XV. Chris

Bit of a longer chapter, cheers mates! ♥️

Miyuki

I watched Satō stomp out of the bullpen, looking the angriest I'd ever seen him. We all saw Sawamura leave before, sulking, but we all figured it was because he didn't pitch yet. But if that truly was the case, then why was Satō angry? He didn't usually didn't snap and get mad off the bat.

"Miyuki, you should take a picture. It'll last longer."

"No, look." Kuramochi had walked up to me as we were switching gears. He followed my gaze and looked closer, noticing how angry Satō was.

"Something isn't right, he only gets pissed off like that at you when you say stupid shit, but Bakamura is the only one who has come out of the bullpen. and he's being uncharacteristically quiet. What did they say to each other?" I saw his mood change to serious and irritated from his usual playful one in less than 3 seconds. "Tch, what did that idiot say? If he broke Satō, I swear he's gonna-"

"YAH! SATŌ YOU BETTER NOT BE GETTING WORN OUT, WE'RE JUST GETTING STARTED WITH YOU!"

I looked over to him and saw his mood recover.

"Oi! Satō you better get your ass ready you dipshit!"

"Who are you calling dipshit, Kuramochi?" I heard his teasing voice come back. He recovered fast for someone who was just pissed off; I'm shocked his teammates approached him.

"We're having a wrestling match later! Kyahahaha! Your ass is grass, Satōshi!"

I could almost physically feel the atmosphere get lighter with his banter, but heavier by his regained confidence. Doesn't anyone realize how dangerous you are? Hey, now... When did you become such the perfect Ace in a heavy situation? I watched as Satō lead his team well when preparing for the next round of our batters.

I greeted him at the plate. "In the bullpen, what was all that about? We saw Sawamura come storming out."

"He's not pitching." I noticed the pressure of his presence behind the plate intensify at his mood change. All you could ever need is the hunger to play... You'd be the perfect Ace, but you're too generous. What will you do if Coach forces you to have a hunger like you did when you came here? Please... For our sakes, and for Tanba's, please find it again.

"Ah really? Even the nice Senpai is being mean~" He rolled his eyes at me. "Anyways, what did you say to him? He hasn't said a word to anyone since you came walking out all pissed looking." I saw the intensity of anger in his eyes deepen. His eyes sharply cut over to the disheartened Sawamura. Whether he realized it or not, the passionate anger towards the First year only confirmed what I already knew. Sawamura had seriously done something wrong, and Satō wouldn't let it go.

"I told him if he couldn't deal with not pitching first and having to wait, to shut up and go sit down." I looked down at him, surprised. He's lying... So it's either about me, or he doesn't trust me. I'll bug him about it later.

"Ah... I guess that kinda makes sense." I looked down at him. We're going to talk about this later, I hope you realize that.  "Anyways, shouldn't you be overjoyed? Your favorite catcher is back~" I gave him a shit eating grin. "Besides me, of course."

"Shut it, Snake!" I cackled in laughter as Coach called me to the plate. I can tell he's happy Zēro is here. His ass better be, I missed a whole day of practice to get him in Japan again, not that either of us would ever tell him that. He's the only one who didn't know that Zēro was coming today. We all were going to surprise him with it at dinner, but the shithead had to instigate a scrimmage.

I relaxed, knowing I would likely strike out. Damn, why couldn't I have gone last inning... I felt his gaze on me, so I ignored it, knowing he was doing his job as the catcher and analyzing the batter. What was scary, though, was how well he knew my batting habits and what it could mean for my chances of getting on base. Ah... He really is a scary presence in a scenario like this! I only wish I got to play against him more often, it's no fun playing ordinary catchers when there's a monster like this one in the shadows!

Strike One!"

"Damn, I should've payed attention! He's faster than I remember the bastard being, haha!" I was fully distracted in my thoughts and didn't even notice the ball flying towards the plate.

"He always pitched after me remember?" Of course I do.

"All I remember is you showing up at my school and embarrassing the hell out of my Coach before Finals, where we barely beat you two. Even then we still ended up not going to Nationals because of the Coach's misconduct." It was a true story, and it was probably the best moment in my Junior High career. Attracting an opponent like him must be the most scary and exciting thing! He's someone who you don't see regularly in Junior High or Highschool baseball.

I peeked down at his call. Ah, it's dirty but, I'm really curious. A forkball? Is that what the call was? I saw him shift. Yep... man I'm a sucker for those...!

I swung, but it bottomed out more than I anticipated. The ball bounced straight into the air and in a flurry of motion I saw his mask fly off. He backed up and dove backwards for it. Ouch, didn't that hurt?

"Out!" I sighed. Naturally that monster would go for a quick out to relieve the pressure on the fielders.

