both of us have a habit of putting our phones on silence while we walk. We live in the moment. It feels like it takes an eternity to arrive at Kei’s house for our weekly group date. Kei’s mum answered the door with a smile, as always she greets us as if she hasn’t seen us in years. Before sending us into the lounge room. Usually this room has a couch, a coffee table and 2 arm chairs in front of the 65” flat screen smart tv. It seems Kei and his mum had moved the couch and coffee table away from the tv to the side of the room.

Replacing the couch was a large snorlax bed that was usually kept in Akiteru’s room as he no longer lived here and only visited occasionally. Kei was moving the coffee table so that it was next to the large snorlax so that our snacks and drinks could be placed there. The house was filled with the smell of fresh cookies. Seems Kei had gotten his mum to bake them with him along with cinnamon buns. A bowl of sweet chilli chips sat on one of the arm chairs waiting to be moved to the coffee table. On the cream coloured walls their were photos of the Tsukishima family along with a couple containing the three of us.

Kei seemed to finally notice our arrival after deciding he liked the placement of the table. his face lit up with happiness and question, clearly asking if we were happy with his ‘nest’. Sometimes Kei acts as if he was an omega in omegaverse story. It makes Eita melt like an ice cream on a 40 degree celsius day. “You’ve done a great job; it looks really comfortable in here Keisaurous.” I say doing a little happy dance Eita was standing behind me with his hands on my shoulders. They learnt early on that when I was overly excited I tended to bounce or jump. And if im not focused I could end up breaking my prosthesis. I mean this would be the fourth time.

“Sunshine is right I can’t wait to cuddle with you on the snorlax bed.” Eita said smooth voice full of love and adoration for the both of us.

Tsukishima’s P.O.V.

When I woke up to prepare for our stay-in date at my house I grabbed my largest grayish-blue hoodie, along with my teal volleyball shirt and a pair of black leggings. Wanting to be comfortable for our long day of watching movies, while also showing off my legs. I am gay, sue me.

If someone had told me 3 years ago that in a year I’d meet 2 amazing supportive men and end up dating them both at the same time. I would have asked them what they were smoking. Because of my autism I have always had a rough time connecting with my peers. When I met Yamaguchi I thought for a long time that he would be my only friend. Then I met Shōyō and Eita, and my view on love and life changed. As we got to know each other I found myself feeling more and more at ease with the both of them. At some point we had just started dating without realising it. When we did realise we decided to give it a real go, now here we are 2 years later.

They made me love volleyball again. They helped me reconnect with Akiteru. So I will stay with them as long as they will have me.

Walking up to Shōyō to hug him and Eita I say “of course it looks comfortable I grabbed all the soft blankets we had and pulled down the Snorlax bed.” Slightly embarrassed by their praise.

“So, Sunshine, Keisaurous, which movie shell we watch first?” Eita asked first.

“I was thinking that we could watch ‘Red, White & Royal Blue’ first as last time we watched my movie first and the time before that it was Shō’s choice first.” I stated moving towards the kitchen to get the rest of the snacks and drinks for my men.

“Then after that we can watch ‘M3GAN’ or ‘Jurassic World’ after that” Shō says calmly. It is sometimes very jarring to see his personality shift between home and school or out in public. I understand how hard it is to fit peoples expectations of how you are supposed to act. The greatest thing about dating these 2 muffins is that we don’t make each other feel like we have to be a certain way.

We can be who we are.

“I was thinking after the first movie we could go grab lunch at that cat café nearby. What do you think?” Eita asked voice touched with curiosity. I always appreciate that they ask or suggest instead of state that we will be doing a thing.

“If Kei is up for it I’d be willing to go but I might grab that pair of leggings I left here last time.” Shō said not having to explain because we know what he was implying. He was worried that we would run into Yamaguchi or one of the other team members that don’t know about his leg. Or lack thereof.

“I am always willing to see cats.” I stated my voice firm “Shōbear mum washed the leggings for you they are in my draws.” I only want him to feel comfortable. Because I know he wants the same for Eita and myself.

Together we moved the remaining snacks to the table beside snorlax along with the drinks. My mother had gone up to her study to write her novel after making sure we didn’t need anything else.

Semi’s P.O.V.

There was a time when I used to think that humans were too scary. I guess that volleyball became a way to express myself, to overcome that fear. In my last year of middle school my parents got my diagnosed with anxiety. It was a turning point. I finally knew why I got so anxious leaving the house. After my diagnosis I tried so many different medications and calm down methods. When I joined Shiratorizawa, I met Tendō and he invited me to a support group. A group of people who had met on a forum and decided to create a discord chat. Meeting this group of people in the same position as me. A volleyball player with a disability, gave me confidence that I wasn’t alone.

