Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Stupid and embarrassing, that’s how Rin would’ve put this situation as. So why is he out, buying gifts for his ‘rival’?

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Simply put, during a celebratory event after the match against U-20, Reo thought it’d be a good idea to do a ‘Bluelock Secret Santa’ over at his place or whatever. How tepid. It’s no use doing anything unrelated to soccer, there’s no correlation. I need to train. Or that’s what Rin thought. But after getting horribly pestered by Shidou and Bachira, he ended up drawing sticks. He was honestly hoping for anyone or no one, as he didn’t interact with others that much. Looking down, he could see some faint letters, ‘IY’. You got to be fucking with me.

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His house was no safe haven either. After the match, Sae lurked around the house. Apparently, Sae was staying around for Christmas, it would be a few days or so. To put it straight, Rin needed to:

1. Somehow buy a gift for Tepid Isagi
2. Avoid Sae

Seeing his problems laid out like that just kinda made it worse. How could he ever know about buying gifts for that lukewarm? It’s not like they ever close, especially in terms of interests. Rin sat on the couch in silence, deep in thought while staring down at his phone. “Hey,” The sudden voice startled Rin, causing him to fall over a bit. Turning around, his eyes met Sae. Great, now he failed one of his objectives. “What is it, shitty brother?” In response, Sae rolled his eyes. “I don’t need your attitude right now, you should focus on finding what Isagi likes.”

Rin widened his eyes in surprise, similarly to a deer in headlights. “The hell? Who fucking told you that?!” His best guess was either that tepid U-20 captain, or worse, Shidou. A moment passed before Sae’s response came. “No need for such vulgar language in the house, and for your information, it was Shidou.” Of course, of course it was fucking Shidou. Rin never truly liked him, he was more annoying than Sae himself. Shidou probably snuck a look at his stick. “Tch.” That was the only thing Rin said before scrambling upstairs to his room. Screw that lukewarm brother.

Sae turned around after scoffing, heading to the kitchen. Whatever, that fatass was probably going to eat a whole ice cream tub or whatever. He just hopes it isn’t the mint one.

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Closing the door, Rin pulled a journal and pencil. He hated to admit it, but he did have an entry journal. He sat on his bed and opened the journal, where he could see all his other past ones. On a new pages, he scribbled his new objectives:

1. Somehow buy a suitable gift for Isagi
2. Find out what the lukewarm likes through Bachira
3. Buy some icecream

That list seemed good enough. But for your information, Rin was probably going to buy icecream just in case Sae ate it all. Rin nibbled his pencil, wondering how to approach Bachira in this situation. Without thinking, he kept nibbling and biting on his pencil. When Rin realized what he was doing, the pencil became disheveled. Rin scoffed and threw the pencil to the other end of the bed.

After putting down the journal, he opened up his phone. Rin went straight to Bachira’s contact. It was surprising that a loner like Rin, had Bachira’s number. In reality, during the second selection, Bachira annoyed Rin enough that he was able to get his number. But it’s not too surprising, as Bachira seemed to have the ability to get what he wants through annoying people around him. Having his number, Bachira often texted and sent him random things. Rin personally didn’t want to interact with him at the moment, but Bachira just happened to be the person closest to Isagi. Rin also didn’t like starting the conversation, but here he goes.

Bachira

Hey :Rin

Bachira: rinnie!

you finally texted

y didn’t you respond earlier???

Dumbass :Rin

Why do you bother to add punctuation after not capitalizing

I didn’t respond because I’m trying to enjoy my break from you lukewarm idiots

Bachira: I can’t read allat

summariz??

Stupid :Rin

That’s not the point I’m trying to say

Bachira: Mean.

But wat r u trying 2 say??

Your spelling is wrong :Rin

Bachira: ??

Nevermind :Rin

I need a favor from you

Bachira: Oh?

A favor from bllk’s #1??(≖⩊≖)

Or would I say #2

Shut up :Rin

Tell me what Isagi likes

Bachira: Ohhhhhh

You got him for secret santa

luckyyy

Answer me lukewarm :Rin

Bachira: ok ok

I mean you could get him kinsuba

Or

Something related 2 my neighbor tortoro

Whatever :Rin

Thanks

Bachira: Ur welcom!!1!ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧

Well, that was surprisingly easy. Opening his journal, Rin crossed out a sentence. “That should do it.” Rin was going to head out to find some gifts that were along the lines of what Bachira said. Feeling a little more content, Rin got up from his bed. He should probably get the gift now, since the ‘event’ was tomorrow. Suddenly, Rin noticed a sound from his phone. 

