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[leftwinger]

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[leftwinger]

Hmm. I fail to see how, exactly, but your coach may be on to something there. They're very hungry, no doubt.

[1foxgiven]

Well

So are Foxes :)

['Hungry.'

An interesting word choice. Who's starving the most for this game? Can Karasuno bring anyone who wants it more than Atsumu, Osamu, Aran?

That would be quite a sight.]

[leftwinger]

I suppose you're right.

[And he'll add a picture of Grogu, about to grub.]

[1foxgiven]

I need to make everyone's in for curfew.



I'll let you know how the game goes.

Sweet Dreams.

[Ushiwaka's said that before. So Kita's just going to continue. Why not?

It's nice.]

[leftwinger]

You are going to tuck them in?

[But oh, what a cute gif. And oh. He does remember telling Kita the same thing not that long ago. It's different, being on the receiving end.]

Best of luck to you and your team.

[Luck is for the ill-prepared, sure, but it doesn't hurt to have some once in a while.]

[1foxgiven]

[There's only time to send one thing, in the morning.

And then the Foxes take the court.]

[leftwinger]

[It's no surprise that Kita doesn't send anything after that. Nationals leave limited time for social media and messaging. Nevertheless, Ushijima sends a message anyway, just in case.]

Let me know how the game went.

I'll be here, waiting.

[1foxgiven]

[Opening his phone and seeing Grogu... Those words...

It helps.

More than Kita can possibly express.]

Karasuno 1:2

25-27, 25-16, 30-32

[The facts first.]

[leftwinger]

I saw the last set. Your time did amazingly well to keep up with the intense pace.

How are you feeling?

[1foxgiven]

[Kita tries to answer.

Three times.

But some things even Baby Yoda gifs cannot encompass. So even though it might be forward - ]

Can I call you?

Or Skype?

[leftwinger]

You may.

[Must be serious, in this case.]

Whenever you're ready.

[1foxgiven]

[There's a minute or two, before the call starts. The screen opens on a park. Kita by himself, bundled in his team jacket.

The edge of his mouth tilts up. Not in the usual smile. But it doesn't seem forced, either.]

Hi.

[leftwinger]

[Ushijima answers the call promptly, polite as ever. He's in his dorm room, where it's well-lit and he's dressed comfortably in some athleisure clothing. He's on the bottom bunk, laying on his side, chin on his palm.

This is probably the most relaxed he's ever been.]

Hello, Kita. How are you?

[1foxgiven]

[It is absolutely the most relaxed Kita's ever seen him. Also the first time seeing Ushiwaka outside of a team context.

Odd.

It feels like some sort of shield just fell.]

Oh. You know...

[Kita chuckles, shrugs]

Is there a word for this feeling?

[leftwinger]

I'm certain there is.

[He shrugs a little, too, but no chuckling for him. He is rather...anxious?]

...it might help if you describe the closest thing to it, or what it's like, even if it might not sound like it makes any sense. Is it relief? Despair? Disappointment?

[1foxgiven]

['Relief' feels on the right track. If several kilometers off. The others aren't any closer.

Maybe he should stop trying for a single word.

Even if it doesn't make sense...]

...It was like the first time I played you.

Karasuno's full of Monsters.

[leftwinger]

Was it really? I don't think our team-styles are similar...

*pats Ushijima*

[1foxgiven]

No.

Not your team.

You.

Seeing that level of play. Being able to stand on the same court, see how amazing you are in person. That feeling.

[leftwinger]

...

I see.

Was it disbelief, then? Awe?

[1foxgiven]

...Lucky.

I felt lucky.

[It's the truth. Shining clear in Kita's eyes and words and the silver of his breath. About Karasuno.

About Ushiwaka.]

[leftwinger]

...mm.

[There's a tiny quirk to his mouth.]

I can understand why someone would say that...

[1foxgiven]

[Kita huffs out a laugh.]

I'm glad.

I know your game with them was... difficult. But getting to watch play like that and go against it - How many people even get to stand at this level?

I would have rather won.

But I'm not as upset as I thought I would be.

[It was more emotionally devastating getting named Captain.]

[leftwinger]

It's always preferable to win, yes. But there's value in losing as well. Not many will agree with that...

[Ushijima can name a few, off the top of his head. Some are even on his team.

He reaches for his water bottle off-camera, and takes a long swig from it.]

...what's next in store for you?

[1foxgiven]

Oh.

[The light dims a bit in Kita's face.]

Looking after my team. Some of them are taking today really hard. And they're worried I'm disappointed in them.

[leftwinger]

But you are not, correct? Perhaps all they need is some reassurance.

[Ushijima tilts his head, curious.]

...did I say something to offend you?