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Then perhaps Eijun’s stomach would stop twisting itself in knots. Miyuki’s change in demeanor so alarming in its sudden shift, even to Eijun’s eyes he could see the crack in his outer protective shell, and was scared what he might find once it finally collapsed.   

“So very strange…”   

Eijun was so caught up in his wandering thoughts unlocking and twisting open the knob of his shared dorm with Kuramochi, he didn't notice the body blocking his path into the room. Not until colliding solidly with his room mate and pushing back from the other’s chest harshly.   

Blinking his eyes open he stared forward expecting to see Kuramochi’s smirking face but instead- a giant spider was hanging from threads on the inside of the door.   

He froze. Muscles locked, coiled and ready to spring in the opposite direction, but his feet just wouldn't follow command. His mouth decided to react first instead.   

“AHHHHHHHHHHH!” Eijun screeched backing away from the door frame and lunging for the nearest bat leaning up against the outside of the dorm room wall. Winding up ready to take out the eight-legged intruder.   

“Nyhahaha! I can't believe you fell for that, Bakamura… you know it's fake, right?”   

Kuramochi was beside himself with laughter, doubled over and clutching his sides propped up against the inside of the door.   

“No, but I’m going to make sure it's dead anyways and you along with it, Kuramochi-senpai!” Eijun snapped, whipping his arms back even further into a striking position.   

He heard rushing movement from behind him and felt the bat slip out of his fingers, only to have a sudden weight come crashing down on his shoulders from behind.   

“Now, now Sawamura it sounded like you were dying by the scream you just let loose. Are you trying to give your poor senpai a heart attack?”    

Eijun turned his head sharply to the left to be faced with the beaming smirk of one Miyuki Kazuya, stolen bat smartly extended out of reach. He could feel his anger rising not just at Kuramochi’s stupid prank but Miyuki’s boldness of draping himself all over his body to keep him at bay.   

So close he could feel Miyuki’s heart racing underneath his ribs pressed solidly against his back. Had he been scared for him? No, this is Miyuki he was thinking of. Of course, he was just concerned about joining whatever trouble was brewing at the source of Eijun’s outburst.   

Eijun’s blood began to boil, a blush blooming to reach the tips of his ears at just how closely Miyuki was flush against his back. His own heart thudding erratically inside his chest once again.    

He needed to escape. Nothing had changed and Miyuki and himself were still trapped in this strange dance. A sudden closeness without the meaning of the gestures clearly outlined to Eijun; he was a ship lost at sea.   

“I need to get away from you two,” he pulled firmly forward, knocking Miyuki off balance and allowing his hold to loosen from his shoulders, “and go find Haruichi. I just remembered something I need to ask him.”   

He dashed away from the second years, sprinting down the dorm’s outside walkway and back towards the last place he saw Haruichi speaking with Zono. He needed some advice to clear his head.   

“Sawamura! Get back here!” Kuramochi screamed to no avail, as Eijun rounded the corner in a flash and out of sight.   

"Well, at least I know who I want for my partner for the haunted room the third years are putting together for Halloween. Catching his petrified expressions are going to be priceless!” Kuramochi again was holding his aching sides, ignoring the look of the frustrated catcher in front of him.   

“Hilarious, Kuramochi…” Miyuki trailed off before retracing his path back upstairs. “Try not to rile up Sawamura anymore tonight will you? I won't stop him from clobbering you the next time you pull a stunt like that again,” as he leaned the stolen bat back against the wall before ascending the steps to the second level.   

Kuramochi shook his head before tearing down the rubber spider from the door hastily, rubbing his fingers over the fake eyes and fuzzy legs in distraction.   

“Wonder when the two morons are going to figure it out?” He asked no one and nothing in particular, before shutting the door with a soft click.   

Eijun ran as rapidly as he could towards the practice fields, and the last place he had seen Haruichi before trudging back towards the dorms earlier. He finally spotted pink hair near the dugouts, racing towards his friend for some much needed guidance.   

“Harucchi!” Waving growing more frantic as he grew closer to the second baseman, Eijun was relieved he would not have to go searching around the grounds after such a tiring practice.   

Sitting on the ground stretching, Haruichi looked up to watch him approaching. His usual soft smile appearing, with just a hint of mischief at its core.   

"Eijun-kun I thought you had already headed back to the dorms to clean-up?”   

“I did, and tried to go into my room before Kuramochi-senpai played a cruel prank on me!” He couldn't help it as the edges of his eyes began to mist up, tears threatening to fall, “Before that tanuki of a captain showed up to make fun of me…”   

“What exactly did Miyuki-senpai do to add to the situation?” Haruichi’s eyes keenly gleamed, seeming to reflect back past knowledge in their depths of other situations he had seen stored in memory.   