After about 2 months of being in the discord 2 middle schoolers joined from the forum. They slotted themselves into the chat like they had always been there. Before I even realised it we had been hanging out every week. We had started to date before any of us realised, it took Oikawa bringing up that everyone in the discord thought we were dating. He asked when we were going to announce our relationship. I had asked what he meant in confusion. Looking back on it now I am glad to have gotten together with my shrimp and my dinosaur.

When we made our relationship official we decided to schedule a day each for duo dates and a day for a trio date. We wanted to spend time equally with each other. I love them to my very soul. If this was a soulmate fanfiction they would most assuredly be my soulmates. There are those that when they find out I am in a threesome relationship with 2 guys try to convince me that my relationship won’t work out. That the other 2 will decide that they no longer want to date me. I have girls at my school who confess to wanting to date me but think I’m lying when I say I am in a relationship.

When this happens I end up calling my boys, and ranting till I calm down or one of them shows up at my dorm to kiss or hug away the stress. After finishing ‘Red, White and Royal Blue’ we got ready to go to Nekoffee a cat café near Kei’s house. Keeping an eye out for Yamaguchi, Kei’s best friend, because he doesn’t know that Kei has 2 boyfriends. Not to mention he doesn’t know about Shō’s leg.

I was pulled from my thoughts by Shō grabbing my hand and pulling me behind a fence.

Hinata’s P.O.V.

I noticed Yamaguchi leaving his house before he even saw me. So I grabbed Eita’s hand with a quick “gotta hide” to both him and Kei.

“Why are you hiding?” Kei said looking at me in confusion I guess he hadn’t spotted Yamaguchi yet.

“Yamaguchi just left his house, and you still haven’t told him you’re gay.” I whisper back peeking to see which direction Yamaguchi is going. Only to see him walking in our direction with his head down. Unsure if he had seen Kei, I stayed behind the fence I took refuge behind.

“Hey Tsukki” I heard from where I was crouched. I really hope that he doesn’t step closer to the fence, or the jig will be up.

“Hey Tadashi” Kei-bear replied, Kei shifted to right in-front of where Eita and I were hiding. Because I knew we would be there a while I grabbed out my phone and opened Discord. I was shooting messages to the different servers I am in while listening to the conversation happening on the other side of the fence.

“So where are you headed Tsukki?” Yamaguchi asked Kei, his tone curious but I could tell he wasn’t trying to pry.

“Mum asked me to deliver something to Akiteru, because he is in the area for a few hours.” Kei lied through his teeth; I mean Akiteru is in the area for an hour, but Mama Tsukki asked no such thing. “because her deadline is coming up so she can’t take it herself.”

“Ah, well I was going to the Konbini, so I better let you go so you don’t miss him.” Yamaguchi replied I listened as Yamaguchi started to walk away, hearing each foot fall quieten as he got further away, waiting till Kei gave the all clear.

We spent the rest of the day after our trip to Nekoffee, watching movies, eating snacks, cuddling and loving what time we had together. It was a great end to the week, and it was just what we all needed.

Chapter Text

Hinata’s P.O.V.

The day after the 3-on-3 match we were all seated around the volleyball court facing Daichi and Takeda-sensei. We had been sitting here for 20 minutes going over the positions each of us would be playing as. “— So, these are just the positions for the practice match, but…” Daichi continued to explain while holding a small whiteboard that displayed our positions. “I think we’ll go with this.”

The whiteboard displayed the starting line-up for the Aoba Josai practice match. Starting in the left wing spiker position was Tanaka, a reliable senpai who works hard to be a fantastic spiker for the team. I, despite how short I am, am starting as a middle blocker, in the front row. In the right wing spiker position is Daichi our dependable dad-like (according to Kōshi) captain.

Starting in the back row we have as our setter Kageyama, My bae Kei as middle blocker (he is so fabulously tall, and I would so climb him like a tree if we weren’t hiding our relationship.) And Ennoshita was placed as the second right wing spiker. I don’t know much about Ennoshita’s skill levels as I have never seen him play. I can’t wait to crush Tōru to dust during the practice match, although I do know he is going to be missing the first set at least. If not 2 sets depending on how long our first set takes. The team was shocked, so shocked they couldn’t say anything, it was clear to me at least why they were so shocked, I mean I was also trying to figure out how I had been picked to be a middle blocker. Especially considering that they don’t know my true skill set. Well other than Kei. Who has lost to my speed so many times he nicknamed be solar flare and orange flash.

“I want to use Kageyama and Hinata as a set…” Daichi continued unperturbed by the silence in the gym. I could tell that Kageyama was not fully on board with the idea of being paired up with someone. Even if that person can hit his insanely quick sets. Kageyama glanced at me with an uneasy expression which clearly stated exactly what he was thinking ‘a set.’