Notification:

Can I come along with you (ᵕ—ᴗ—)??

This day would either kill him or leave Rin close to death’s door. After dressing up, Rin decided to go with Bachira to buy gifts. “I’m leaving,” Rin put on his shoes while he spoke. Hearing a hum of acknowledgement from Sae, Rin set out on his journey.

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Sitting on a bench, Rin’s eyes twitched. He had been waiting for a while, yet no sign of Bachira. He’d also spent the last 10 minutes texting Bachira about his whereabouts. “Tch. No answer, as expected of a shitty, fucking lukewarm!” A kid near Rin flinched hearing his words, and clutched onto their parent. The parent looked at Rin in a concerned manner. Realizing his actions, Rin apologized in a meek tone. “Sorry about that miss.” As he said that, Rin already noticed that the parent and the kid trailed away. So much for apologizing, whatever.

Turning to his other side, Rin saw Bachira rush to him, latching himself onto Rin’s waist. “Rinrin! I knew you’d wait! You’re such a kind person for not leaving me like the meanie you are sometimes!” The gesture had the heat rush up to Rin’s face. Rin clearly was not having it, quickly trying to push Bachira off. To his dismay, Bachira definitely wasn’t budging. Giving up, Rin dropped his hands to his side. “Get off.” Rin commanded, on the edge of ripping Bachira’s arms off.

Speaking of ripping arms off, Rin was wondering if there was a movie rental store around. Yeah, he was going to definitely rent out The Shining for the 10th time.

“Hey, don’t take all the fun now Bee-Boy.” The familiar voice took Rin out of his daydreaming. There, standing in front of him, was Shidou himself. “I wanna annoy Rin-chan too~” Taking advantage of Shidou’s distraction, Rin was able to get out of Bachira’s grasp. Pointing to Shidou, Rin angrily grunted “Explain why this annoying cockroach is here. Now.” Bachira backed up with his hands in the air waving, gesturing his surrender. “Uh, so I invited some people, and I forgot to tell you?” Rin grabbed Bachira’s collar, pulling him close. “Uh-oh, Bachira, you should watch out for Rin’s stinky breath!” Shidou hollered. Rin turned to look at him, with eyes haunted by the ghosts of edgy teenagers still stuck at Spencers. “You. Shut up.” 

“Okay, whatever you say edgelord.”

Still holding his collar, Rin glared at Bachira. “I know that look, who else did you invite Bachira.”

“Iinvitedreo…”

“Say it clearer, lukewarm.”

“I invited Reo!”

“Guys, I’m here!” Behind Shidou, was Reo walking towards the group. It was already a horrible group, with Shidou and Bachira. Now along with Reo, it was basically a starter pack for a disaster. “Bachira, did you invite anyone else?” Bachira put his finger to his own chin, pondering for a good while. “Uhm, nope!”

Now that the whole group was together, they started looking through stores. Luckily, there were a variety of stores close by. Walking around, Bachira noticed a store. “Oh! Oh! Look, a plushie store!” By majority choice, the group headed into the store. In the plushie store, they split up to find stuff. Rin ended up getting the short stick, as he was now stuck with a wandering Shidou. “Yo, Junior Lashes, you think your brother likes this?” Shidou said as he held up a crab plush. “Tch. Are you talking to my brother, you freak?!” 

“Hey, hey, you don’t wanna start a fight here? Don’t you think so?”

“Fuck you cockroach!”

“It’s the holiday, Rinrin! I suggest a truce, for the holidays of course.”

“Whatever”

.

“Sae likes seagulls.”

“I knew you wouldn’t be mad for too long! You are the best brother-in-law!”

“Oh, fuck off.”

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Meeting up, the group announced their finds. As Shidou proudly held a seagull plush, and Reo sported a large white seal. The boys were quite enamored by the seal, remarking about how similar it looked to Nagi. Huh, I sure do wonder who Reo got for secret santa! The excitement was short however, as Bachira started pointing the group to several random stores. After going through several stores, the group had decided on splitting up in groups of two to take less time. They would meet up after a while.

