[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.]
[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?
[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.
[No judgement from Kita. He's appreciating this time. A glimpse into someone else's sphere. Outside of the stress and exhaustion of the last few days.]
[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.
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leftwinger) wrote2021-04-25 05:21 pm
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[Must be serious, in this case.]
Whenever you're ready.
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The edge of his mouth tilts up. Not in the usual smile. But it doesn't seem forced, either.]
Hi.
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This is probably the most relaxed he's ever been.]
Hello, Kita. How are you?
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Odd.
It feels like some sort of shield just fell.]
Oh. You know...
[Kita chuckles, shrugs]
Is there a word for this feeling?
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[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?
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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.
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*pats Ushijima*
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.
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I see.
Was it disbelief, then? Awe?
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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.]
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[There's a tiny quirk to his mouth.]
I can understand why someone would say that...
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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.]
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[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?
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[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.
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[Ushijima tilts his head, curious.]
...did I say something to offend you?
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I just wanted to play with them longer.
My team is - was - amazing.
[Kita breaks off eye contact, with that. Breathes deep. Trying to let the snarl in his throat loosen.]
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[He lets a moment pass before adding--]
So were you.
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He runs a hand down his face.]
Hah.
Thanks.
It... means a lot, from you.
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[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.
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No, you're right.
I am.
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There's no more steps to take. This is a result. And I don't mind.
I was proud of being their Captain.
I wanted to do it longer.
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[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.
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[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?
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too many entirelies there sigh
*pats*
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