Chapter Text
If Miyuki wasn’t such an integral part of Seidou’s team, Kuramochi swore he would have punched the lights out of the catcher ages ago for forcing him, for the entire first part of his day, to watch the humiliating display that constituted of a worried, fretful Miyuki Kazuya.
That’s right, fretful.
Kuramochi wasn’t even sure Miyuki was capable of expressing that emotion before that morning, and yet here he was… Sitting front and centre while witnessing what was possibly the catcher’s first time experiencing such an emotion.
The shortstop sighed in exasperation. “Jeez. I said the brat needed some time to clear his head, not undergo surgery. Would you stop stressing already? Sawamura’s gonna be fine.”
“I’d sure hope so considering we’re going up against Mei in two days,” the catcher countered, eliciting a frustrated grumble from his companion.
“He’ll do fine against Narumiya,” Kuramochi said with a roll of his eyes. “This is different, alright? He’s just struggling with some personal shit… was real down yesterday,” the green-haired boy added with reluctance.
“And? You care to tell me the rest of the story or are you just going to leave me hanging like that?” Miyuki raised one eyebrow expectantly.
"What do you take me for? Your fucking counsellor? If you wanna know what's bothering him, go ask him yourself, you damn four-eye! Isn't that part of your job as his catcher?” Kuramochi shot back with a glare.
A sly smirk snaked across the brown-haired boy’s lips at the shortstop’s retort. "Heh... Look at you. Mochi-nii. What a caring brother you are.”
"Tch. You're a real bastard you know.”
”As you like to remind me.”
Kuramochi shook his head. ”So, you gonna do something or what?” He asked.
“Hm?”
“What? Don't hold back on my account. We both know you're itching to see the brat.”
“And here I thought you didn't want me to bother him…” Miyuki drawled, the mirth in his eyes barely concealing the uncharacteristic worry that Kuramochi long learned was reserved for a certain southpaw.
“I said not to do your usual shit, you jerk. Can you or can you not act like a decent human being for 5 minutes?”
“It’s wounding how little confidence you have in me sometimes, Kuramochi-kun. Even I can hold myself back when I want to.”
“Tch. When I see it it with my own eyes, I’ll let you know, because that sure as shit would be a first for you.”
CLANG!
CLANG!
Whoosh.
CLANG.
Whoosh.
I’m an idiot.
It’s not Miyuki-senpai’s fault.
If anything it’s my fault for being so naive all this time.
Of course, everyone is thinking about the future, especially the senpais. Even wolf-boy’s given it some thought.
Whoosh.
Have I been so wrapped up in getting the ace number and proving myself worthy of it that I’ve missed the big picture all along?
Whoosh.
I’M.
CLANG.
SO.
CLANG.
DAMN.
CLANG.
ASHAMED OF MYSELF!
CLANG!
“That doesn’t look like the face of someone who’s just won the semifinals and is going to be playing for the chance to go to Koshien again in a few days,” a familiar voice suddenly called out from behind him, causing him to break his train of thought and turn around to see the comforting figure of his mentor and favourite alumni standing against the side of his batting cage.
“Chris-senpai! What are you doing here?!?”
“I did say I’d come to see you pitch before the finals,” the older boy chuckled, watching the southpaw walk up towards him excitedly before giving the younger boy’s head a gentle pat. “And by the looks of it, I’m glad I’m here,” Chris added as Sawamura’s cheeks burned with embarrassment, brows raised in panic while his mind scrambled to provide a sufficient excuse for his lacklustre - or rather aggressive - batting.
“But whatever do you mean, shisho? This Sawamura Eijun has just been diligently practicing his swings like any other member of the team would before a game! Boss always did say to give it your all in a swing! That’s why I was so-“
“Sawamura…”
The second-year cringed at his senpai’s scolding voice, fully aware he’d never be able to fool his mentor like that. “I know. I know… I’m sorry,” the pitcher muttered, eyes shying away from Chris’ all-knowing gaze. “I didn’t mean to lose my form and swing so rough like that, senpai. I should know better than to risk an injury when we’re so close to the finals.”