“Tsukishima is one of the few tall players we have.” Daichi continued taking the rooms silence to mean people wanted him to continue, not as if the occupants are too shocked to speak. “I want to see how much of a fight we can pull off with Seijoh as our opponent.”

Kei was wearing an apathetic expression when he responded with a “’kaaaay” but I knew the truth, he is thirsty to prove his skills. He wants to prove that he can do what Akiteru couldn’t. To make his brother proud, even if mister tsundere-kun tells us differently. He could never lie to myself and Semi, we always know when he is lying.

Tadashi clearly feels left out from these plans, hopefully he cheers up soon. I don’t think he could handle the pressure of an actual high school volleyball match with his current mental state. He would probably fold and continue to blame himself if we lost a game that he participated in.

Finally being pulled out of his stupor Tanaka piped up to ask “you mean you’re sticking Hinata in the one position where height is important?!” his tone was full of disbelief and honestly I couldn’t blame him.

“Middle blocker…” I said moving my upper body forward slightly as if curious “Isn’t that the same position as that jerk Tsukishima?!” I made sure my tone was layered with fake annoyance at sharing the same position as my gorgeous Kei. Judging by Kei’s smirk he knew exactly what I was trying to do, by calling him a jerk. I love how dominate he gets when I rile him up and if I’m lucky Semi may also get riled up.

Takeda-sensei rushed to lift a ‘how to play volleyball guide’ to his eyelevel stammering out a hurried “ah, h-hold on. Can we quickly review what the positions mean?!” He may be unfamiliar with the rules of volleyball, but it is nice to see him take opportunities to learn things he doesn’t know. It is heart-warming. From my experiences a lot of club advisors don’t actually care about the club they are in charge of. Unless it is the phys ed teacher and a sports club. But Takeda-sensei is not a sports teacher.

“the setter- is the backbone of the match, he sets up attacks and tosses the ball in order to carry out spikes.” Takeda-sensei says more clarifying it for himself then the rest of the gyms occupants “a wing- spiker- is an allrounder. He maintains a balance between offence and defence and is the nucleus of an attack.”  Is this how a father feels when their kid shows an interest in things he loves. Because I am so happy Takeda-sensei is taking an interest in volleyball.

“And the middle blocker- He stops an opponent’s attack by blocking it and primarily scores through the use of quick attacks. Additionally he acts as a decoy by drawing in the opposite teams blockers so their team mates can spike.” Takeda-sensei said taking a deep breath before asking “basically like that?”

“there’s also positions that specialize in defence, but you’re ok for now.” Daichi replied smiling at Takeda-sensei, he clearly didn’t want to overwhelm the new volleyball advisor or to scare him away. As Daichi and Takeda-sensei were talking Kageyama motioned to me to stand up with him. Kageyama all but dragged me to the empty side of the court, as I was pulled along I slightly tripped when my prosthetic leg dragged against the floor because I didn’t take a proper step. I managed to save myself from falling though so there is that. As I was readjusting my stance Kageyama turned towards me. “you got it Hinata?” he said as if talking to someone dumber then he “you’ll be the absolute strongest “decoy”!!!” He finished as if he had just dropped the secrets of the universe on me. To be honest I kind of found his need to explain even the smallest volleyball related thing to me hilarious and I can already tell Kei will be telling Eita all the nitty gritty details.

“Oooh?!” I made a noise that could have been confusion but really I was curious to see if he had a speech prepared. “The strongest decoy!!” I shout layering my voice with excitement, before I acted like his words had finally sunk in.

With each passing second I acted like I had lost a bit more enthusiasm first I let a sort of bored/disappointed “oooh?!” still perked up slightly from my excitement before dipping my had down a little as if I was saddened by the news that I would be used as a decoy.

Letting out another “ooh” I sank to my hands and knees with a “that’s kind of disappointing…” letting my words trail of looking at the ground to hide my internal laughter. I just know Kei and Eita will be making fun of my acting yet again. Kageyama’s face took on a look of extreme annoyance, it was clear he couldn’t wrapped his head around why I wasn’t as excited as him to make fools out of the opposing teams. To be honest, I much like my cousins Tōru and Kōshi have a need to embarrass opposing teams. Especially when my cousin is on the other team.

“You scoring points with a quick attack while on the offensive will result in the opposing blockers focussing their attention on you.” Kageyama said his voice firm with determination “when that happens, we will make use of the other spikers!” I could almost hear Kageyama making an evil cackle like a supervillain. I guess it makes sense that he has a shitty personality, he spent 2 years on a team with Tōru. That would warp anyone, well except Iwaizumi-san somehow avoided becoming crappy like Tōru.