“When I was going to pay back my horrible roommate, he swiped the bat I was holding right out of my hands and then leaned on me like I was his own personal arm rest.”    

Haruichi continued to chuckle at Eijun’s antics as he described the horror inflicted from his terrible roommate and scheming captain. This is exactly why he could talk about issues with the fellow first year. He listened without judgement, slight nods dotting the conversation, always attentive to Eijun’s concerns.   

“Hmm, so you say Miyuki-senpai made an appearance after your piercing scream? He sure seems to care about you, Eijun-kun, if he came running like that all concerned.”   

Eijun froze mid-rant. Miyuki care about him… well sure he always wanted to ensure the pitchers were at one hundred percent before games, but the glint in Haruichi’s eye (and it was always unnerving whenever you could actually see it) seemed to be all knowing. Almost like he was prodding him along to a conclusion.   

Strange. It was alarming that Haruichi thought along the same lines as Eijun, but that just couldn't be as there was no way he could feel the same…  

“No way, Haruichi! I'm just his favorite target and when he heard my scream for help, he just wanted to assist with whatever Kuramochi had been planning.” Eijun nodded affirmatively. That was the only plausible explanation with a sneaky, twisted personality like his.   

“If you say so, Eijun-kun, but you haven't seen the way Miyuki-senpai looks at you lately, have you?” Haruichi’s own smirk was back, a thin layer of ‘you have no idea do you’ laced into his curling lips.   

Eijun’s face fell into a confused pout. A look… What sort of look is Haruichi referring to…    

Instantly intense chestnut eyes filled his vision. The gaze blinding from his place on the mound, Eijun was always shocked he wasn't burned from the sheer intensity of it. The way they could communicate seamlessly across the distance from the mound to home plate, pretty sparks of challenge flickering like threads between them.   

He shook his head clear again. Glancing back towards Haruichi, who was still slightly smirking at him, although that couldn't have been the look he was referring to, only a pitcher looking straight on would be caught up in that gaze, a connection meant solely for the two of them…   

“Of course you wouldn't notice it as he is very careful to change his expression when your back is turned, or you're not in sight.”   

Eijun could feel the blush creeping from the tips of his ears and crest of his chest. The burn of a slow building anger and embarrassment all rolled into one encompassing wave at the tone of Haruichi’s words.   

“No, Eijun-kun you have the wrong idea!” Haruichi swiftly brought himself to his feet, moving towards Eijun to place a comforting hand on his shoulder. “It's never anything bad,  if anything I think Miyuki-senpai speaks the most praises about you than anyone on the whole team. It's just he always seems to shine when you come up in conversations. It's like he burns so brightly, the fire could never be put out.”   

Blush spreading rapidly over the remainder of his face, Eijun shielded his gaze shifting to look at the soft turf firmly below his feet. Snippets of conversation floating on the breeze from now almost distant memories… 

Miyuki singing his praises distantly in the background of the first versus second year's game at the start of the year to the rest of the team…    

The disbelief showing on the catcher’s face when Chris-senpai had pulled him into the bullpen to show off his new form in the Kokushikan game. Excitement clearly seeping into his features with the promise of getting to catch his pitches in the future if Eijun somehow managed to make the first string...    

The support he showed when Eijun had stolen the last first string spot away from Chris, tears staining the ground and the guilt of never being able to form a battery with him in a game again. The strong reassurance coming from Miyuki how the entire team would fight for the remaining third years, and now was not the time for sadness...    

His veiled concern during his traumatizing yips episode. The lingering touch at the small of his back sending comforting tingles when he was at his lowest just discovering the obstacle he would have to overcome to regain his inside pitches…  

Haruichi squeezed his shoulder more tightly, demanding his attention as he slowly lifted his gaze back to his first year friend.   

A small puff of laughter sneaked its way out, “If you don't believe me you could always go ask Chris-senpai. He knows Miyuki-senpai better than many of us do, and I know you trust and value his opinions.”   

Eijun felt his expression shift again from his prior confused state, to a slow simmering warmth just at the thought of talking to Chris. He would give him straight answers without any ulterior motives and perhaps help him to shed some light and guidance on his confusing emotions on the frustrating catcher invading his thoughts.   

“Thanks Harucchi! I'm going to go find him straight away!” As Eijun bounded away from his friend in a light jog back towards the dorms, he could hear Haruichi respond.   

“I bet he's around the indoor training center with the other third years, Eijun-kun. Good luck finding him and hopefully he can help you out more than I could.”   

Eijun turned around in his slow jog to wave goodbye to his fellow first year. Catching the quick movement of his head shake back and forth, and his answering wave before shifting forward again to make his way back towards the dorms.   

