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Summer rolled around without anyone noticing, too fast some would say. The past few months were really tense what with Miyuki injury and losing Jingu tournament. Tension spread around the team like a plague. Everyone wanted to get as much better as possible. Summer would be the last chance to win koushien, with now third years, they couldn’t afford a repeat from last year.
The ball resonated in Miyuki mitt, it was a satisfying sound. Furuya was on the roll lately his control was much better and he learned how to throw forkball properly, though his stamina left much to be desired. At this point Kazuya thought, it wouldn’t change much whatever they did to help him build up some endurance. Miyuki started to suspect that while “monster rookie” as he liked to call him, had a good baseball sense he simply wasn’t cut for Tokyo weather. It was bothersome but nothing that could put them in a tight spot.
“Nice pitch Sawamura senpai!” Kazuya head whirled to the source of the voice. His brows furrowed at the sight. Okumura Koushuu, seido newest addiction in the form of a catcher, was standing next to said pitcher, too close for Kazuya taste. He frowned, when Okumura enrolled to seido he’s had some unresolved issues, something to do with his coach in middle school. While very talented he lacked a spirit. The very first thing he noticed when he saw him were his eyes. They reminded him too much of Chris senpai when he was struggling with his injury. Empty, without a ounce of life. Also what really surprised him was when Koushuu announced that he want catch Sawamura pitches. Southpaw was an exceptional pitcher constantly underestimated by teammates and enemy alike but for someone to sought out him was unusual. After that they formed battery, Sawamura excited for a perspective of work with new catcher.
Bitter laugh found it’s way from his mouth before he could contain it. Maybe it would be different if Sawamura and that kid didn’t made such a surprisingly good battery. Not long after their work together, Okumura eyes were filled with life, and of course it had to be Sawamura that was responsible for this change. It seemed that he had a knack to help catchers one way or another, just like he helped Chris.
“…ki…” “…ki senpai” ”Miyuki senpai!” Miyuki startled by the sudden shout. “What is it kaibutsu-kun~?” He tried to look composed but he supposed he wouldn’t fool anyone judging by Furuya face.
“You were spacing out senpai” Kazuya sighed at that, he spaced out quite a lot lately and he would be lying if he said it didn’t have anything to do with that frustrating loudmouthed pitcher. He looked at the battery on his right once again. Sawamura and Okumura had matching grins plastered to their faces. He understood coach Kataoka decision for these two to form battery. He and Sawamura still practiced together since he was main catcher of the team but their time together was significantly cut out. Still, he missed Sawamura nagging him to catch his pitches.
“Furuya ten more pitches and then go do some batting practice”
“But I want to pitch more” Kazuya shook his head “ten more or we could finish now, your choice” he knew it wasn't fair to Furuya but he couldn't get himself together. He felt unsure about his own feelings and what they meant and thinking about it made him a bit queasy truth to be told. Furuya made a face but he went back to his position. Kazuya needed to clear his head, he couldn't let himself be bothered by something like that. He signaled Furuya for forkball to the right corner. He will think about it later, now he need to focus on practice.
Cafeteria was bursting with life. Excited voices everywhere. Miyuki made his way to the counter for his portion of curry. He spotted Sawamura sitting by one of the tables on the back, happily chatting with younger Kominato, Furuya napping in the corner as per usual, so when he took his meal he went straight in their direction his plan to tease the hell out of Sawamura. He was almost there but then Okumura showed up and situated himself next to the pitcher, his friend Takuma with him. Miyuki snickered, immediately changing direction to sit with Kuramochi instead.
He put his tray with food on the table nodding to his classmate, Kuramochi spared him a glance then looked over to Sawamura table. “Gyahaa! Going to lose with first year, captain?!” Miyuki showed him nasty glare, he deserved it. Shortstop cracked even more from his reaction clutching at his sides. Maybe he should have sit somewhere else, he thought.