“Ah!” I exclaimed as if I finally understood why I was placed in the middle blocker position, instead of the attack position I wanted. But really my ah was for understanding where Kageyama’s shitty attitude had developed.

“No matter how many huge guys there are like Tsukishima, it’ll feel great when they get caught up in your movements,” Kageyama declared “like idiots won’t it.” Like I needed to be sold on the position of decoy, though I guess he doesn’t know my true personality.

“UOOOOH! Nice! That’d be awesome!!” I yelled like I had 1 braincell and it ran on volleyball (like Kageyama). Out the corner of my eye I saw a glint in Kei’s eyes as he adjusting his glasses, I am going to cop it later.  But I also saw Yamaguchi jumping to his feet.

“oi! You better not be calling Tsukki an idiot.” He yelled pointing accusingly at Kageyama, he briefly glanced at me as if to dare me to call Kei an idiot. He really should be careful about daring me, because when it comes to teasing my boi’s I will call them a million things.

“Shut-up Tadashi…” Kei said barely concealing his laughter behind mock annoyance. It was cute that Kei was trying to hide his humour behind a mask of annoyance no matter how thin the mask is.

“Sorry Tsukki…” Yamaguchi said sitting back down next to Kei. It was kind of obvious that Yamaguchi still had a crush on Kei. I say still because just after Kei, Eita and I started dating Yamaguchi confessed and got turned down by Kei. Kei told us that he was really embarrassed when Yamaguchi had confessed because he had never thought about Yamaguchi in that way, he had only ever considered him a friend.

“… Conversely…” Kageyama said after a moment of silence after the interruption caused by Yamaguchi “you have to think as if the other attacks will end in failure if you don’t maintain that role.” His words carried a weight that they hadn’t 2 minutes ago. It shocked me that he had gotten so serious, so quickly. I honestly thought he couldn’t be serious, though I guess he can get serious about volleyball. And this conversation is about volleyball.

“Hold it! Don’t put so much pressure on him!” Daichi scolded appearing behind Kageyama and making him jump slightly turning to look at Daichi. Daichi’s words gave me an idea, so I started pretending to be overwhelmed by what Kageyama said slouching in on myself slightly.

“End… Failure… All fail…” I said sounding slightly insane and completely out of whack with reality. I mean it’s not like I haven’t been down on myself before. When I was in hospital after losing my leg in the car accident, I saw no hope in my future. No way I could fly like my brother. So I just drew on that feeling, I knew doing so would worry Kōshi, but I would talk to him and let him see I was ok now.

“See! Look at what you did!” Daichi exclaimed worried that Kageyama had broken me, when in reality I was trying so hard not to collapse to the floor laughing as hard as I could. I wasn’t the only one Kei was Holding a hand over his face as his entire frame shook in silent laughter and from this angle I could see he had plugged his headphones into his phone and had threaded the lead so it wouldn’t be noticeable, but I saw his phone peeking through the fingers of his free hand aimed at our interaction. Which tells me he got the urge to show Eita and couldn’t wait so they were probably both dying of laughter, guess I’ll need two new boyfriends. Kōshi was also visibly shaking with silent laughter, the traitor. Then again the first and second years don’t know I am Kōshi’s cousin.

I could tell that Kageyama couldn’t comprehend how it was his fault the I was ‘breaking down’ before the practice match had even started. His face clearly read with an expression of ‘how is that my fault.’ Joining the discussion Tanaka had moved to stand so that he could ask his burning question.

“But how is he gonna pull of the blocking that’s essential to the middle blocker position?!” His voice was so full of confusion that his usual tone sounded angrier. “No matter how high he can jump, when the spiker will already be at his highest point before Hinata gets to his, It will take him too long to reach his max jumping height.” I mean he has a point, but I could tell Kei was getting actually annoyed with Tanaka. Overprotective boyfriend right there. I subtly got Kei’s attention and slightly shook my head hoping no one else saw me do so.

“Like that he will end up blocking late.” Tanaka finished his tone more curious as to what the plan was when it came to me blocking. To hide my massive evil smile I was still pretending to be a dead fish. Like I was still too overwhelmed by the pressure placed on me.

“… And that’s why Hinata won’t be focused on blocking by knocking down the opponent’s spike.” Kageyama explained like the answer to the issue was the most obvious thing in the world. “Instead he will be focusing on getting a one touch to make receiving the ball easier.” Really the way he explained it made Tanaka go slightly red as if he realised he could have deduced that plan all by himself. “using Hinata’s ridiculously fast reaction speed, he’ll at least be able to weaken the power of the opponent’s spike. Then we will pick up the slack and begin a counter attack.” Kageyama seemed to be very determined to go with this plan, I have to admit it does make full use of my abilities at least the ones I have showcased so far.