Why does Miyuki have to be so hard to figure out?    

It didn't take him long to locate Chris outside the indoor practice arena. Notebook firmly in hand, he appeared to be making checklists and talking quietly aloud, pen moving swiftly down the page as he worked.   

Eijun felt guilty disturbing him when he was in the middle of something obviously important, but it would only be for a few minutes and after the discussion with Haruichi his heart was still racing deep within his chest and he just couldn't seem to calm down. Chris’ soothing voice and level head was just what he needed to help work through his shattered thoughts and churning emotions to try and find an answer within.   

“Chris-senpai!” He sprinted between the buildings, working hard to gulp down air into his overworked lungs to calm his ever-racing heart.   

Chris looked up from his writing, not even a hint of surprise on his face almost as if he expected Eijun’s presence to come barreling around the corner at some point during the day. Or perhaps he was just used to Eijun himself and the unpredictable aura he carried, a slow grin curling at the corners of his lips as he waited for him to catch his breath.   

“Now Sawamura, what brings you over here when you know the indoor training building is off limits for the day?”   

Eijun was perplexed at Chris’ words. Why is the indoor training building closed? What is it now that I'm forgetting about…    

Chris’ fond smirk curved even more at the sight of Eijun concentrating so intensely. “Don't think that hard or you're liable to strain something, Sawamura. You forgot about the project the third years are working on for Halloween? The haunted mansion in the training building?”   

Suddenly everything clicked in Eijun’s mind and exactly the reason why Kuramochi had found and teased him with that wretched gag earlier. Was he trying to soften him up for the main event tomorrow, or had he just borrowed some supplies by begging off Ryosuke from the decorations?   

A loud huff interrupted his thoughts on his troublesome roommate. “Now I can already tell that’s not what you came here to discuss, so what is on your mind, Sawamura?”   

Eijun stilled. Concentrating so hard on how to phrase his problem properly to Chris, knuckles slowly turning white from clenching in apprehension of how he would react.   

Any trace of irritation in Chris’ stance and expression vanished at the quiet aura surrounding Eijun. He was never so still, never so focused unless it was something so important he couldn't risk blurting out his first thoughts into the air. Patiently, Chris waited until the tension unwound from Eijun’s frame and he could finally ask what was so troubling on his mind.   

“It's about, Miyuki.”    

The rest of his words seemed to catch in his throat, digging in a firm hold when all Eijun wanted was to set them loose. He found himself staring at the ground, thoughts filled with all of the smirking catcher’s antics the past couple of weeks. Only able to snap out of his flashbacks with Chris’ assistance.   

“Miyuki has you thinking this hard? It must clearly be painstakingly important for your current level of quiet.”    

How could Eijun put his feelings into words when he wasn't even sure what he truly felt himself yet. The slow burn of yearning to be near Miyuki always aching in his chest, even when faced with the embarrassing consequences. He really didn't mind the risks, he only wish he knew where they stood.   

Chris’ smile curled back onto his face, tapping his pen lightly against the clipboard. His own small tick of impatience before breaking the silence between them.   

“You know when you first got here, Rei had put forward the idea that Miyuki should work with both Furuya and yourself, even if you hadn’t made the first string yet.”   

Eijun felt a shudder pass through his body. The one thing he had wanted the moment he first stepped onto Seido’s fields again was to work with Miyuki. His hope quickly dashed the day he met Chris and instead was shocked by his then cold, cutting appearance and almost brutal nature. His yearning at the time of only wanting to work with the person who had caught his pitches so successfully from the very first time they had formed a battery.   

"But Miyuki shut that train of thought down instantly. He stated that the first string pitchers should practice with the first string catchers, and in his own indirect way pawned you off on me for training.”   

He could feel a slow boil burning in his blood, the thought that Miyuki didn't think he was good enough at the time to train or catch his pitches bringing up a set of dark emotions he thought he had buried a long time ago.   

“Now, now Sawamura, why such a long face? You know how Miyuki is always putting on a show in front of others, when he has an entirely different set of intentions under the surface.”   

Eijun stuck his tongue out in defiance at Chris' words. Even if it was all in the past, knowing how little Miyuki thought of him then struck a fresh wound under his skin.   

“He admitted to me after he wanted to partner with both of you, but it wasn’t fair to split up your pitching time to just one catcher. He also confessed he didn't think he had the depth of patience needed or the skills to teach you everything you so desperately wanted to know on your path to the ace number.”   

He could feel the slow burn of jealousy melt away like a sudden spring shower. Miyuki, feeling inadequate about his catching skills. The day I hear that, I'll eat my jersey. Eijun could feel his eyes rolling just thinking about the catcher with any traces of sincerity in his tone.   