"Damn, looked like it hurt! That catcher must be a beast! And who is that pitcher? He's been pitching straight to the catcher's call with no hesitation! He's the first all game." Of course, those two have a mutual trust in one another. It's honestly scary to think about how flexible a pair those two are. I looked over my shoulder as I walked back to the dugout while looking over my shoulder back towards the plate and surprisingly made eye contact with Satō, who wore what I swear was a trace of a genuine smile. He quickly returned his focus back to Shirasu with a surprised expression taking its place. I turned back around, a smile playing at my own lips. Wonder what those two are talking about...

The last two batters were struck out in quick succession of one another and Coach decided to call the game. We all lined up, while a disappointed Kawakami stood beside me. We bowed to one another and we all dispersed, resigning to cleaning up each team's dugout. "Tanba-senpai, you should watch out for your Ace number."

He got embarrassed while Ryousuke grinned darkly. "And what about you punk? As far as we're concerned, he outperformed you today. Shouldn't you be worried?" I grinned at him. Don't you think I know that? He completely outshined me today, not that I'll ever admit it to him!

"Not really." I heard several of them chuckle or gasp at my rejection of the notion. I continued packing up.

The other First String players finished quickly and got impatient at my slow pace.

"Oi! Miyuki! Hurry up you damn turtle!"

"Hey, I'm going to hang back, I'll meet you all at dinner."

"You'd better not be late, Miyuki!" I grinned as my teammates left. I grabbed my things as I saw all of the second string players rushing out of the dugout quickly. I frowned slightly, wondering why, until I saw Sawamura and Satō having a very heated conversation. I hastened my steps and stood outside of the dugout, waiting. I stopped far enough away to listen but remain unseen.

"—Sawamura, keep your voice down. You gave up your chance to pitch the moment you decided to run your mouth about an upperclassman like that. You'd better hope Miyuki doesn't hear you talking about Chris like that, or you might have a reason to dislike him other than his personality. If you're going to act like a child then you should go run and clear your head." Is that it? He was talking about Chris? Jeez... The kid never knew when to stop while he was ahead.

"Who named you team captain! You can't tell me to run!" I watched as Satō slammed him by his shirt into the wall of the dugout. He's really frustrated. I should intervene soon before he snaps.

"Listen here, shithead! Just because you're frustrated with your battery-mate doesn't mean you get to act like a total ass and not face any consequences. If you're too immature to see that Chris-senpai is trying to help you then get the fuck out, because we don't need a dense idiot causing problems."

"What about you then huh? You and Miyuki are always fighting each other!" What does it matter what happens between the two of us? I started to walk closer to the intense argument.

"There's a difference between you and me. For one, I know my faults and admit to them. Yes me and Miyuki fight, but it's because we expect more of each other! And as much as I may want to hate him sometimes I can't, and I won't talk shit about him to anyone outside of the situation no matter how frustrated I get with him, because that's none of their fucking business." I could see his anger starting to boil over so I hastened my pace. "And the difference between you and me is I have respect for the person who helped me be who I am. So shut up about things you have no clue about!"

"You're such a hypocrite-"

"Sawamura." They both looked over and caught sight of me. Don't disrespect Satō, when you have no clue what you're talking about! "Shut up. Satō is right. It's none of your business about our battery if you can't have the respect to keep your mouth shut about your battery mate. Nothing Satō has said is wrong, so take his advice and run with it. Preferably before he kicks your ass." Sawamura shoved past Satō, seemingly pissing him off more. I swear I saw his veins popping at Sawamura's behavior.

"So, want to tell me what the fight in the bullpen was really about or are we both going to play stupid?" He looked up at me, and I met his feigned surprise with a serious expression.

"He was badmouthing Chris. Didn't want to ruin your mood earlier." My mood dropped even hearing about it. Spot on as always...

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. I felt stress building as I thought back to it. "Well you're certainly right about it ruining my mood. Don't know how you'd know that though."

"Miyuki, it was obvious when you got depressed last year in class why. Chris was injured. I'm not stupid, I may have not been talking to you, but I always worried about when you'd self destruct or depress yourself." I felt my eyes widen as he looked away, leaning against the wall. "Don't look at me like that, Bakairo." I sighed and shook my head. Of course... I tried to keep him from seeing me at my worst and he knew...

"What about your surprise from earlier? I didn't know he was coming!" He rolled my eyes.

"Bullshit you didn't." I felt sweat trickle at his call. Ah... I've been ratted out.

"Don't know wha-"

"Shirasu snitched on you when he was at bat. The whole team other than me knew? What kind of conspiracy is this?" He snickered. "He also told me you missed an entire day of practice to vouch for him so he could get his Visa. And as much as I appreciate that, what the hell were you thinking? A whole day? For someone you hardly know?" Hardly knew my ass... We had been talking since you came here your first year. Every time something went wrong I went to him or he came to me for information. We had an alliance to keep you happy, and ended up becoming friends because of it. Doesn't mean I'm not jealous of your battery though...