“There’s no way he can pull that off without practice.” Tanaka said concern covering his face like a blanket, but whether he was concerned about how my supposed inability would drag down the team or how me failing may affect my mental health I couldn’t tell. I mean Tanaka-senpai seems decent enough to be concerned about more than just one of those choices.

“Maybe so, to start with, at least.” Daichi said in a calming tone that spoke volumes of his character. The tone may have been calm but there was underlying strength in every word he spoke. Daichi has the tenacity of a captain. “There’s no proof it’ll go smoothly, and the opposing team will probably laugh at us for it, though. But if we give it a try, we’ll know one way or another.”  Daichi said while smiling an encouraging smile meant to lift the team up, but his uneasy start clearly left several of the team members uneasy about the prospect of using an untested method. “Well, it’s just a practice match though!”  Daichi passed what he was saying letting everyone absorb the words he was saying.

The silence in the gym was only broken by Tanaka letting out a hesitant “Osu” as his mind wrapped around what was being said.

“… Tsukishima and Kageyama are at best the only ones on the team who can match Hinata’s jumping height in an air-based battle.” Daichi continued laying information on the poor 2-brain cell people who had already reached their limit for information handed to them. “So Hinata, have confidence in yourse…” Daichi said turning to me but not finishing his sentence when he saw the new expression on my face. In the time he was talking till he turned to me I had constructed a look of pure overwhelmed panic.

As if Daichi had pushed me past the point of rational thinking. “Yes I’ll do my best!! This is my first time playing in a high school match with 6 people!” I started yelling slightly hysterically as if I was crushing under the pressure being placed on my shoulders. “I’ll score tons of points! And I’ll be a decoy! And serve and block and quick attacks!” Slowly my yelling became more frenzied further cementing in everyone but Kōshi and Kei’s minds that I was breaking under the pressure. Daichi’s facial reaction to my supposed freak out made me want to laugh, so instead I locked my facial muscles so that I looked out of sorts.

“Wait, wait, wait, wait, hold on, calm down!” Daichi said face panicked as he grabbed my shoulders shaking me slightly as if to shake some sense back into me. Instead all he succeeds in doing is making me want to mess with him more. I need to spend less time with Tōru and Kōshi, they are warping my sense of humour.

“Everything…” I let out before I jumped without my feet moving from their potions on the court. My slight jump mad my hair stand up for a moment before laying messily back on my head.

“Uwah?!” Daichi let out in shock as I seemed to explode from the stress of being made the teams only decoy. But in reality I was more than ready to make a fool of Tōru, he is always teasing me about my height like I am short because I want to be. Once Daichi had recovered from his shock he yelled out “he short circuited!! Hinata short circuited!” as if being in the same room as me did not make my apparent state obvious. Once everyone had calmed down and they had managed to ‘rouse’ me Daichi and Takeda-sensei sent us home to rest before school tomorrow.

I followed Kei and Yamaguchi out while texting Eita about how todays team meeting went and asking if he was done with his team meeting as well. I could see Yamaguchi’s confused look as Kei’s phone buzzed about 20 times before he pulled it out. See Kei still has not told Yamaguchi he is gay because part of him fears rejection and another part of him reasons that Yamaguchi has never asked about his sexuality. I can see where he is coming from, it is hard to be yourself and open about topics that some people see as taboo. Like when I wear shorts without leggings or tights, people point and stare at my amputation which makes me feel uncomfortable talking about it. Really I’d rather people asked me the hard question rather than speculate and get my story all wrong.

It was one of the reasons why we made our volleyball disability group chat on discord. So that we could vent about people unknowingly or knowingly being super toxic and so that we can support each other on our journeys into high school and volleyball.

Kōshi’s P.O.V.

Monday after school I went and collected Shōyō and Kageyama from their respective classrooms. All day yesterday I kept laughing till Mum asked me what was so hilarious. When I told her what Shōyō was doing during practice she laughed her head off before asking if I had any of it on film. Which I had to tell her the negative very sadly. So seeing Shōyō today put a huge smile on my face. It is so great to see him having so much fun, it really has been too long.

After the accident he didn’t really get excited for much, especially not meeting people. It was why Aunty sent him to the same support group for sports players with a disability as Tōru. I know it was how he met his 2 baes, not that everybody knows. Only Kei’s and Shōyō’s family from those 2 at least, I know for a fact that Semi-san is very open that he is in a triad relationship. But because Kei and Shōyō have a wish to keep it secret from the team for now, he has made an agreement not to visit them at school. I am just so glad to see Shōyō smile again.