“You can fight it all you want, Sawamura, but it is one hundred percent true. Why else do you think Miyuki grew so agitated with you before you learned the truth of my injury? He wanted to catch for you, mold you into the pitcher you were burning to become, but he knew I could help you along that path quicker.”   

Chris paused to let a slow smile seep into his features.   

"I'm sure that in Miyuki’s own way, he was doing his best to motivate me as well. He used to comment on how your unpolished talent was the most alluring for catchers; a diamond in the rough just waiting to be unearthed and shaped. In the end Sawamura, you were strong enough to haul my spirit back from the edge, past the depths of depression and fears of never being able to play with the team again. You helping to bring the fire of baseball back into my life. For that, I can never repay Miyuki or you enough, Sawamura.”  

Eijun felt himself freeze again. The slow creep of red starting at his ears, cresting across both cheeks before staining all the way down to his collarbones. Just thinking again of how Chris was back then, closed off to his team mates and the dull look in his golden eyes drilling holes into anyone who dared to speak with him; to the Chris present in front of him now. Still always reserved and cautious, but not afraid to make a joke, to take a risk and put himself and his soul out for others to see again. A phoenix rising from the ashes of his injured past. For Miyuki to have secretly known the effect their presence would have on the other spoke volumes of his observation skills hidden under the skin.   

“And let's not forget the assistance Miyuki provided helping to cure your yips.”   

Eijun’s head tilted sideways, confusion clearly playing on his features at Chris’ words. “But, that was all you Chris-senpai. You're the one who taught me the value of outside pitches and worked with me so I could throw them properly while recovering.”   

“Mmm. Just who do you think though clued me in on your troubles, and asked for assistance with how to cure you of your yips?”   

Eijun’s eyes flashed again with warmth. It was hard for him to believe that even Miyuki felt inadequate at times with all the bravado he carried around on a daily basis. Cold exterior to anyone who challenged him, yet it was reassuring to hear of his softer side hidden underneath his carefully constructed armor. A side Miyuki would only show the people he trusted the most. A low chuckle broke through Eijun’s wandering thoughts, Chris’ arm winding around his shoulders to pull him into a brief, tight hug before releasing him again. Physical contact the one sure way to pull Eijun’s thoughts back stuttering to the present.   

Chris chuckled again before reaching to mess up Eijun’s wayward hair, his laughter bringing a smile to Eijun’s own face as he (fakely) tried to escape Chris’ grasp. Hand suddenly moving to firmly grasp Eijun’s shoulder before staring him directly in the eyes. Truth and understanding ringing solidly clear in their depths.   

“Just tell him how you feel, Sawamura. Don't let a little fear get in the way of the one thing you truly want.”   

Eijun was slightly stunned Chris could see through his apprehension so easily, but just like Haruichi’s keen gaze, the truth laid out in front of him was hard to ignore. The way Miyuki and himself teased each other on a daily basis, and his recent actions only painting a clearer picture in Eijun’s mind to solidify Chris’ words.   

He knew what he had to do, and to stop wasting any more needless time or fretting emotions on worrying over the outcome. Just like in a game you took large risks. Sometimes they paid off, and other times the opposing team scored a home run, but in the end you knew the outcome.   

It was time for Eijun to find out his own outcome with Miyuki.   

“Thanks for the advice, Chris-senpai!” As he hastily pulled away, bursting grin back on his features as he retreated to the dorms for further reflection. Just how to deal with one stubborn catcher.   

Eijun missed the third years appearing from their hiding spot around the training center door. Ryosuke, Jun and Yuki making their presence known to Chris after his little pep talk with Sawamura.   

“Dumbasses the both of them! Sawamura reads so much shoujo manga, you think he would have thought of a way to handle the situation by now…” Jun barked, stomping in a small circle in front of the door.   

“He probably doesn’t want to create an awkward situation. Imagine confessing to your captain, only to have your feelings not returned.” Yuki chimed in, quick to defend Sawamura’s past course of non-action.   

“Well, I'm not standing by any longer and letting this awkward dance continue between the both of them. They’re getting paired up tomorrow for the event whether they like it or not.” Ryosuke cracked his knuckles, slow grin seeping into his features. “You all are going to help me tomorrow. I have a plan…”   

"Did I hear someone say plan?" As Kuramochi swiftly appeared, grin taking over his face at the third year's words.   

“Yes, what plan is this Aniki?” Haruichi silently sneaking up on Kuramochi, making him jump slightly into the air before regaining his composure.   

“Good, you two have perfect timing as it will take all of us to get those two straightened out tomorrow.” Ryosuke replied, cunning grin spreading even wider with the addition of more hands to help.   