I sighed and scratched my forehead, suddenly feeling nervousness seep into my heart. It was a surprise. For you. I was going to apologise too. "You see, we were actually planning to tell you as a surprise tonight, but then the match threw a wrench in things. Not to mention we weren't really talking and I didn't want to piss you off further." He sighed.

"Seems we've both been trying to look out for each other..." I nodded, turning my gaze to the darkening sky.

"You coming back to First String?" We really need our mood maker back... Today only proved that.

"Depends on Coach."

"We never did settle the dispute of who is better." In this scrimmage, it was definitely you. Not like I'd ever tell you I respect you for that, though. Your ego is already huge!

"Obviously me." I laughed at his cocky retort.

"I don't know about that one, you almost took out the poor second baseman! Hahaha!" He rolled his eyes at me.

"You almost overthrew first, so shut it." I felt embarrassment at his remark.

"Guess we'll have to split the National Catcher title huh?"

"I don't know, I didn't agree to all that..." He playfully shoved me, earning a grin from me.

"Shut it, Bakazuya. Let's go. I'm supposed to be tutoring a First year on Catching after dinner." I snickered at his niceties for the First years.

"Always the nice Senpai~" I grinned at the short pitcher.

"Shut it dork."

"Shorty."

"Glasses."

"Stupid."

"Big head."

"My head isn't the only thing that's big~"

"SHUT IT!" I couldn't resist the urge to cackle at his red face.

"Hahaha!"

"You're so gross..."

"Thanks!"

We joined the others at dinner and I didn't see him the rest of the night after that. I went to the office to get the score book for a recent practice match we had that Jun asked me to analyze. I opened the door to see Sawamura on his knees as he was complaining to Takashima-sensei.

"You should listen to what Chris-kun has to say—"

"Whatever! He leaves early everyday and I never see him trying with the rest of the team! He just keeps giving me these stupid menus! Not to mention Satō who just fights with Miyuki all of the time instead of actually trying to improve! Everyone says he put himself in Second String but I highly doubt that!" I felt anger building. Talking about two upperclassmen like that... Much less the two I can respect the most? Talking about Satō and using his name so casually like he has that right? What the hell... Despite my anger, I gave peaceful resolve a fighting chance.

"Hey Bakamura, don't think about it like that. They only mean to help you get better—"

"I don't care! I don't want to be paired with Chris anymore! Why couldn't I have been paired with you? And Satō isn't helping, he's just trying to pull me down with him!" I've had enough of this!

I grabbed him by the shirt and slammed him against the wall. "We all understand that you're upset and just trying to do better, but this isn't how you're going to get anywhere. You don't know what Chris-senpai has been through and you don't know the work he puts in to try and make it again before highschool ends! And don't let me ever hear you talk bad about Satō again. He's gone through a lot more than you realize and you could stand to learn several things from him, eticut being one of them. If you can't respect your senpais, don't be surprised when the day comes and you're a third year still on the second string!" I let go of him and feigned calmness, despite wanting to knock him on his ass. I grabbed the playbook.

"Hey... I'm borrowing this." With one last look at the now embarrassed Sawamura, I left.

My mood had soured severely from what it had been before. I felt as if I just ate something completely rotten. "Oi, Snake, what's with that look? You look like you just smelled Jun-senpai's feet or something!" I turned and saw Satō drape an arm over my shoulders, wearing a somewhat comforting grin. He always centers me somehow... I guess she rather than he... I felt my anger simmer a bit at the sudden light-hearted presence that I found myself missing in the previous week.

I didn't say anything and quickly faked a pokerface. He didn't buy it. "Tch, seriously, I can see through you y'know? You don't have to tell me what's wrong, but if you want to I'll listen."

"It's about Sawamura." His eyes widened, a brief glint of anger flashing through them before being well hidden by his composure.

"Geez... That kid is on a streak of pissing people off tonight... What did he say this time?" I wondered whether or not he should know what was said. What am I thinking? He should know, it's about him after all... But what if it hurts him?

"Don't overthink it, Kazuchan~ Even I know an idiot's empty words from ones of hate." I felt my blood rush at my nickname. K-kazuchan? Why am I getting so flustered at a nickname? Ah but then again... Even before I found out that Satō is a girl, he's always had a way of making me flustered. I keep forcing myself to ignore the gravity, that the once very slim possibility of our friendship being something more in reality, was now marginally larger.

"A-ahem... He said somethings about Chris that I'm sure he'll regret later." I should've known leaving out the part about her wouldn't pass.

"And I should be fatally offended why?" I heard the hint of seriousness in her tone. I glanced up and saw her piercing eyes looking right through me.

"O-Oh... Well... If I'm being honest, he started talking poorly of you and Chris..." I sighed. To my surprise, I heard a laugh. I turned my head to see her smiling at me.