“What is it Miyuki? You should get a hold of yourself, you’re like love sick puppy” Kuramochi put his chopsticks to the side. Catcher looked at him in surprise and was ready to say something but Kuramochi continued “Really, just make a move on him because it starts to look absolutely sad”
Miyuki did a double take at that “love sick puppy? What the hell you’re about, Kuramochi?!” On his part Youichi looked completely unimpressed. “For such intelligent guy, as much as it pains me to say it, you’re awfully stupid aren’t you?” Miyuki huffed, what in hell is that? Make a move on Sawamura? What for? “I don’t understand what’re you going on about” sure he was a bit upset with not being able to spend time with Sawamura, funny isn’t it? He didn’t really spare much thought to it earlier but then Okumura, incredibly talented Okumura showed up and… “you’re pining” Kuramochi stopped his train of thought. Miyuki head shoot up “I’m most definitely not!” maybe he just feels threatened when it comes to his position as team main catcher? That must be it he couldn’t possibly, as Kuramochi put it, pine and certainly not after Sawamura.
“Koushuu let’s go for a run later!” the voice of the person in question boomed in the room. Miyuki heard crack, he looked down at his now broken chopsticks.
“See, you’re pining” Miyuki glared at Kuramochi for the rest of the dinner.
On his way to bath house he decided to see if Okumura agreed to Sawamura enthusiastic request. He was curious that’s all. He should keep an eye on the progress of the young catcher in case he wanted to steal his position as absurdly as it sounded. Not because he wanted to check on his relationship progress with Sawamura. Sure enough he found both of them doing laps around one of the fields. Laughing and bickering, from Miyuki point of view it seemed like they’ve had a time of their life. The catcher suddenly felt his throat constrict. He made his way back, deciding to take quick shower instead of soaking in the bath like he planned. His mood totally ruined.
To be honest he was surprised how fast those two became so close and that Okumura didn't mind sharing his personal space with Sawamura like that. Especially since, Kazuya noticed, he was pretty reserved with it when it came to others. Even since the beginning when Koushuu wanted to catch for the southpaw he constantly complained about Sawamura being too loud, and clearly it annoyed the young catcher at first. Now though, while he still complained about Eijun loud voice he did it with barely masked fondness. Sawamura had that way of affecting people around him and it was really heartwarming but seido members would rather die than said it out loud.
“You know you’re being ridiculous?” Kuramochi put his elbows on Kazuya desk, looking straight at him. It unnerved Kazuya greatly but he supposed he could humor him for a bit. “I don’t know what’re you talking about”. Miyuki would admit, after whole weekend of thinking things through, and sleepless nights, not that anyone have to know about it, that maybe just maybe he was a little bit jealous after all. Sawamura and he made a great battery together, aggressive and in total unison so it would be understandable that he would feel a bit unsure of things between them now that some other catcher with skills in par with him appeared.
“Say, on what exactly you are basing out that little theory of yours? The one with me being love sick” nothing like going to the problem head on and get it over with. Kuramochi rose a bit up like he heard something and then looked through the window “Oh it’s Sawamura” Kazuya instantly looked to the courtyard, he realized a tad late what huge mistake he made. He risked a glance at Kuramochi, and he decided that he didn't like his smug face one bit.
“You know that’s a prove enough” Miyuki was afraid that any moment Kuramochi smile would split his face in two, the bastard. Calm down, let’s see what he has to say, Kazuya thought “And if I don’t? Can you elaborate on it a bit more” He cocked an eyebrow and crossed his arms over the chest challenging shortstop to say something, anything.
Kuramochi snickered “Like hell I’ll you’re the smartass, go figure it out yourself”
“Oi, don’t be like that Kuramochi~kun” he singsonged.
“Miyuki-kun, there is someone looking for you” Miyuki sighed, way to spoil the fun. One of his classmates, Yorikawa-san was it? Was pointing in the direction of the door.
“Miyuki Kazuya! There you are!” Miyuki almost choked on the air when the familiar voice reached his ears. He snapped his head so fast that he feared for a moment that he’ll break his neck. There it was that southpaw standing painfully oblivious to the world waving his hand and pointing fingers at him. The smile crept on his face “what is it Sa-wa-mu-ra~? Missed your beloved senpai?”
Sawamura as always delivered, cheeks puffed and pretty red, coloring them. “As if! The boss… I mean coach is looking for you!”