Anyway with the 2 first years in tow I made my way to the club room explaining the basic rules we had in place as we walked. Making sure to keep an eye on Shōyō for any sign of pain and discomfort. As we walked through the school yard towards the clubs locker room many students were walking with friends home or splitting away from friend groups to head to their respective clubs. Unlike other schools ours doesn’t mandate joining a club, so many students leave for home after their last classes. I could see Asahi trying to hide from me as he left, why is he such a coward off the court. I hope he comes back. I still feel guilty for what happened, so I know that coward does too.

Before long we were out the front of the building full of club rooms. It was used by all of the sports clubs to house their locker rooms. For both the male and female sports clubs. “here we are.” I say in a friendly manner trying to make Kageyama comfortable. Because I already know the little orange haired demon needs no comfort right now.

“Eh? Is it really alright for first years to use the locker room, too?” Shōyō asked pretending to be confused. He is too much like Tōru. It makes me kind of want to slap him, maybe I should slap Tōru for being a horrible influence on Shōyō.

“Yep. Since it’s left over from when the team was stronger, we’re still allowed to use the space.” I calmly explained knowing for a fact that the turd knew this. If he wasn’t my favourite orange cousin I would be angry at him. Instead I find his antics hilarious. I finished showing them to the club room entering with a greeting of “Ossu” to the underclassmen who had already arrived.

Kageyama’s P.O.V.

The entire school day I was full of nervous energy, because I know it is only a matter of time before this team turns their backs like my last one did. I always get left behind. I noticed when class started that Hinata wasn’t in my class so he must be in the other class for those not heading for collage. I don’t think he has anything but volleyball in that head of his. Throughout the day I saw friend groups talking and felt out of place as there was no other first-year boys volleyball team members in my class.

I don’t know how to make connections outside the court. I mean I failed to make any meaningful connections on the Kitagawa Daichi team. I mean they dropped me from the starting line-up and stopped having me play in matches so fast my head is still spinning.

At the end of the day Sugawara-senpai along with Hinata grabbed me from the classroom. I guess he really is in the other non-college prep class. I mean he has to be an idiot, after all he constantly has a stupid look on his face. It turns out that senpai collected us from class to make sure we didn’t fight on the way to the clubroom but also to make sure that we got there before practice started. He made sure to explain the rules for the clubroom as we walked, and his attitude made me realise he is much nicer then Oikawa-senpai is. Though I suppose now I have no reason to call Oikawa my senpai. Was there ever even a reason to call him my senpai?

Hinata’s P.O.V.

Kageyama looks constipated, is he thinking too hard again? He always seems to put a distance between himself and everyone else. At least since his last team abandoned him in the middle of a match. What a dick move. “Are you sure you didn’t mind getting us from class Sugawara-senpai?” I asked him pretending to be concerned about being a burden to the team this early in the year. My acting at this moment was for purely in case Kageyama just has resting constipated look face. I mean let’s be honest, since we met again here at Karasuno he has looked like he was clogged up. Maybe he should visit the doctor’s office near the school.

“Hinata it’s fine Daichi asked me to make sure you 2 got to the clubroom on-time and without issue.” Kōshi answered using a soft tone, he uses that tone when he wants to appear non-threatening to other people. It never works on me because I have seen him try to literally kill Tōru for random things. “I mean, I just want to support our team in any way I can.” So even Kōshi is still scarred from the events that took place last year. I was at the game that caused this teams worst scars. It was their game against Date Tech last year where the teams ace lost confidence in himself and his skills.

I heard from Kōshi that just before school ended for summer break, Nishinoya the teams libero got into an argument with Asahi the teams ace about how Asahi had lost his backbone. Kōshi told me he thought Nishinoya got angry because he felt Asahi had lost faith in the team. Honestly everyone on this team needs therapy, I should know I attend therapy.

As we entered the clubroom, or more aptly the team’s locker room which is something that Tenma used when he was attending, when the team was still strong, Kōshi greeted the second years who were already there. Tanaka was sitting on a desk chair facing the door, he was sitting with one knee up and the other tucked into his body. One of the second years was putting his socks on while seated on the floor while the other 2 were messing around with their bags on the shelves against the left wall.

Kageyama and I let out a “pardon us” as we joined the others in the room and moved to put our bags away. As I started changing, having already changed pants during lunch break so I didn’t show off my prosthesis to the team, my thoughts drifted. I wondered if the room had changed much since Tenma attended Karasuno. I was startled out of my thoughts so bad by Tanaka speaking to me that I jumped slightly.