"Bakazuya~ you're thinking too much. Relax." Gosh... Since when was I the one that read into things too much... I felt embarrassment rising in me. "Someone's embarrassed. Your ears are turning red."

"S-shut it..." I heard her cackle as she tugged at my ears. "Ow! Stop it, stop it!"

"What? You can't get mad when you do it to others, baka." I shook my head, hiding my smile.

"Oi, oi. Now I know why people say you're worse than me, you really are!" She tightened her arm into a headlock, pulling me down to her height with a shit-eating grin.

"What was that? You want to join the wrestling tournament?" Gah... She really is scary! I felt sweat drip down my face.

"No, no, no, I think I'll leave it to you, Kuramochi, and Ryou-senpai. You three seem to enjoy it, no one wants to intrude." I saw a dark grin cross her face from the corner of my eyes. "Anyways, we need to do something about Bakamura." She released me with a sigh.

"I disagree. I think we should let this play out. I trust Chris-senpai to handle things how he deems right. If worse comes to worst, I'll just have to put him in his place through wrestling." I saw her crack her fingers with a menacing look.

"Hm. I guess you're right. Oh hey, how did mentoring that Tenth grader go?" She grinned.

"Pretty well actually, he's got a lot of hunger for the game. He'll go far." I frowned slightly. A hunger for the game? That's the thing you're most lacking in.

"Satō."

"Hm?"

"You can learn from him, you know." I saw her look up with a peaceful look at the sky.

"Yeah, I know. It's just... I used to be so sure that baseball was my calling. That it would be all I would do in life. But now... After tonight's scrimmage I realized something. What if I was never meant to be a player? What if I was only supposed to teach others to be their very best. I don't know, maybe I'm just finally burning out. There's still so many things I have to learn, regardless of how far I can go." I felt so many things hit me all at once.

Fear, for the potential loss of a friend because of their change of heart. Shock, at the thought of her burning out. Admiration, for being so forward about her thoughts. And Sadness, for the potential loss of possibly the person I respected the most and an irreplaceable teammate and mood maker. Why do I feel like despite her words, she's climbing the mountain that's leading us forward.

"But before I decide on that... Kazuya. I want to take you guys to Nationals. I want to stand on that stage one last time, and defy all odds... I want... To play on that stage again!" I stared in shock at the genunity of her words, as she wore a warm smile. The hunger we all thought she lacked... It's been there all this time. All this time, she's been thinking of this?

"Hey... Why didn't you say that sooner?" We both turned to see the Third years all grinning at us.

"YAH! SATŌ! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN HIDING THIS, YOU LITTLE SHIT!"

"S-senpais..."

"Hey, now. We came over to make sure you weren't bullying Miyuki-san too much."

"R-Ryou-senpai!" I laughed as she whined in annoyance at the teasing senpais. "S-shut it Miyuki..." Everyone started laughing at her embarrassment. She grew tired of their picking at her so she stomped off in embarrassment, causing all of us to laugh harder.

Eventually we all calmed down. "Miyuki." I turned when I was addressed. T-Tetsu-san...

"When we leave, take care of her for us." My eyes widened as they each smiled in some manner.

"Y-you—"

"We've known for a while, but haven't said anything. We just figured there was a reason for her hiding her true identity, whether it be for her own sake or the team's. The only ones who didn't really know are the first years and a couple of second years. We've all had our suspicions since the day she got jumped a long time ago. She for once let her emotions take control as she took her vengeance on those of us who wronged her. She showed us her true nature, which ultimately gave her away." I felt shock hit me. Wait... Now that I think about it, they're right. Of all of the time I've known her for, despite our constant bickering and fighting, the only thing that has ever truly pushed her over the edge is when she got her ass beat. She... Her Dad...

"Nana-san... We need to find her now. Her Dad came to the game." They all seemed at a loss and then I remembered she only told possibly Nori, Kuramochi, and myself. "Her Dad used to abuse her... And he showed up at the game today. Her family treats her poorly, but her Dad has proven violent when he's drunk. He wasn't drunk when he got here but... We need to find her." It took a moment to sink in before they realized what I was saying. His appearance at the game wasn't a peace offering... It was—

We all jumped out of our skins at the sound of a slamming door. The indoor practice field! They all instantly took off towards the building, and I found myself pushing through to the front. I pulled but the door was locked. "Satō, are you in there?"

"Don't answer them!" Shit!

I threw my weight against the door several times before Masuko rammed into it and the lock gave in. We all rushed in to see Nana cowering from her father, blood trickling down her arms. I quickly rushed over in time to block another swing, taking it to the side. "Record this, someone!" Tetsu's command was obeyed by several just as his hand Rose to strike me. I caught it though and pushed him away. I picked up the bleeding teammate and held her close, ready to defend her with my body if need be, but quickly I saw two people step innfront of us. Ryou-senpai, Jun-senpai... "Kuramochi! Don't just stand there, go inform Coach!" When did Kuramochi— I turned to see a seething Kuramochi. "NOW!"