“I also have this.” Yuki chimed in, uncovering a digital camcorder they could use.   

“Where in the world did you get that?” Jun huffed out, just a little shocked at Yuki’s resourcefulness.   

“I borrowed it from the team equipment we use for filming games. Thought it would be good ammunition to use against the first and second years, and of course the regular students tomorrow once we unveil it to everyone. It also conveniently enough has a night time vision setting.”   

“That, could come quite in handy…”   

Ryosuke trailed off before everyone was ushered inside. A special part to the decorating quickly taking shape to deal with the issue of one in denial Sawamura, and one stubborn catcher Miyuki.   

Friday passed by uneventfully. Eijun falling into his normal early morning wake-up routine of running before breakfast, and then a day of classes followed by an afternoon filled with intense practice, although they were let out early to test the third year’s work before Halloween the next day.    

A majority of the players elected to take their baths early before being subjected to the house of horrors created by the third years. Some dinners skipped just in case it was just as scary as promised from the rumors floating around the school all day. Costumes the students had seen the third years wearing along with decorative items, weird food and bottles of fake blood.   

The scariest part is Eijun had yet to see Miyuki for a majority of the day. He had caught for Furuya at both practices, and had batting and fielding at separate times from the pitcher.    

It seemed everything had shifted from one extreme to the other in a single day. Troubling, as Eijun had spent the majority of the night tossing and turning just thinking about Miyuki and his behavior, along with both Haruichi and Chris’ wisdom on the subject.    

If only I could get him alone for a few minutes…    

He was tempted with the early day off to sneak away and table all his frustrations with the promise of a good night’s sleep, but he was fearful of the repercussions from Kuramochi and the third years if he didn't show up with the rest of the team.   

With the threat of extreme wrestling holds and chops to the back of his head on the line, Eijun trudged his feet towards the indoor practice area ready to face whatever challenge awaited him (and to see which team mate he would be matched up with in the process).   

Already he could see the queue forming with Kuramochi and Haruichi, Kawakami and Toujou, Zono and Furuya, and Nabe and Kanemaru… which meant not a lot of choices left for his own partner from the remaining second years.   

Although there was one noticeably missing face in the crowd, and Sawamura’s shoulders slumped in defeat. Avoidance again it seemed from the elusive captain, who probably had more important matters to attend to then testing out the fear factor created by the third years.   

His pace slowed by an even more noticeable degree as the team turned towards his approach. Haruichi tilted his head in a small sign of worry, with Kuramochi shaking his fist as a threat of violence if his current state of mind didn't cease. Although deep down he found no reason to be cheerful if the one person he was hoping to see wasn't even going to make an appearance…   

Suddenly a weight came crashing down on his hunched form, fingers brushing the nape of his neck lightly before withdrawing from their gentle tease. Eijun didn't even have to shift his gaze to know instantly it was Miyuki, his familiar presence an instant comfort to the malaise he had feeling all day with his absence.   

“Come on slow-poke, Sawamura! I cannot wait any longer to see what the senpai have cooked up for the school tomorrow.” Twisted grin firmly back in place, as he took to hauling Eijun by the arm firmly coiled around his neck towards the already extended line.   

“Perfect timing you two, as Chris already stated earlier you were paired together and - you're going first.”   

Eijun froze at the thought of being the first team through the doors to face… whatever terrifying things the third years had schemed of behind their backs. His gaze fell on Kuramochi and memories of his first year welcome to the dorms with ghoulish makeup and fake blood. He focused back to Miyuki who oddly enough still had a casual arm slung around his shoulders, even with biting snide remarks at other team members around them. I guess if Miyuki is with me, it won't be so bad.    

Suddenly the sliding door banged open on its hinges making everyone in the vicinity jump into the air with the sound. Fog rolling out and curling around everyone's feet, painting a premonition of the scary things waiting inside.   

Miyuki cautiously uncoiling his arm before pushing Eijun towards the agape doorway, causing a round of flailing arms and muffled curses in the process.   

Eijun hesitantly leaned in towards the pitch black of the room, not hearing any movement or seeing any of the third years. I wonder if we're just supposed to head in on our own… before his thoughts were shattered by an arm reaching through the mist to latch onto Eijun’s calf. A very hairy arm, with black claws grasping for the pitchers leg with purpose before he stumbled back in fright to collide with Miyuki’s chest.   

A deep, rumbling laughter filled the air exposing the culprit immediately. Eijun’s anger level rose exponentially the longer the barking howls continued.   

“Spitz-senpai that was very rude of you!” Eijun growled right back at the third year, until Jun showed himself into the evening light in full costume.  