“Is that so? Let’s go then” Kuramochi looked at the exchange with raised brow. “Oi Sawamura! I don’t care about that bastard but you shouldn't forget to greet your other senpai! The important one!” Sawamura paled in an instant “Yes Kuramochi senpai! Good afternoon Kuramochi senpai! Please don’t kill me Kuramochi senpai!” Youichi snorted, Sawamura being ridiculous as always.
“Gyahaaa what was that Sawamura?! I think I need to check out some of the moves I learned recently, what about helping me out?” Sawamura paled even more if that’s even possible while trying to hide behind Miyuki. Kazuya laughed, seriously this brat reactions were the best. “Come on Sawamura coach waiting isn’t he?” he pulled pitcher by his sleeve. Sawamura stiffened for a second but let himself be pulled. Miyuki glared at Kuramochi, it seemed to be constant thing now when it came to the shortstop.
“What an adorable guy isn’t he?” Kazuya heard one of the girls whisper to her friend before he and Sawamura left the classroom. Kazuya frowned looking at the southpaw, well he was a little bit adorable that much was true, but then he snickered at the thought, what was he thinking?
“Oi, Sawamura why look so scared?” he said while rounding Eijun shoulders with his arm, Sawamura side warm against his. Sawamura looked up at him offended “ I’m not scared! Definitely not by Kuramochi senpai! Nor by the Boss!”
“Is that so, Sawamura” Sawamura whole body became rigid and in next second he was kneeling in dogeza in the middle of a corridor apologizing for his unworthy behavior. Kataoka looked completely unimpressed and a little annoyed, Miyuki on the other hand laughed so hard that he started crying and the rest of the bystanders looked in amusement on the scene before them. Really Sawamura was the best.
It was already late but they still have had laps to do. This year summer camp was if possible twice as hard as the last one Miyuki thought. First years barely moving their body at this point. Though if he was honest, all of them were exhausted. Except for Sawamura it seemed. He was running at the very front shouting his lungs out. How much stamina he had? Miyuki shook his head well it’s good that he’s full of energy. Kazuya speed up “Oi, bakamura! Stop with the yelling!”
“Who are you calling an idiot?! You stupid catcher?!”
“Oi, is that the way to treat your senpai and team captain?” Eijun spluttered whirling his hands around, he was so fun to mess with. “You’re not even behaving like one!”
“Miyuki senpai and Eijun-kun seem to be full of energy aren’t they” Haruichi looked up to Furuya but he found him scowling at the pair. “I wonder when will they realize their feelings?” Kominato whispered. Furuya face didn’t indicated anything “What feelings?” he asked. The baseman considered telling pitcher for a split of second but eventually refrained from doing so, he only smiled “Never mind”. Furuya just nodded and looked back ahead at the bickering pair. He agreed though, they surely looked too energetic for his taste.
Okumura could feel a burning stare at his back, he could say easily for whom it exactly belonged. Sawamura senpai talked animatedly about the new pitch that Miyuki senpai told him about and how he also said that he wouldn’t be able to learn it. Of course the pitcher took it to heart to show him otherwise. So here they were talking about it and trying to come up with suitable approach. “Koushuu thanks for helping me!” Sawamura senpai gave him the most blinding and warm smile he ever had the pleasure receive, and he couldn’t help smiling back. He put his palm on the pitcher shoulder and leaned a bit in his direction. “Listen closely senpai, I think….”
“Sawamura!” Miyuki voice loud and clear “Come here for a moment I need to discuss something with you!” Koushuu rolled his eyes and Sawamura huffed.
“It looks like Miyuki senpai wants to talk to you” he pulled himself back.
“I don’t care! We’re in the middle of the conversation now” but he still glanced at the other catcher. The blond smiled at the southpaw “Just go, I talked briefly with Miyuki senpai today and he have some ideas for you to add to your practice menu” It was only few words truth to be told but Miyuki senpai glared daggers at him the whole time for some reason. Sawamura senpai clicked his tongue and grudgingly made his way to where the captain was standing, arms tightly around his chest, foot tapping at the ground. Seido for sure was an amusing place, Koushuu thought.