"I'm taking her to the infirmary!" I carried her out and ran as fast as I could.

"K-kazuchan... I can walk."

"Shut it, you're injured. Why did you let him corner you, anyways?"

"I thought... Maybe... He'd changed. But I was wrong." I heard bitterness in her voice. "But seriously, I'm fine. It's only a few little cuts."

"A few little cuts that are causing that much blood to trail down your arms. Right." I ran faster.

"K-Kazuya, the bobbing is gonna make me puke." She turned her head into the crook of my neck. It made my heart race, her proximity, her hot breath fanning down the base of my collar, her eyelashes tickling my skin. It was intoxicating. But I could never tell her that.

Eventually I reached the infirmary and approached the school physician at a fast pace. "Doc!" She whipped her head around and saw me carrying her.

"This girl! Oh boy, she's hurt again... Last time I saw her was when that guy tried to grab her." There was a last time? I thought back and realized. Th-they tried to... I felt anger building.

"Please take care of her, she's bleeding." The Physician nodded and led her behind a curtain, closing it. I heard a gasp.

"Come here, boy!" I frowned and joined the Doc behind the curtain. I felt my eyes widen in shock. N-no... He didn't—

"... I'll kill that son of a bitch! His own daughter!" I looked up and was shocked to see Coach walk in with Kuramochi. They stopped mid-step when they saw what he had done.

憮

Disappointment. He carved one word into the skin above both of her shoulder blades. I saw Coach visibly grow pissed. It was about time he did something, I guess. "Kuramochi got a video of him doing it. I had the feeling that son of a bitch would do something to her when I saw him this evening. I told Kuramochi to video if something happened, though I suspect now the third years will handle him."

I looked at her as she stared at the wall blankly. She must be in pain... "May I?" The Doc nodded, so I squatted down in front of her line of vision. "Hey."

"Hey..." Her voice was only a whimper compared to how it was even when I carried her in.

"You okay?"

"I-itai... Itai-na..." I frowned slightly and pushed her hair off of her forehead. I felt her shiver at how cold my hands were as she was practically radiating heat.

"I know..." She turned her empty gaze from the wall to me. When she made eye contact, surprisingly I noticed something fill her gaze to fill the void. Anger... Hurt... Shock... And happiness?

"Kazuchan." I blinked. "Thank you... It's not the first time you've helped me, but I never end up thanking you..." I felt my heart pound against my ribcage. I saw her flinch time after time again as the Physician assessed, cleaned, sutured, and bandaged her shoulders, on top of her other bandages. I'm sure it was hard to breathe.

"Nana-san." She looked at me again. "Can you breathe? Do you... Want to take them off?" She nodded through wheezing breaths.

I gingerly grabbed the end of her binding bandages and unwrapped them, gently pulling when it was beneath her so she didn't have to move. Eventually I heard a sigh of relief escape her mouth at the sudden ease to breath. I noticed the changed structure of her ribcage due to the bandages being on for far too long. "You shouldn't sleep in them... Only wear them when you have to... It's not healthy."

"S-sorry..." I pulled the blanket over her exposed skin gingerly, feeling shivers go down her spine any time my fingers accidentally brushed against her skin. I leaned my back against the side of her bed near her head. I hadn't noticed that the other three whom were in the room had left. "K-kazuchan..." I hmmed, looking over my shoulder at her. "It hurts like a bitch..." I laughed at her breathless words.

"I would offer to kiss it better, but I imagine that'd hurt worse." I laughed, but noticed her silence. I looked over my shoulder at her again, and met a longing gaze. Badump! Badump! Badump! "N-Nana?" She met my eyes and I felt the pain in her eyes.

"Kazuya."

"Hm?"

"Let's not forget what happened that night... I don't want to..." I felt my breath hitch. Neither did I, to be honest. I looked away, feeling flustered. "Kazuya, look at me." I turned around this time not to be caught off guard by her lightly kissing the side of my cheek in a graze. "I'm sorry... I keep getting you involved in my messes." I felt hungry for more.

What the hell... It was just an accidental kiss on the cheek... Why am I so flustered. I heard her breathless laugh again.

"Kazuya, it wasn't an accident..." I felt my face turn blood red.

"Gah! I said that out loud didn't I?" I turned around and started to pout while she just laughed quietly. I felt her playing with my hair. "Are you pulling my hair?"

"Are you mad?" She snickered.

"N-no..."

"Then I'm not." She sighed and I felt her stop.

"Nana?" I heard soft snores. I looked over and saw the doctor had given her a sedative while we were distracted by our conversation. I didn't even know the doctor had come back.

"Miyuki-kun, do you have a shirt she can borrow for the time being? I think it would be best for her to get some rest at your dorm, so that she has someone to watch her." I felt my chest buzzing.

