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[leftwinger]

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[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?

[1foxgiven]

No. Not at all.

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.]

[leftwinger]

...they are.

[He lets a moment pass before adding--]

So were you.

[1foxgiven]

[Something about that moment's weight hits. Hard. Like one of Ushijima's spikes. Kita should know.

He runs a hand down his face.]

Hah.

Thanks.

It... means a lot, from you.

[leftwinger]

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.

[1foxgiven]

[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.]

No, you're right.

I am.

[leftwinger]

Is it because of the game or is there something else going on?

[1foxgiven]

It's... hm.

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.

[leftwinger]

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.

[1foxgiven]

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.

[leftwinger]

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?

[1foxgiven]

[Kita chuckles.]

I clean. But I've already scrubbed down every bathroom I can access. Twice.

So...

I guess talking with friend.

[leftwinger]

...does this mean you consider me a friend?

[He tries not to, but he ends up smiling, just the slightest bit.]

[1foxgiven]

Of course! Did you not know that?

You matter a lot to me.

[And there's the shape of something there. In the words, the satisfaction of getting Ushiwaka to smile.]

[leftwinger]

I matter a lot...?

[That's...new.]

[1foxgiven]

You do.

[Kita's smile is softer, talking about this.

An entirely new expression.]

Calling you seemed like the best possible thing I could do. Not because we've both lost to Karasuno.

Because you're... you.

[leftwinger]

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.

[1foxgiven]

Oh?

Well.

Then I'm glad to be the first one!

[Kita pushes to his feet. Only a few minutes ago, his body felt completely wrung out.

Now it is demanding Move, move, move.]

[leftwinger]

Why would you be glad for something like that? Most would wonder why they were the first...

[1foxgiven]

[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.

[leftwinger]

[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.

[1foxgiven]

Not far, I promise. My legs are restless.

[Kita smiles. To show the concern is noted. Of course he's going to mind the distance, but it's... nice. Being checked on.]

Intimidating?

No.

I think you're impressive.

[leftwinger]

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...