They had a practice match today, everyone groaning, muscles strained, fatigue written all over their faces. The team they were against was pretty strong. Miyuki looked at the double play Sawamura was able to pull off, a perfect play on his part. He wondered for a moment, when will he stop underestimating that particular pitcher. He looked to the side where Okumura sat. His eyes full of admiration and respect.
“Miyuki Kazuya! Did you saw that?!” Miyuki snapped his head up, what? “What is it Sawamura? Fishing for a praise” he shouted back, Kuramochi shooting him a knowing look across the field, he ignored him.
“Forget it!” Sawamura instantly answered back puffing his cheeks and squinting his eyes at him. Kazuya laughed.
“One more strike bakamura! Don’t get it over your head!”
Sawamura just showed him his back, completely ignoring him. Kazuya huffed in amusement. Although he admitted that little outburst from Sawamura made him happy. He shook his head and came back to observing the game. Clean up batter in the batter box, Ono stilled for a moment before making a call, not really a good one, if it was him on diamond he would call for something else, he felt rustling beside him, he glanced at Okumura, well it looked like he wasn’t the only one thinking along those lines.
He chanced a glance at the mound to check on the southpaw but Sawamura was standing there doing nothing, oi what is it? Is he nervous? But then Sawamura shook his head, it reminded Miyuki a bit of a dog, and called for time. Ono surprised look was kind of funny too, but he was more interested in what Sawamura was telling the other catcher.
Miyuki turned to the coach, but he was met with intense stare directed to the mound. After few moments game resumed, so Kazuya went back to watching. Ono called again, this time for something entirely different and Miyuki smirked, it was exactly what he would call for, and he was almost 100% sure that idea came from Sawamura. He looked at coach once again and this time he spared a glance in Miyuki direction. Kataoka must have thought the same thing because he nodded to him, something akin to pride in his eyes. Sawamura striked the guy out.
They ended winning the game 7 to 3. With Okumura taking over the last 3 innings. Those 3 runs given because of bad call on Ono part early on and mistake from the fielders before Okumura took over. Considering they were in the middle of training camp and they all were exhausted, they did quite well.
“Miyuki! Catch for me later!” Kazuya looked over to where Sawamura was, bouncing on his feet with barely contained energy. “Oi, oi you still have energy to do that? You just pitched the whole game!” he exclaimed incredulously.
“THUNDER KICK!!” Sawamura didn’t have any time to dodge the attack Kuramochi served him. “What the hell bakamura! I swear you’re like a hamster on too much caffeine!” Shortstop shouted and then proceed to grimace at his kouhai. “Kuramochi-senpai! Forgive me!”
Miyuki laughed because it was true, Sawamura was a constant ball of energy but it wasn’t a bad thing at all. Kuramochi snickered taking his roommate into a headlock. Rest of the team looking at them indifferently. Sawamura wriggled to free himself but to no avail. Youichi just strengthen his hold of him.
Kazuya laughed even more but then heard a tiny whimper causing him to look at Sawamura taken aback, he almost thought that he imagined this but sure enough Sawamura whimpered again, and Kazuya couldn’t help himself registering this sound to his memory.
“Miyuki bastard don’t just stand there! Help meee!"
“Nope you’re in this on your own~” Sawamura face too precious to forget.
“Miyuki Kazuya!” Miyuki looked up from his sneakers, practice finally over “What is it Sawamura?” he couldn’t help grinning at southpaw determined face “catch for me!” Miyuki rolled his eyes at his kouhai antics and looked at Sawamura, determination burning deep in this golden eyes of his. Kazuya couldn’t help bursting into laughter probably not much appropriate thing to do.
“Oi! What’s so funny” Eijun shouted, because even after all this time he didn’t know how to contain his voice and was as easy to irk as he always had been. Kazuya clutched his sides “Nothing” he risked a look at now second year, what he saw was a pout and adorably scrunched nose.
“We’re going through that summer camp of hell and you still, after all day of that, want me to catch your pitches?!”
Sawamura pouted even more “Of course! I didn’t pitch to you for more than a week now!” Miyuki raised a brow while whipping out a lost tear from all this laughing, really Sawamura is the best, he grinned “So what?”