The older boy sighed. “I’m glad you realise what you did wrong, Sawamura. But while that was part of the reason I stopped you, I’m more worried about what’s made you like this,” the catcher said softly, green orbs shining with concern as he took in the sweaty second-year standing in front of him with his head down. “Care to tell me what’s bothering you? It might help to talk to someone who’s not on the team…”
“I… I overheard some third-years talking about graduating and their plans after Seidou and I guess it’s just hit me that the third-years are graduating soon and that there are only a few more weeks for us to play together as a team,” Sawamura murmured lowly with a defeated sigh, brows furrowing. “I’ve been so focused on winning the tournament and going to Koshien again with the team that I completely forgot that there are other things that the others are looking forward to…” he continued on. “I’m not stupid. Of course, I understand how exciting it is to think about college and going pro, but I guess I am stupid in this case… I mean, how could I just realise that the third-year’s graduating means that I won’t be playing with them anymore? Ever!” The southpaw yelled to himself, face contorting into a frown while his chest heaved with unease and apprehension.
How could anyone be prepared to part with the team, with the teammates, that helped him grow into the pitcher he was now? Into the ace that he was?
He would have still been that loud-mouth naive pitcher who couldn’t field and throw a straight fastball without this team and Chris-senpai. He wouldn’t have the confidence and self-assurance when facing hard opponents without Miyuki’s steady gaze in front of him nor the comforting presence of his teammates behind him.
No Mochi-senpai with his cheetah legs. No Shirasu-senpai and his reliable laser throws. No blushing Asou-senpai whenever anyone compliments him or loud Zono-senpai from first base. And no damn tanuki standing across from him behind the batter’s box telling him to trust his mitt and the team behind him whenever they were in a pinch.
Even if he could manage in a new team with the new first-years, how could he let go of the memory of this team - the sensation of seeing a incredible double-play from Mochi-senpai and Haruichi, shouting together with Zono-senpai and Asou-sepai in the dugout, sighing in relief when the ball goes to centre field with Shirasu-senpai on guard or seeing a home rum by their captain, the Miyuki Kazuya?
Sawamura felt like he was going to be sick.
“Oh, Sawamura…” Chris smiled sympathetically at the boy, giving his shoulder a soft squeeze as he watched the myriad of emotions swimming through the southpaw’s golden eyes. ”You’re not stupid for only realising this, Sawamura, and I can assure you that your feelings are valid. It’s understandable for you to feel this way,” the older boy reassured him. “Just because the other's don't voice out their thoughts like you do, doesn't mean they're not feeling the same way. I can't speak for anyone, but I know I, for one, was without a doubt overly aware my time was running out,” he continued on to say.
It was so like the boy to have such thoughts this far into the tournament.
While most people were worrying about winning the next game and advancing to Koshien, Sawamura, true to character, was also thinking of how these would be his last few weeks playing with the team. Something that was understandable yet Chris couldn’t deny was… unfortunate to be focused on with such a big game against the West Tokyo powerhouse looming over them.
You always did play with your heart, Sawamura. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised to hear how much playing with the team means to you regardless of having to go against our rivals in a few days. Your teammates have always been so important to you, after all, Chris thought to himself fondly.
"I know... I guess I was too caught up with everything else that I didn't realise how fast time was going. Before I knew it, we were only days away from the summer finals,” Sawamura shrugged.
"As I recall, you were particularly excited about going against Inashiro."
"I am! And it's not that I haven't thought about going against other players - better players than the ones at Koshien, even! But every time I thought about it, I just assumed I'd be facing them with this team behind me. Beating them with Kuramochi-senpai and Haruichi watching my backs, Miyuki-senpai and Okumura making the ballsy calls batters hate, and everyone else on the field covering for any mistakes I make on the mound..." the pitcher trailed off with a sad smile, laughing pitifully as he met the blond-haired catcher’s gaze. "I'm sorry Chris-senpai, this must sound so stupid..."