“The day’s almost here, right, Hinata? Tomorrow’s your first big game!” Tanaka said his tone full of encouraging excitement “well your first practice match anyway. Aoba Josai’s gym is freakin’ huge, bro! Heck, all their players are too! No getting’ scared, ‘kay?” Tanaka continued speaking not giving me an opportunity to respond. I had to take a calming breath to stop myself from laughing as Daichi walked in with a quick “hey” exchanged between him and Kōshi.

“I-I…” I started with stutter barely holding back a burst of laughter, I burst out with “I wont get scared!” faking ignorance at having put on a jumper as pants I tugged my jumper to cover my front and continued with “I’m gonna play the best game ever and win it—” I was interrupted by a stunned Tanaka who was looking at me like I had lost my sanity under pressure.

“Uh, Hinata?” his tone was full of questioning confusion “Those pants you’re putting on… That’s actually a jacket” Tanaka emphasized his statement by pointing at my legs. I’d made sure to wear compression leggings and socks to hide my prosthetic while changing and was using the jumper to hide how the leggings sat on my right leg.

“Ha, Ha, Ha! You making a new fashion statement?!” Tanaka laughed loudly, but not loud enough to cover up Daichi calling out to Kageyama.

“Kageyama.” Daichi spoke softly only just loud enough to be heard with Tananka’s noise, hiding his mouth behind his hand. Kōshi meanwhile looked like he was trying not to piss his pants laughing, which kind of made him look concerned for my wellbeing.

“Is Hinata going to be okay tomorrow?” Daichi asked after Kageyama had looked over to him his face neutral until the question had been asked, his face now morphed by confusion.

“How do you mean?” Kageyama asked back, like seriously why are you asking that unemotional bread loaf. I played one match against him and now suddenly his the Hinata whisperer. If you need to ask some one ask Kōshi you at least know we know each other. Even if you only know the cliff notes.

Kōshi P.O.V.

“Hinata has said that his only game experience is the one he played against you, right?” Daichi asked trying to hide from Shōyō that he was concerned about Shōyō’s behaviour. Really Daichi should cool his jets, Shōyō is just being a little shit. How his boyfriends put up with him I’ll never know. Okay that is a lie, I know exactly how they put up with him. “I bet he’s getting really nervous about it by now.” Daichi continued drawing me out of my thoughts enough to notice Shōyō was using everyone’s distracted views to put on Tanaka’s pants. I know that little shit did that on purpose to make himself seem more frazzled then he actually is. Brat.

“Everyone gets nervous before games.” Kageyama replied his usually stoic tone coloured with clear confusion. His unaware attitude pisses me off so much. I hate prodigies who don’t need to try to excel at a sport, their jerks. Shōyō is the exception to the rule. He may be a genius at the sport but due to his height and missing leg he feels like he needs to put in twice the effort as everyone else.

“There! That’s it! That attitude! You’re completely under-estimating rookie nerves, aren’t you!” I jump in barely containing my annoyance at his lack of understanding. Not that he has all the facts when it comes to my cute cousin.

“Huh?!” Kageyama exclaimed his confusion full force now. To be honest I don’t feel bad about confusing him after how he treated Shōyō. But I do know how Tōru treated him in middle school has contributed to his disconnected behaviour. I want to spike a ball Tōru’s face.

“Yeah. He seems to feel pressured by anything I say to him.” Daichi stated I could tell Shōyō’s act had him concerned. He shouldn’t worry he does know Shōyō, and I are related even if he was asked not to tell the team.

“Well it is his first real game. Not much to do about that. It’s probably best to just give him some space…” Kageyama stated his confusion at being asked clearly dissipating for now. Behind him I could see that Shōyō and Tanaka’s conversation had end and Shōyō was pretending to wobble out of the club room as if he was unnerved by the pressure.

“Kageyama” I said once Shō had cleared the room and closed the door. “I’m not going to tell you that you have to get Hinata to relax… But at least quit pressuring him with your little unnecessary extra comments!” I could tell my statement surprised Kageyama, and to be honest with a role Model like Tōru it is really no surprise that he doesn’t know how to encourage people correctly. I remember how upset Tōru had been when Kageyama joined his team. To the point Tōru would take any opportunity to belittle Kageyama.

Just by reading Kageyama’s face I could tell I had given him something to think about. After a couple of seconds Tanaka, who by now had realised his pants were on Shōyō went bursting through the club room door startling one of the girls tennis team members.

Shōyō’s P.O.V.

After Tanaka finished teasing me I decided to take advantage of everyone being distracted to on purposely put Tanaka’s pants on to mess with him. While I was dressing I listened in on Kōshi, Daichi and Kageyama’s discussion about me. To see if my act had slipped at any point in our interactions. Kōshi knew the truth but he also knew to keep his trap shut.