“So what’s what?” Eijun cocked his head to the side staring blankly at Miyuki. Kazuya snickered “So what that I didn’t catch for you? Coach wanted you to train with Okumura to help him prepare before koushien. Why is it so important for me to catch for you?” He asked curious as for what southpaw reply could be, Sawamura just looked at him with such honesty that Miyuki felt his mouth go dry. “Because we’re partners” he said simply like it was the most obvious thing in the world and maybe it was and Kazuya jus over thought things. “and I miss the sound of my pitch in your mitt” he admitted face red, and eyes on him. So Sawamura like to not back down even when he was clearly embarrassed. Kazuya tried to answer with the same manner but he failed miserably under that burning gaze. He hid his face in hands, cheeks burning. This kid will be the death of him, he was sure of that.
“Oi, Miyuki! Are you alright?” worry evident in Sawamura voice. Kazuya felt warm spread in his body, heating every corner of it. This boy, loud and courageous, so bright even under the black sky, standing there oblivious to the things he’s doing to him. Miyuki giggled a bit hysterical, he spend years building walls around himself, making an oath that feelings are unnecessary and only will stand in his way to reach his goal. But all it was needed was one ridiculously loud pitcher to shake his world upside down, all his believes and his resolve falling apart like some fragile card castle. “Miyuki! What is it?!”
“Nothing, let’s go, I’ll catch for you” he didn’t wait for Sawamura but sure enough after a moment he heard footsteps following him to one of the indoor practice fields.
Summer camp was finally over, everyone could finally take a breath, not for long though, since they’re going to have participate in matches soon. Miyuki looked over the practice field, they’re going to play in team game. Everyone getting ready for it. He smiled to himself, his eyes landing on two figures at the mound. He almost forgot about Okumura familiarity with Sawamura. His smile morphing into scowl. And he thought he had everything under control. Now that he somehow made a peace with himself that maybe he sees Sawamura as someone more than a teammate, that closeness the battery was sharing irked him even more.
“Miyuki senpai, can I talk with you for a moment?” Kazuya didn’t even realized that Okumura approached him. He was with Sawamura barely a moment ago. “What is it?”
“I would like to play against you and Sawamura senpai." Kazuya surprised look must have spoiled what he was thinking. “I just want to see which one of us, is more suited to form battery with him” Kazuya frowned, that cheeky little brat. He put an arm around the other catcher, the latter visibly flinched, good. “Listen…”
“Miyuki Kazuya!” the person in question sighed, that noisymura had a really terrible timing.
“What are you doing to Koushuu?!” he took him by his collar and shook him. “You’re bullying him aren’t you!” Sawamura shook him some more but then stopped and instead he turned to younger catcher “Is that bastard bullying you?” Okumura just looked at the captain staring at him. No one could blame him if wanted to mess a bit with him then. He looked straight into Miyuki eyes “Everything fine Eijun – senpai I was just going back to you on the mound” Kazuya eyes widened. Eijun senpai? What was that?
“Listen here…” he started anger boiling in him but the damn brat was already halfway back to the mound. He directed his gaze at the pitcher.
“So you’re on first name basis now?” a little strain evident in his voice. Sawamura just looked up shaking his head. “Are you jealous or something?” he asked taking Miyuki by surprise. He was but he wasn’t about to admit that.
“Miyuki!” Kazuya turned to the source of voice, coach showing him to come to him. Just his luck it seemed. He nodded to Sawamura and jogged to where Kataoka was. He completely missed mischievous smirk on Sawamura face.
Eijun took his palms to his mouth and shouted as loud as he could “Kazuyaa!!!”
Miyuki would later deny that anything happened and that he tripped over some stray rock not because Sawamura called his name. Odds, though were against him what with the whole team witnessing his fall, face straight into the ground. Not really his finest moment. Everyone laughed at him, his so called friend included, Kuramochi looked like he was dying howling like hyena. And maybe just maybe the laugh that followed right after his not so epic fall was the only laugh that he accepted, laugh full of such adoration and fondness that Kazuya swore that it was totally worth being acquainted with earth more than dimly necessary, just to hear that sound. Laugh of the only person he truly cared for, looks like. He made a new oath at that moment that he will need to absolutely make Sawamura his, both on field and out of it, cheeky brats or not.