"Eh... I do, but she has a roommate—"

"Good, I'll inform the Coach that you are assigned to her care."

"Wa-it." The Doc walked out quickly. I sighed and pulled my spare shirt out of my bag. Good thing I was planning on practicing, would've been bad otherwise. I nudged her gently. "Hey, Nana-san. I need you to put this shirt on." She groaned but sat up.

"...Turn around, glasses off. No peaking or I'll kick your ass later..." I hummed.

"So bossy." I did as I was told and waited until she nudged my leg weakly with her foot from the bed.

"Now what..."I grabbed our bags and slung the straps over opposite side, wearing them crossbodied on both sides. I squatted down in front of the bed.

"Hop on. I'll carry you back. You shouldn't walk." She muttered something but did it anyways. I felt her shockingly cold arms wrap around my neck and her legs hook around my waist. I gently held her in place by placing my hands on the back side of her thighs.

"Gah... You're so warm..." She placed her chin on the base of my neck as I carried her our.

"You're freezing. You were just feverish earlier." She shivered in the night air, so I pulled her closer as I walked.

"If you grab my ass one more time I swear you'll never see tomorrow, Kazuya."

"W-wait a minute— it was an accident!" I heard her snicker.

"Just remember that when I tease you back later." I wondered what that meant, but shrugged it off.

I arrived at my dorm and opened the door. The normal crowd was completely absent, so I gently set her on my bed. I heard her stomach growl. "Hungry?" She nodded with a frown. I laughed teasingly before I turned to my fridge and pulled out some of the leftover soup I had made that morning. I put it in the microwave and heated it up. I grabbed a plastic spoon and turned around.

She looked a little untrusting at first. "I don't know if I trust your cooking..." I shook my head with a smile.

"Just try it."

"If you poison me I'll kill you."

"Damn, you're on a roll. That's your third threat."

"Shut it." I held out a spoonful of the soup. She sighed but leaned forward to accept the food. She stopped from the spoon and then surprise took over her expression.

"Miyuki, you're actually good at something other than annoying the piss out of people." I laughed, but felt a bit disappointed. Why doesn't she always call me Kazuya or Kazuchan... It's annoying when she acknowledges me by my last name.

"Why are you pouting at a compliment, Miyuki?" I shook my head.

"No reason—"

"Miyuki."

"I swear!" She cut her eyes at me.

"Say it or you're a chicken shit." I sighed at her persistence.

"Tch, jeez... Fine... I-its because you always call Nori and Ryou-senpai by their given names but you only call me by my surname..." I felt my face turn red as I looked at the ground. To my surprise she didn't laugh, so I turned and looked to see her blushing just as much as I was.

"C-cute..." We both seemed surprised by the mumbled agreement we had and looked away from each other.

"W-why didn't you just say so if it bothered you?" I scratched the back of my head.

"E-eh..." We were both stuttering messes at this point. I quickly distracted myself again with the soup. "Hey, you should eat before it gets cold." She nodded and reached out to grab the spoon, her arms shaking and a brief expression of pain flushing her face. I pushed her hand away lightly with a raised eyebrow.

"Are you trying to pull your stitches?" She frowned and mumbled something. "What?"

"I said I'm not a child..." She looked at the ground with a pout, so I surprised her by putting the spoon to her lips.

"Never said you were. I just don't want you to hurt yourself. So be patient. The Doc told me to take care of you for a few days until you can go around on your own without busting your stitches." She sighed and took the spoonful of food.

"Fine... But you better not patronize me." I laughed.

"I wouldn't dare~"

Eventually she had eaten about half of the bowl before she was done. I set it on the counter, out of the way. "Alright, now lay down and go to sleep. Don't lay on your back." She rolled her eyes.

"Yeah yeah." I saw her lay down with her back facing me and pull the covers up. I turned off the lights and stumbled around until I found a chair.   It was quiet for a minute as I sat down. "Kazuya?"

"Hm?"

"Nevermind."

"Hey."

"Huh?"

"Go to bed." My eyes had adjusted to the darkness by then. I noticed her tugging the sheets as close as possible.

"I'm trying." I watched her carefully.

"Are you cold?" I got up and walked closer.

"N-no..." I put a hand on the back of her neck and felt how cold she was.

"Tsk... Liar. Scoot over." She shook her head stubbornly.

"Scoot over or I'll make you." She sighed and followed directions, annoyed.

"I'm fine, you don't have to." I got under the covers and pulled them over. I felt her radiating coldness as I pulled her closer.

"If you're cold then come here."

"Now I realize how embarrassing it is..." I chuckled as she slid closer.

"At least now we don't have to say no homo." She lightly kicked my leg.

"You're the one who didn't want to be labeled as gay." She laughed breathlessly as she let her head rest against my collarbone.