As I was leaving in a wobbly out of focus fashion I heard Daichi say in a clearly unconvinced tone “maybe…” On some level my anxiety did have me convinced I’d be replaced the moment they found out about the prosthesis.

So I had to prove my skills before that happened. Otherwise I will be replaced and that thought always hits like a lead weight in my stomach.

Grabbing my stomach as if I wanted to vomit, I started to mutter I can’t mess this up over and over again as I bumped into my tall bottle of salt Tsukki.

“Oh, I’m sorry. You’re so tiny I didn’t see you down there.” Tsukki said in his haughty tone that he knows makes me want to punish him. I will on our date day. He will not get away but for now I’ll settle for messing with him.

After activating my dead fish eye look I looked at Yamaguchi and Kei and said “oh… Sorry.” As dead toned as possible, as if my soul was crushed. And continued wobbling of in a disheartened wobble. I know Kei will get worried and message me when his free later or if he manages to get away from Yamaguchi long enough. As I was reaching the top of the stairs I heard Kei say “what the heck was that?” why is he so fake pure it’s so cute.

“I don’t know.” Yamaguchi replied I could tell he expected me to respond with an angry outburst of some kind, but not dead inside Hinata that’s the only option for today sorry. Not sorry.

As I make it to the bottom of the stairs I hear Tanaka burst through the door of the clubroom, guess he realised I have his pants. As I am walking I tugged my jumper up slightly to fix it as it had slipped slightly off my shoulder when I bumped into Kei, but also using this opportunity to let Tanaka’s pants sag slightly.

“Hinata! Those’re my pants you’re wearin’!” Tanaka yelled leaning slightly over the side of the second floor. I gave a show of looking at the pants I was wearing in shock as if I didn’t know exactly what he was saying. He seems to have managed to startle on of the tennis players, because she followed his screams up with a scream of her own. At first she had only let out a small slightly louder then speaking volume ‘eep’. But she followed it up with a loud “put some clothes on you freak!!” which had Tanaka looking away from me to give her a look of despair.

And So… Tuesday After Class…

We were told to meet at the volleyball gyms exterior, just the thought of catching a bus is making me nauseous. Ever since the car accident that stole my leg cars, buses whatever enclosed space with an engine – trains not included – give me anxiety and normally I’d take pills to deal with it, but my prescription medication had run dry and Mum hadn’t the chance to get a refill yet.

I could tell without even looking at them that Kōshi and Kei were more than worried about me. But Kōshi wasn’t given time to come and check on me as Daichi instructed everyone to “Line Up!” and “Greet our teacher” of which everyone listened to him.

“Good Afternoon, Sensei!!” we say in unison, it is small things like this that really feel team like.

“Hi, hi.” Takeda-sensei said back looking slightly over whelmed by the amount of voices greeting him. It makes sense to me at least 3 of the team are almost taller than he is, and he seems to have a slightly timid demeaner. Once our greetings were over we were directed to board the bus, god that made my stomach roll.

I was seated at the back of the bus with Tanaka sitting next to the window. My nausea had not abated in the slightest, if anything it had worsened once the bus had started moving. I knew it was only a matter of time before I threw up, and I know that even though both Kōshi and Kei have sick bags stored in their respective bags. Neither of them will be able to give me one without raising flags.

“Hey, Hinata! Want some Pocky?” Tanaka asked, once the bus had been moving for a few minutes, before starting to turn towards me with 2 pocky sticks in hand like an offering “here, have – Woah what is with that face?!” Tanaka asked loud enough that Kōshi and Kei could look back without raising suspicions.

“Huh? Oh. Sorry, I didn’t sleep well last night…” I said turning my face to look directly at Tanaka. The nausea had steadily worsened as we drove on, and I felt like if I didn’t do something soon I was going to turn the bus into a biohazard. “Um… E-excuse me…” I stuttered out barely holding back the first wave I knew was coming as I leaned towards the closed window. “Can I open the… Win— Hurp! Bleeaaarrrgh…” I didn’t make it to opening the window and instead deposited the entire contents of my stomach all over Tanaka’s lap.

“Aaaaagh!! No way!!” Tanaka screamed looking at his lap in horror “stop!! Stop the bus now!!”

Takeda-Sensei’s P.O.V.

Oh no I knew I read in Hinata’s file that he felt anxiety in moving vehicles like busses and cars, but I didn’t know it was this bad. One look at the faces of Daichi and Kageyama told me they thought it was related to volleyball nerves. I could tell Sugawara, Hinata’s cousin, knew exactly why he’d thrown up on Tanaka.

Daichi’s P.O.V.

Uh-oh this may be worse than we thought. Judging by Kageyama and Suga’s faces they feel the same way. Hope Hinata isn’t going to throw up again.