“Just who are you calling a spitz, brat?” Which could barely be heard muffled behind an intricate mask and layer of fur (that must have been suffocating) to wear. Defensive posture on full display from Eijun’s quickly changing reactions.   

“Nice costume, Jun-san. A werewolf suits you just perfectly with all the howling, barking and growling you do on a regular basis.” Miyuki almost fell over himself from the cackling laughter that vibrated from his body, and Eijun had to force himself between the two to avoid a fight.   

“Miyuki you jerk! I don't want to give you this, so Sawamura can have it instead,” as he thrust a flashlight into Eijun’s hands before grabbing both of their shoulders to push them into the room, “as I want to hear you both scream with how frightening it is!”   

The door latched firmly behind them, as Eijun reached for the flashlight in his hand to quickly turn it on and illuminate the path in front of them. He reached for Miyuki’s arm and fingers colliding with his skin, he made sure to keep one side pressed to the catcher so they could both share the light to illuminate their path.    

A tunnel had been constructed out of netting and other materials that they had to follow along the path, helping to block out any sounds or extra light from reaching them as they traveled.    

"You're seriously not scared are you, Sawamura? It's all just pretend and in good fun,” Miyuki jested before suddenly poking him in the side, causing Eijun to almost lose his grip on the flashlight in his hands. Huffing in frustration, he poked Miyuki right back until a tickling war ensued, all the while they were still slowly traveling forward until- Eijun’s foot collided with something slick.   

He stopped his fight with Miyuki to point the flashlight at the ground noticing it covered, with a red sheen like blood.   

“Gross! Who would do that… and it covers the whole tunnel so we can't get around it.” Eijun felt a sobbing fit coming on as he did not want to get his shoes covered in whatever liquid was covering the ground. He jumped from foot to foot, unsure just how to approach the slick surface without making a mess.   

“Come here if it bothers you that much.” Miyuki prodded, before latching onto Eijun’s shoulders and trying to get him to step up.   

“Miyuki-senpai what are you doing?”    

“Since you're making such a big deal about a little food coloring, step on my shoes with your feet and I'll get us across. I want to be through this little house of horrors as quickly as possible so you don't get scared- too badly.”   

Eijun could feel his sneer even in the pitch dark, but decided to go along with Miyuki’s plan lightly stepping into the other boy’s shoes before snuggling firmly into his neck hoping he wouldn’t slip and they could avoid breaking their necks on the way across.   

“Hold on tight, Sawamura.”    

Miyuki gingerly started across the slick, liquid and plastic covered floor. Eijun still holding the light by one hand in front of them so Miyuki could see, with the other firmly clinging around his neck. Slowly inching towards the end of the seemingly never ending path of red at their feet.   

Eijun could feel Miyuki's breath growing more labored the longer he held him up off the floor, and was just about to suggest he could make it the rest of the way on his own when he felt a splash hit his forehead. Then another. The sounds of splatters hitting the floor softly around them.   

“What is that sound?” Miyuki inquired, Eijun reaching to his forehead to draw a finger across the damp patch, and coming away covered in dark red.   

"It's…”    

Eijun never got to finish his sentence as a mass dropped from the ceiling in front of their feet, strangely shaped like a body hanging with rope, before Eijun erupted into an ear-piercing scream.   

He could feel Miyuki chuckling even harder under his chest as he clutched him tight, quickly reaching the end of the slippery obstacle slowing down their progress before gently setting Eijun back on the ground.   

“Seriously Sawamura, it's just stuffed pillows to look like a body. So jumpy!” Still quietly laughing to himself at Eijun’s antics and terrified expressions.   

“It's not funny! This place is dark, and creepy, and who knows it might even be real blood you Bakayuki!”   

He shuffled backwards, taking the light slowly away with him until he saw Miyuki’s expression suddenly change once again. The laughter stopped, and a petrified face took over along with shuffled steps backwards.   

“What?” Eijun barely had time to get out before arms had him caged in a strong grip, and hot breath blew against the nape of his neck. He felt the figure lean in against him before whispering in his ear, “You look perfect for a quick bite…” before he felt the press of (fake) teeth at his neck and the oozing of liquid from the figure’s mouth as he gnashed at the skin.   

Eijun could feel his panic level rising again, even if he knew it wasn't real. The dark made all the shadows that much more pronounced with little light from the flashlight available. He screamed out again, thrashing against the figure until a throaty chuckle he instantly recognized spilled forth, and Eijun was released from his grasp once again.   

“Chris-senpai that was mean!” He fumed, reaching to touch the red wetness on his neck before sticking out his tongue in disgust. “Gross! What is with you senpai and fake blood!”   