"Does it... Still hurt?" She sighed.

"Yeah." She mumbled into my chest as she snuggled against me, shivering at my warmth.

"Kazuya."

"Hm?"

"Why is your heart racing? Did you get hurt earlier?"

"No. Why is yours? Stressed?" We both sighed.

"Ah, I guess you have a point."

"Hey."

"What is it now—" I chuckled.

"You started it."

"Toché."

"Anyways... I think you should tell them."

"Tell who? And what?"

"The team. I think you should tell the team your secret."

"Eh... I don't want to bother them." I sighed.

"Trust me, they'll be more than happy to know you trust them with something like that. Just give it some thought, yeah?"

"But even you were angry..."

"Nana, I was angry because you didn't tell me yourself, I thought I was gay for a while, and most of all I felt like you couldn't even trust me. When I said what I did, I didn't mean it. And those words in your back, mean nothing. Your father is a cruel and heartless man for that. And if he touches you again, I want to be the first to know so I can beat his ass. And if it isn't me? There's a whole line of baseball players waiting with a bat. So remember that, remember that the trust we have in you has to be mutual."

"Kazuya... I guess I never thought of it like that..." I sighed. Baka, no matter how much some may hate you, everyone will always admire you.

I gently pushed her shaggy hair out of her face. "You need a haircut again... It's starting to get long like it was when you rejoined." She sighed. She shivered contentedly as my fingers brushed over her soft skin.

"Yeah. I guess it's been a while since I cut it last." My hand travelled down to her cheek before I wrapped my arms around her waist and pulled her into my chest.

"Let's go to sleep..." She nodded before remembering something.

"Ah wait." She reached forwards and gently pulled my glasses off of my face and folded them neatly before setting them on my nightstand. I smiled at her as she drew back into my chest. Eventually we both drifted off to sleep.

•   •   •

Nanairō

I woke up to an unspeakable pain in my shoulders. It was completely and utterly disorienting, as I felt like I had no clue where I was. Of course, I knew I was in Kazuya's room. He'd taken care of me.

I looked out of the window and saw it was still dark out so I decided to take a short walk. I smoothly slipped out of his embrace and replaced my spot with a pillow. I put on a pair of outdoor slippers at his door, noting how they swallowed my feet, much like his clothes swallowed me up. I was glad for loose clothing though, anything tighter and my pain would be doubled.

I quietly opened the door and left, taking in the cool breeze keeping me centered. I walked aimlessly until I found myself in front of the indoor practice center. Remembering the events of before, I felt my thoughts darken my own mood.

"Satō-senpai..." I heard a weak voice call out from behind me. I turned around in confusion. No one should br up... Sawamura... He was on his knees in the dirt, avoiding eye contact in shame.

"What are you doing out? It's midnight and you have practice tomorrow." I felt the harshness in my own words, but he paid no heed.

"Satō-senpai... PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR MY FOOLISHNESS!" He slammed his forehead on the ground, bending forwards with his elbows bent.

"O-Oi... Be quiet the others are sleeping...!"

"PLEASE SENPAI!" I felt sweat drip down my face at his foolhardiness.

"G-geez... If you wake up Kazuya I'll be in trouble... Why are you apologizing so wholeheartedly when all you did was state how you saw something. It may not have been right, but there's nothing wrong with it."

"N-no senpai, you don't understand. Takashima-sensei showed me where Chris-senpai goes every day to recover... And she also showed me a file of your achievements, records broken, and negative occurrances... I had no idea that senpai even had troubles here within the team... I'm so sorry!" I sighed and scratched my forearm.

"Gosh, it's hard to stay mad when you say it like that... I hope you apologized to Chris-senpai, that's what the whole point was. Everyone here has their own goals, their own path to follow. If you just blindly follow another then you'll never succeed here. Batteries consist of two people who trust each other, and when that trust is compromised or questioned by one or both battery-mates, the battery falls apart. If you couldn't trust me or Chris-senpai without the information or proof, then that's that. You need to call some things into question in order for things to stay right by yourself and others. So get up. Don't apologise to me until you've made up with Chris-senpai, because he's the one who needs to hear it most." He half-heartedly stood.

"Sawamura, I'm not scolding you, dork, you just need to understand that even harsh words have a purpose. Now go get some rest, you have shit to do tomorrow." He complied silently and I watched him trek off to his room. He really means well... That's what matters.

"Oi, oi, shouldn't you be resting?" I turned and saw Kuramochi leaning against the wall with an annoyed look. "Kazuya is running around like a chicken with its head cut off looking for you." I sighed. Of course he woke up...

"I needed some air?" He raised an eyebrow. "Fine, I couldn't sleep. The pain woke me up... So I decided to go get some air, though now I regret not bringing a jacket." He laughed quietly before a serious look returned.