“It doesn’t, Sawamura. I think it's expected for you to feel that way about the team, seeing that you've been training with them since you first started at Seidou. It's only normal for you to develop that kind of trust with everyone on the team, especially in your case," he patted the younger boy's head, reminiscing about the pitcher’s growth since they were paired together during the southpaw’s first year. "I don't think anyone could blame you for feeling the way you are, but do you happen to remember how things were when the team was shifting from my class’ generation to Miyuki's?"
Sawamura nodded grimly, fighting the urge to wince when he remembered how lost he was without Chris and the other upperclassman whilst he was fighting his yips. Of course, he had Kuramochi, Kanemaru, Kariba and Tojou with him throughout all of it, but Sawamura couldn't deny just how lonely it was not to see them on the field everyday after the fateful finals - just how empty the hole they left on the team felt like to him.
And even then, he still had Chris come help him out some of the time when he was free.
Just what in the world would've happened to him without Chris back then?
Sawamura hated the thought of it.
"Don't forget that being a part of a team isn't so different from being a part of a battery, Sawamura. Yes, there is a lot more people involved, but that doesn’t change the fact that there has to be a level of trust between each person for the partnership to work," Chris remarked, seeing the ghostly look pass over Sawamura's face, no doubt thinking of his situation after last year’s summer finals. "I don't know if you remember, but you weren't too happy about being partnered with me in the beginning either,” he added, bracing himself for Sawamura’s predictable outburst.
"SHISHO! WHY WOULD YOU BRING UP MY SHAMEFUL PAST ALL OF A SUDDEN!" Sawamura cried in horror, eliciting a chuckle from his senior.
Chris laughed, ruffling the pitcher’s hair affectionately. ”What I'm trying to say is that it was only because we learned to trust each other that we were able to become a proper battery and strike Zaizen out during your first Golden Week match. If you hadn't trusted me to catch that final pitch, the one that you bounced off the ground without telling me, might I add… we wouldn't have been able to catch Zaizen off guard and strike him out."
"I knew you'd be able to catch anything I'd pitch, Chris-senpai," he replied with conviction, eyes shining with pride at the memory of how their battery performed that day. "Ït's a shame we didn't have another chance to be a battery after that..."
"Sawamura, you win Koshien, lead the team through another year of high school and who knows what will happen. You might just end up with me being your catcher again," Chris stated with a wink, eliciting a surprised gasp from his junior.
"REALLY SHISHO?” Sawamura cried out, jumping on the balls of his feet like an excited puppy.
He nodded in confirmation. ”My physiotherapy has gone well and I'm already playing in my team at university so I don't see why that wouldn't be possible... Unless, you fail your exams that is," he added, one brow raised in question.
"No way! This Sawamura Eijun solemnly promises to study hard and graduate with flying colours, if that is what it takes to be on the same field with you again!" Sawamura swore solemnly, putting his hand over his heart as if he was taking an oath.
"I appreciate the sentiment, Sawamura. I truly do," Chris laughed, shaking his head in amusement before continuing. "But don't count anyone out too soon because I'm sure Okumura, Miyuki and even Enjo from Hokkaido, would be thrilled to partner up with you again after you graduate from Seidou."
“Enjo-san? Oh right... I never even considered that I could play on the same team with him again after we graduate…" Sawamura mused, a devilish grin plastered on his face as he cackled evilly. “WAHAHA! I can just imagine that tanuki’s expression if he found out I was in a battery with Enjo-san after I graduate. It’d wipe that stupid smile off his face, for sure!”
"And don't forget your friends from Inashiro and Yakushi too," the blond reminded him. ”Any catcher would be lucky to form a battery with you, Sawamura. So even though Seidou is your team and will always be your friends, you'll soon find out that branching out and forming new partnerships with other people may not be such a bad thing after all… Take Yakushi’s Sanada, for example. Just look at how much your batting has improved since you've become closer to him.”
The pitcher smiled while nodding in agreement. ”I know, senpai. It'll take some time to get used to the idea but I understand what you're trying to say."
"You'll still have them around if you ever need help, Sawamura. It's important that you don't forget that. But while I say that, I also want you to remember to trust your instincts,” Chris advised the boy. “Trust that you'll be all right and that you'll be able to do what your senpai’s have done for you for your own kouhais. Just like what I've already seen you do with Okumura."