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Rin was reluctant to stay in groups, wanting to keep to himself. Unfortunately for him, Reo took the liberty to volunteer to keep watch over Rin. So here they were, walking around a merch store. “Rin, do you think Nagi would prefer matching keychains or matching backpacks?” It felt more like Rin was Reo’s noble advisor, rather than a subordinate. With a sigh, Rin responded “The keychains, I guess.” He had hoped that him responding would make Reo stay quiet for a while, but his response had seemed to make Reo ramble more. Rin just walked off, the noise was just getting to his head. Looking around more, Rin found some ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ merch. It was a lot more than just ‘some’ though, there was a whole section on the shelf for it. Rin eyed the merch very cautiously, because once Rin’s focused on something, he ends up having a stare-off. In his eyes, it was either the bobble-head, or the big jangly keychain. “Rin, are you done yet?” He heard Reo’s voice from the front of the store. “Give me some time, I’m going!” In a rush, Rin grabbed both of the items, paid and thanked the staff, and left. Outside, Reo turned to face Rin. “You took a while in there, huh. You must really care for Isagi.” Rin’s face, almost automatically, flushed red. “I don’t, I’ll destroy him, not, whatever tepid thing you’re thinking of.” Reo chuckled in response, making Rin feel more heat in his face. “I’m joking! It’s just- When I saw you, you were looking so intensely at those ‘Totoro’ merch, it seemed like you wanted the best for him.” Hearing the phrase ‘best for him’ made Rin feel even more embarrassed.

Best for him? What bullshit. How could he care for his rival? I mean he does care that he ‘devours’ Isagi. He’s in his pivotal interest to destroy, in order to truly destroy Sae. Those abysmal eyes of blue, Rin wants to devour and take. He wants to take everything from Isagi, to strip him of his ego and everything. If he wants everything of Isagi’s, does that also mean wanting him in all aspects? No, nevermind.

Rin decided not to dwell on his feelings any further, his mind already spiraling. “Helloooo, earth to Rin! If you don’t respond, I’ll marry your brother and, uh, have 20 kids with him. Not like I’m not going to do that anyway-” Shidou said, snapping his fingers. “Shut. Up.” Hearing the response, Shidou launched back while doing jazz hands. “Yoo, he’s alive!” Reo sighed, tucking some of his hair back. “Do you guys have all you need? It’s getting late.” “Yup!” Bachira replied, still spazzing with energy despite it being 7PM. 

Rin looked around, spacing out. Looking to his right, he observed the stores. There were all sorts of stores, sports, clothing, hardware, and others. There he saw it, a bakery. If Rin had remembered right, Isagi often took kintsuba from the Bluelock cafeteria. “Wait, I’ll get something.” Rin’s surprising reply made even Bachira raise a brow. “Gee, licky Rin, real bright time to get food.” Shidou said with a shit-eating smirk. “It’ll be quick Shidou, Rin’s efficient.” Reo retorted, gesturing Rin to go quickly.

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When Rin came back, the group looked more livid. “What is it, you NPCs?” In an almost repulsive way, Shidou winked at Rin. “Nothing, heeey! Now that we’re gathered up, we should totally share what we got! Yup!” Reo scoffed, in a very rich, ‘don’t touch me, peasant’ way “Don’t listen to him Rin, he just doesn’t want to lose a bet.”

Rin stared at them in silence for a hot minute

“Rinnie~ what’s got your panties in a twist! Tell me whatcha got!” Shidou said, in a sing-song voice. He leaned over, clearly trying to get a look in Rin’s bags. However, Rin pushed him back in pure disgust. “Oh oh, wait guys! What if we all stay at Rin’s house and show each other what we got!” Bachira gleefully said, while using Reo’s shoulders to hold himself high. Shidou whistled in reply to Bachira’s suggestion. Oh hell no. Rin was not going to let a bunch of animals into his house. “Dang Bee-Boy, you smart as hell!” Shidou hollered, as he lunged an arm around Bachira’s neck. “Come on Rin, don’t deny our entry, we’re guests.” Noticing Rin getting annoyed, Shidou realized that Rin was basically ignoring them. Like a shadow devil, Shidou suddenly appeared behind Rin. “Come onnn, I wanna talk to your brother too! I gotta confess my love, be a good brother in law!” Rin checked his watch, 8PM.

