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Miyuki knew it was temporary. At least he hoped it was temporary as he was on leave because of his injury. Still he’s had this number since he was a first year. He never thought he’d have to give up before he graduated. He clutched his jersey in his hands and sighs as he closes his eyes. He was alone in the locker room. Or at least he thought he was alone.
“What are you doing?” a familiar voice calls out startling Miyuki. He looks up to see the golden eye pitcher staring at him in confusion. Miyuki sighs. “Nothing” he lies.
Sawamura looks at the jersey in the catcher’s arms and his eyes widen in realization. “Boss is making you give it up?!”he shouts in astonishment.
“I’m not on the team anymore, Sawamura” Miyuki states bluntly.
“That’s not true. You are still on the team, Miyuki. You’re still my catcher and you’re still the captain” Sawamura states.
“No. Coach took me off the starting line up, Sawamura. I’m officially off the main string roster until further notice.”
Sawamura’s mouth drops. This couldn’t be happening. This wasn’t fair. He was just injured. Hell Tanba kept his ace number eventhough he was injured. Why couldn’t Miyuki keep his? It didn’t make any sense.
“I’m at blame, Sawamura. I was dishonest and it’s my fault the coach made this decision. I’m not fit to lead the team anyways” Miyuki says before he stares down at his jersey. “Just didn’t think it would be this soon.”
Sawamura understood how Miyuki felt. It took him so long to get his ace jersey. He’d hate to ever have to give it up. Sawamura grabs Miyuki’s face and forces him to look at his eyes.
“Look at me, Kazuya. You know that’s not true. You’re the captain for a reason. You’ve lead us to where we are now. You’re needed on the team as much as everyone else is. If not more. You’ll always be the catcher of my heart. No one else but you. You will wear it again and we will be battery partners again. That I promise you. We need you back” he says as he caresses the male’s cheeks soothingly.
“How are you’re so sure, Eijun?”
“Because I know you. You don’t give up even when the going gets tough. And I believe in you.”
Miyuki felt his eyes water as tears dropped onto his jersey. He knew Sawamura was right but it didn’t make it less hard to give up.
Sawamura wipes his tears with his thumbs and smiles sadly. It broke his heart to see him like this. He kisses his forehead before he pulls away. “I’ll make sure this returns to you, Captain” he says as he grabs the jersey.
Miyuki stares at him before he wipes his eyes. “I’m holding you to do that, Eijun”.
Sawamura grins widely. “When I have ever let you down, Kazuya?”
Miyuki couldn’t help but chuckle at that. “You have a point. Did I ever tell you that I’m lucky to have you?”
“A few times but it wouldn’t hurt to hear it more” Sawamura teases.
Miyuki chuckles again. “I love you, Eijun. You’re the best”.
Sawamura leans over and kisses his cheek. “I love you too, And no you’re the best. Don’t you dare forget that” he says.
Miyuki smiles lovingly. “Yeah. I won’t.”