Miyuki soon joined in Chris’ mirth all at Eijun’s expense, both trying their best not to fall over and clutching their sides in laughter. “Nice, Chris-senpai! Sawamura, you are very lucky it was just a vampire who bit you on the neck and nothing more leggy… like a huge spider!” He crooned again before dropping one right in Eijun’s hair and causing a new fit of frantic flailing to get it out, before Chris took pity on him.   

“Honestly Miyuki, you're supposed to be helping us out by being normal students. Couldn't you even act a little bit scared after all the effort we put in?”   

Eijun caught Miyuki even in the dark titling his head to the side before a response of, “I think Sawamura is doing that just fine all on his own for you. I'm just the rescuer to make sure our southpaw doesn't somehow injure himself in the dark.”   

Eijun felt himself lunge for Miyuki again, playing an avoidance game in the dim light where he could not get a firm grasp on Miyuki’s shirt to strangle him where he stood.   

“Okay you two calm down. Ensure you get through this in one piece, and keep moving.” Chris tried to soothe, before pushing them both in the general direction of the continuing pathway.   

Eijun could still feel irritation oozing from his aura at the snarky catcher beside him, but he would deal with it later once they had escaped from the third years game setup at their (his) expense.   

Guided by the flashlight’s dim beam, they stepped into another curve in the path before new decorations made themselves present on the walls. Arms, legs, torsos and fake heads scattered along in intervals. More oozing blood splattering the walls and they made their way through the carnage.   

Nearing a bend in the path Eijun watched as the flashlight flickered in his hand. No, please don't do that… anything but that… before completely dying in his grasp. He gave it a sharp couple of hits, before deciding it was permanently dead and of no further use to them.   

“Trapped in the darkness, forever set to wander the halls of blood…” He moaned, hearing more half-contained snickering from his left. “You be quiet, Miyuki. You're leading now until we get out of this mess. The last thing I need is anymore surprises.”   

Eijun missed the shadowy figure in the very corner of the turn. The way Miyuki flinched for the briefest of moments with the movement, before it lunged at Eijun. Still hopelessly unaware in the middle of his rant against Miyuki’s twisted sense of humor.   

He felt the chill provided by slimy hands before his eyes popped open in shock. Fingers grasping for purchase on his bare skin and the groaning of, “BRAINS!” filling the air.   

That was all he needed before he tried to bolt away from the clamminess connecting with his skin. Managing to run a short distance before Miyuki caught him by the wrist.   

“Slow down you idiot, it was just Tetsu-san trying to get to you.” Before Eijun’s racing heart began to calm. The encroaching darkness starting to do terrible things to his psyche, and the fear of another fright lurking just around the corner.   

“Look, if it makes you feel better we’ll hold hands the rest of the way. I don't want you trying to run off when the next third year comes along and you do end up hurting yourself, Sawamura. And don't be so frightened, it's all in good fun.”   

Eijun could feel the warmth seeping through Miyuki’s right hand connected with his left. He mentally urged his heart to stop racing so fast, chest to ease the heavy weight fighting his breaths. It didn't help that Miyuki wasn't fazed in the slightest. Palm cupped tightly with his own and thumb rubbing soothing circles in the middle.   

“Okay, it might just help until we can both get the heck out of this crazy maze.”   

They walked even more closely together now that they were minus one light source to make the way easier to follow. Eijun knew they were near the back of the training area, the only sounds the shuffle of their feet on the dirt floor, soft echoes of the wind outside the large building.   

They both missed the approach from behind them, a figure clad in deep red before they were chopped on the back of the neck and dragged behind one of the fake walls. Eijun recognized an old storage shed that stood at the back of the arena, before the door was pulled open and Miyuki was pushed inside followed by himself. Eijun wasn't able to catch himself before falling straight into Miyuki’s lap, managing to avoid doing any serious damage but the fall having serious consequences to his rapid heartbeat once more.   

Looking over his shoulder, he could just make out the set of gleaming teeth smirking at them from the darkness; devil horns appropriately reflecting in the dim light.   

“Alright you two, play nice! This little place is for ‘Seven Minutes in Hell’ and your time starts… now!” Ryosuke chuckled once more before swiftly shutting the door, the sound of a lock clicking shut in formality before it hit Eijun they were stuck in the shed for the unforeseeable future.   

Eijun found himself once more froze in shock, unwillingly straddling Miyuki’s hips as a deep blush slowly grew to all facets of his face. He could feel his heart thudding inside his chest, so loud in his own ears it was a wonder his ribs didn't splinter and crack.   

“Now, now Sawamura, don't fall so hard for me.”    