Crap, it was getting late and with Shidou like this, they’ll end up staying out too long. For once, Rin put his ego aside. Unfortunately, his sleep schedule would have to work overtime today. “Tch. Fine, but I better see you gone after breakfast.”

Hearing this, the chaotic duo jumped in the air, giving each other the cleanest high-five. “Yay!”

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Sae was peacefully sitting on the couch, watching a Spanish soap opera. Personally if it was up to him, he’d watch anything else, since Sae has a grudge between him and anything Spain-related. Sadly, there wasn’t really anything else to watch.

Hearing the doorbell, Sae got up to greet his brother. He should’ve been home earlier, but oh well. Opening his door, he found Rin having his hair harshly ruffled by Shidou, Bachira hanging off the porch light in the distance, and Reo awkwardly greeting him.

With a sigh, Sae nonchalantly said “Just get inside.”

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Rin was planning to sleep early that night, but life had other plans. Now he had Bachira, Reo, and Shidou in his room. Bachira was snoring awfully loudly, talk about a blaring alarm. Shidou was asleep, talking about how cute Sae is with his bangs down.

Tossing and turning, Rin couldn’t find it in himself to go to sleep. His mind apparently found it hard not to rewind to Isagi. “Tch.”

“Oh, you’re awake too?”

Rin almost fell over his bed with just that sentence. Reo sat up, concern in his eyes. “Woah, you good? Don’t worry, I couldn’t sleep either.” “I’m fine.” Rin stated. “We should talk about this outside, the others are sleeping.” Reo said, gesturing to the door.

Downstairs in the kitchen, Reo handed Rin a bottle of water. “Here, one of the keys to sleeping well is hydration.” After a beat of silence, Rin reluctantly took the water, also taking a sip. “I don’t mean to pry, but you can tell me what’s keeping you up.” Hearing Rin’s silence, Reo added “I can tell you mine first, if that helps.” Rin took a sip before replying “Hm, fine.” Reo seemed to get happier hearing that. 

“It’s like kinda simple thing to be worried about, but I was just thinking about tomorrow, you know? Just excited.”

“Don’t you host parties at your house sometimes? I don’t think there’s much to worry about.”

“Yeah, that makes sense. But it just feels a little nerve-racking. I just feel so livid being together with people that just kinda connect with me in some sort of way. There’s something else I’m thinking of too.”

Huh.

“What is it?”

“I’ve been thinking about you, Rin.”

Rin raised a brow, clearly confused.

“Wait, wait! Not like that! It’s just, you’re a nice guy Rin. You really are, despite your personality.”

“Are you calling me mean?”

“No, no! I mean that, even though you push people away, you have a genuine heart. I mean it.”

“Huh, never thought of myself that way.”

“Well, it’s true Rin, and now it’s your turn!”

Rin was about to open his mouth to answer, but was cut off by a voice coming upstairs. “Hey, if you’re going to talk late at night, go outside or shut up.” Looking up, Sae was perched on the stair’s balcony. With no choice, Reo and Rin went into the backyard.

“Your backyard’s big.”

“I bet yours is bigger.”

“Oh, I don’t have one.”

“Tch. Whatever. Back to the point, something’s been keeping me up. It’s about earlier.”

“When Bachira shoved a carrot 9 centimeters into his nostril?”

“No, earlier.”

“I can’t remember well, specify?”

“About Isagi. I’ve been thinking, and it’s really confusing. I think I might be in love with him, he’s literally like haunting me.”

“Ohh, now you’re saying that.”

“What does that mean!?”

“What I mean is, both of you guys are like that. Both of you stare at each other in the same way, like you want each other.”

.

“I think we should go back to bed.”

“Okay, but make sure to think it over.”

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After breakfast, Rin saw the three of them off, as Reo offered to take Bachira and Shidou home. “I need to give you guys something.” Rin pulled out three plushies, each one different. Bachira got the bee, Shidou a pink cougar, and Reo got a purple fox who coincidentally had short brows like him. “You sly little minx, you snagged these while I wasn’t looking at the store!” Bachira giggled and threw the bee up and down, while Reo happily grinned at his fox. As the three left, Rin couldn’t help but wave at them.

“Looks like you do have friends Rin.”

“Fuck off, shitty brother.”