"I'll kill that bastard if he pulls that shit again. I've seen the scars on your legs. It's ridiculous." I sighed at Kuramochi's change in demeanor.

"Hey 'Mocchi, you should probably go with Bakamura. He's been thinking too much again."

"Gah! I told that idiot to stop thinking, it never ends well! Looks like I should go after him, after all. Will you be okay on your own?" I nodded with a slight smile.

"Yeah, Kazuya will probably find me and scold me for leaving soon. So don't worry, and go handle that idiot roommate of yours." He sighed with a grin but nodded.

"Alright then." I watched him Sprint off and tackle Sawamura who was just barely visible at that point. I smiled and shook my head, looking up. I let my mind clear as I watched the sky, the pain in my shoulders still ever as disorienting. I shivered lightly at the temperature that was dripping with the rise of the moon.

"Oi, oi, is this where you ran off to? You had me worried." I glanced behind me and saw Kazuya approaching.

"Am I really that worrisome? I've gone here just as long as you, y'know. I won't get lost like a newbie." He shook his head with a smile as he got closer.

"More like I was worried about something happening to you again..." I felt his hand brush against mine, testifying to his proximity. "Hey, you're shivering. I just got you warmed up..." I shook my head.

"I'm fine, it's only a little chilly out. It's not bad." He sighed and rolled his eyes and took off his sweater he threw on. He turned to face me and pulled it over my head with ease. "Won't you be cold now?"

"No, because we're going back to my room. If you stay out in the cold it'll be harder for your body to recover." I nodded. I pulled my arms through the sleeves as he led me gently by the right arm. He held my wrist, but I slipped my hand down into his, the warmth of his calloused hand sending shivers down my spine. He looked at me questioningly but I pretended not to notice. He shook his head and played it off, even as I saw the tips of his ears turning red.

We walked in silence, but not a heavy uncomfortable one. He laced his fingers through mine rather than pulling away like I assumed he would. I fully had expected him to pull away at my touch and was surprised when he accepted it. We walked shoulder to shoulder for a few minutes before we were in front of his dorm. He let go of my hand and opened the door, following me inside. I slipped off his shoes and set them parallel to each other neatly. I heard him chuckle. "So that's where my shoes went." I shrugged.

"They were the first ones I saw." I scratched the back of my head as he shook his.

"Alright, we should get some sleep. We're excluded from practice tomorrow, but we still have things to do." I nodded and crawled into the bed and laid towards the wall, feeling the bed dip when he got in beside me after turning off the lights. He took off his glasses and soon enough I heard his breathing level out. I turned to face him, my eyes having acclimated to the darkness. I looked at his peaceful expression. When he was sleeping was probably the only time he didn't have a smirk on his face. His expression or the lack thereof was so rare it was almost disturbing to think of how twisted his personality was in comparison.

"What's wrong?" I jumped a little at his unexpected question.

"Nothing... Couldn't sleep."

"Is that why you got up earlier?" I nodded.

"Yeah..."

"Does it hurt too much?" I hesitantly nodded. He pulled me closer to him by snaking his arms around my waist.  "Roll over on your stomach." I questioned his motives but did it regardless. His warm, calloused fingertips skimmed my skin as he lifted the Hem of the shirt and sweater of his I was wearing. He reached up and put on his glasses and turned on the light.

He traced the outline of the bandages wrapped around my shoulders. He gently lifted the one on the left, as it was closest to him and frowned when he saw it. "What?"

"It looks fine. It's a little red, but it is essentially fresh. So why does it hurt you so much... Hold on. I'll go get your painkillers the Doc' prescribed." He sat up to move, but I reached up and stopped him.

"No... I don't want to rely on painkillers..." He sighed but laid back down.

"I guess I can't force you." He reached up and turned off the lights once again as I turned to face him, laying on my side.

"You forgot to take off your glasses again, dork.", I reached up to his face, my fingertips skimming his cheeks as I plucked them from his face and folded them neatly. I set them on the nightstand again and looked back at him. He was studying my face intently before his eyes stopped on my lips. He looked up and made eye contact, the intensity in his gaze sending shivers down my spine.

"I think it's best if we go to sleep now..." I nodded, and for some reason I had no trouble sleeping this time.

Bonus: Jun, You Snore.

"Hey Satō! Since you're back on the baseball team, you should come back and room with me."

"Jun-senpai, I don't think it would be wise of me to do that."

"AND WHY NOT?" I scratched my head.

"Well..."

"WELL?"

"Senpai, it's just that you snore."

"H-huh?"

"Spitz-senpai, you need a Z pack."

"YOU DISRESPECTFUL KOHAI! ILL SHOW YOU A Z PACK!" And so the wrestling match began.

"Ow! Ow! Senpai you're too rough! I'm still recovering!"

"I don't snore!"

"Yes you do."

"A-Azuma-senpai!"

"Tsk, Jun you're too loud!"