"Hai, senpai! This Sawamura Eijun will continue to lead his kouhais with the same grace and guidance you’ve bestowed upon my foolish past self when we first met!” Sawamura exclaimed.
“You don’t need to go that far…”
“No, no! It is only good practice for me to give to others what I’ve also received! All part of the circle of life! Or baseball in this case!” He said, grinning like an idiot.
Chris shook his head gently at the boy, sighing in resignation. Leave it to Sawamura to blow something so simple out of proportion. Chris only hoped he hadn’t accidentally caused more inconvenience to the first-years.
But guessing from how dedicated Okumura seemed to Sawamura, maybe what he said wouldn’t even matter.
Not that I can blame him. Sawamura does have a certain air around him that seems to attract catchers of all kind, the blonde thought to himself, smiling fondly at the oblivious second-year before continuing.
”Since we've cleared things up here, shall we have a look at some of your pitches? I have a feeling Tetsu’s told Azuma-senpai all about your pitches by now and are looking for you in the bullpen.”
“EH?? CHUBBY-SEN-“ Sawamura cut himself off, clearing his throat at the knowing look his upperclassman shot him before correcting himself. ‘I mean, Azuma-senpai and Tetsu-san’s here?"
”Tetsu said he’s been itching to see that last pitch you gave Amahisa for himself since the last game and Azuma-senpai’s always visited the school somewhere during the summer tournament to give the team some energy drinks and such. Don’t you remember hitting him with one of your pitches when he was batting against you last year?”
“In my defence his belly was waaaay over the batter’s box! It’s not my fault my inside pitch hit him!” He cried out, arms flailing about to emphasise his point to a bemused Chris.
“Let’s just make sure that doesn’t happen this time around. Once is a mistake, but a second-time? I’m not sure Azuma-senpai won’t take it to heart,” the catcher commented, causing the brown-haired boy’s eyes to widen in caution.
“ACK!”
Chris chuckled as he patted the southpaw’s shoulder encouragingly. “You’ll be fine. And besides, shouldn’t you out of everyone have more confidence in your own pitches?”
“Of course!”
“Then pitch the ball straight into the mitt like you always do and show Azuma-senpai why you’re Seidou’s ace,” the older boy told him, earning himself a bright grin from the pitcher who raised his fist in excitement.
“You can count on me, Chris-senpai! I’ll blow them all away! WAHAHAHA!”
“I have no doubt you will.”
Unbeknownst to Sawamura and Chris, hidden by a shelf of supplies on the other side of the batting cages, stood a certain four-eyed catcher who had been listening intently to the southpaw’s conversation with the alumni.
While he originally intended to ask Sawamura what was on his mind, Miyuki couldn’t help but stand back and let the older catcher speak to the pitcher while observing the two once he found out what they were talking about, his own emotions all over the place at Sawamura’s admission.
Just what made Sawamura think about that in the first place?
Were the other third-years talking about graduation so openly now that the tournament is almost over?
Or had Sawamura possibly overheard him last night during his conversation with Furuya?
Mind reeling at the prospect of having Sawamura overhear his conversation with Furuya, Miyuki continued to listen to the ex-battery’s exchange, silently thanking whatever God that was looking out of him for sending Chris to Seidou that day. Because while Miyuki wanted to make sure his pitcher didn’t have any misconceptions from what he may or may not have overheard last night, the catcher still wasn’t sure how he would navigate said conversation. Nor how he’d go about comforting him regarding their impending graduation.
God knows he was shit at emotions, let alone expressing himself.
Not that I can avoid it for long now…
Watching the southpaw perk up again after being consoled by the older boy, Miyuki couldn’t help the smile that sneaked onto his lips, grateful that Chris could help his pitcher out when he still couldn’t. "As I thought, I really can't win against you, Chris-senpai,“ the brown-haired boy said to himself, eyeing the tall catcher and southpaw who were walking away from the batting cages as he watched from a distance.
One day, Sawamura. One day I’ll be able to comfort and talk to you like that.
Just you wait.
One day.