牛島 若利 Ushijima Wakatoshi (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
leftwinger) wrote2021-04-25 05:21 pm
leftwinger) wrote2021-04-25 05:21 pm
But you are not, correct? Perhaps all they need is some reassurance.
[Ushijima tilts his head, curious.]
...did I say something to offend you?
[Ushijima tilts his head, curious.]
...did I say something to offend you?
...they are.
[He lets a moment pass before adding--]
So were you.
[He lets a moment pass before adding--]
So were you.
[That tiny little change in expression is seismic to Sakusa, bordering on catastrophic, and it's all he can do to keep from tripping over his own feet when they start walking. In a sea of people, all he can do is stick close to Ushijima's side and try to act like a real person with normal behaviour patterns.]
Yeah. That's... thanks. That's considerate of you.
Yeah. That's... thanks. That's considerate of you.
[He starts to walk on toward the restaurant, but not too far ahead so as to not lose Sakusa. Even though he doubts he'd ever lose sight of him anywhere -- Sakusa stands out to him like a beacon in the sea.
Ushijima gestures in the distance, about a block or two, to their restaurant: a simple-looking place, with a brown and cream striped awning as it's only stand-out feature.]
Think of it as thanks since you're treating me.
Ushijima gestures in the distance, about a block or two, to their restaurant: a simple-looking place, with a brown and cream striped awning as it's only stand-out feature.]
Think of it as thanks since you're treating me.
Of course, you're welcome.
[Not sure of what else to say or if he should direct the conversation towards another topic -- wouldn't it be rude and inconsiderate? -- Ushijima moves to make himself more comfortable on the bed, laying down on his side and reaching his free arm out to the volleyball next to his pillow. Yes, this guy sleeps with a volleyball in his bed. It is perfectly normal.]
...pardon me for saying so, but you seem overcome or overwhelmed.
[Not sure of what else to say or if he should direct the conversation towards another topic -- wouldn't it be rude and inconsiderate? -- Ushijima moves to make himself more comfortable on the bed, laying down on his side and reaching his free arm out to the volleyball next to his pillow. Yes, this guy sleeps with a volleyball in his bed. It is perfectly normal.]
...pardon me for saying so, but you seem overcome or overwhelmed.
Is it because of the game or is there something else going on?
You can continue to help with their training and coming by next year during games to show your support. I'm sure they will appreciate it.
That's true.
[It's not as if he's facing permanent separation. Or as if his team - his friends - would let go so easily. There's so many connections. Stronger ties than numbers on jerseys.
Kita exhales.
Some of the tension eases.]
I guess I need to process more than I expected.
I did enjoy the game.
[It's not as if he's facing permanent separation. Or as if his team - his friends - would let go so easily. There's so many connections. Stronger ties than numbers on jerseys.
Kita exhales.
Some of the tension eases.]
I guess I need to process more than I expected.
I did enjoy the game.
Mm. Good. Not many tend to enjoy the games they've lost...
[Goshiki, for example, was very emotional and upset for weeks after Shiratorizawa's loss.]
It might take some time to process everything, especially so soon after the game...
How do you typically process?
[Goshiki, for example, was very emotional and upset for weeks after Shiratorizawa's loss.]
It might take some time to process everything, especially so soon after the game...
How do you typically process?
...does this mean you consider me a friend?
[He tries not to, but he ends up smiling, just the slightest bit.]
[He tries not to, but he ends up smiling, just the slightest bit.]
Oh...
[And when it seems like too long of a silent moment passes between them, Ushijima slowly sits up straighter, nearly hitting his head on the top of the bunk bed.]
...thank you. For trusting in me to say such a thing and to believe it.
I've never been told something like that before.
[And when it seems like too long of a silent moment passes between them, Ushijima slowly sits up straighter, nearly hitting his head on the top of the bunk bed.]
...thank you. For trusting in me to say such a thing and to believe it.
I've never been told something like that before.
Why would you be glad for something like that? Most would wonder why they were the first...
[Bare tree branches pass above Kita, as he considers.]
Hm.
With you, it's not very surprising. You're dedicated, good-looking, and intense. You've had a career lined up since Junior High. A lot of people would find that intimidating.
Especially kids our age.
Hm.
With you, it's not very surprising. You're dedicated, good-looking, and intense. You've had a career lined up since Junior High. A lot of people would find that intimidating.
Especially kids our age.
[Something warm tingles beneath his skin -- unusual and new, he's not sure what to think of it.]
...I see.
[He considers this--]
Do you?
[Also--]
Where are you going? You should be resting.
...I see.
[He considers this--]
Do you?
[Also--]
Where are you going? You should be resting.
That could be a sign of caffeine consumption or iron deficiency.
[Or maybe just nervous energy or something else entirely that Ushijima doesn't entirely understand.]
So that mirrors my opinion of you...
[Or maybe just nervous energy or something else entirely that Ushijima doesn't entirely understand.]
So that mirrors my opinion of you...
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