Eijun’s wide amber eyes met Miyuki’s, his teasing smirk firmly in place. At least one of them didn't feel awkward in this sudden situation… then he realized again just where the both of them were and that there was no current escape plan.   

He twisted backwards off Miyuki, reaching for the shed door and pulling at the handle without even a budge. They were stuck until Ryosuke or one of the other third years took pity on them to let them out.   

“Hey Onii-san this is cruel and unusual punishment! Let us out!” As Eijun proceeded to bang on the door from his spot on the floor, Miyuki slowly pushing up to dust himself off from the tumble.   

Eijun slumped against the closed door, forehead pressing against the cool metal to try and calm the burning flush still tingling on his cheeks. Although, he had wanted some interrupted time with Miyuki all day to discuss the awkwardness between them, now that had had his wish his courage felt held down by the lead weight in his stomach. Mouth dry, and lips unsure of the correct words to form to express just how he felt to Miyuki.   

“Sawamura.”   

Eijun turned around, pivoting at the knee to see Miyuki’s extended hand to help him up from the ground. He shyly turned his gaze to the floor, before reaching out with his left, callused hands again connecting as Miyuki easily pulled him up. Hands moving to steady him at the hip and shoulder, before trembling fingers grazed his chin, demanding his eyes to meet Miyuki’s smoldering gaze and questions of his own burning in their depths.   

“I think you have something you wanted to ask me.”   

Eijun stepped back, unable to trust his own rapid heart beat once more and pointing his gaze anywhere but the fire burning from within Miyuki’s eyes. The intensity shocking him into just how he could get his feelings across to the snarky catcher, without dying of embarrassment in the process. Pushing down fears of what if he doesn't like me in the same way… that have always held him back. Gnawing thoughts of destroying their battery to shreds playing in his mind from many a long night of fitful sleep.  

Yet here it was, his big moment to let loose all of the emotions swelling in his chest and soothe the apprehension that had been eating away at him for weeks, but he felt his lips just couldn't form the correct sounds to match his thoughts. Time almost stopping as Eijun’s thoughts continued to race, Miyuki keeping abnormally quiet and still allowing his patience to take over while waiting for Eijun’s reply.  

Miyuki slowly stepped forward once again into Eijun’s space, not rushing as he traced his fingers lightly against Eijun’s jaw. An attempt to ebb his frazzled nerves after all the stress of their current situation. “It's okay to ask me anything. I promise I won't laugh and I will take your words seriously.”   

Since when was Miyuki ever serious? This wasn't just about Eijun being afraid to let his own feelings spill past his lips, but Miyuki was scared of rejection as well. Fear reflecting in his eyes at Eijun’s sudden quiet and lack of conversation.   

Taking a deep inhale, he thought of an easy question to bridge the gap. One that would allow Miyuki to take the conversation down the appropriate path to his own emotions.   

“Why have you been acting so strangely lately?”   

He could feel Miyuki’s scrutinizing gaze, piercing eyes staring into his own before his face just relaxed and his eyes rolled back in disbelief. “How exactly have I been acting strange?”   

Eijun thought quickly about the past week before blurting out, “You've been all over me at practices leaning on me like I'm your personal arm rest. Seeking me out to poke and prod until we're wrestling just as bad as Kuramochi-senpai and I usually do. You've also been showing up at odd times, like saving Kuramochi-senpai from my wrath yesterday after his cruel prank!”   

Miyuki probably thought he missed the way his expression softened even further, curved smirk changing into an almost genuine smile as he choked out the embarrassing situations that made his blush spread all over again. That is until Miyuki shushed him with a finger softly against his lips, and Eijun gulped in response.   

“Do you have any idea why I've been acting so odd? Any crazy and wild theories at all?”   

He watched as Miyuki leaned even more forward into his own space, striking chestnut holding amber in a staring contest as they slowly drew closer… until Miyuki’s face was nearly touching him.   

“Because… I like you, Sawamura.”   

Eijun could feel his eyes open in shock, Miyuki’s confession a relief sliding across his heightened nerves. Ecstatic his own feelings were returned, but unsure of what they were to do next.  

He could feel himself staring into Miyuki’s eyes again, terrified of drowning in the emotion contained within their depths. Eijun wanted to look away, to soothe some of the intense burn he could feel crawling across his skin, but Miyuki had him trapped, unconsciously biting his lower lip in thought, before releasing the plump redness of his skin. He was drawn forward, time seeming again to stand still before he felt the slight press of Miyuki’s lips against his own.   

Not demanding. Not urgent. Just a caress against the skin to let Eijun know he was there, and his feelings were real.   

He could feel Miyuki start to pull back and realized he needed to respond, had to show him through actions exactly what he felt as his words kept failing him.   

He let impulse take over, pressing firmly back against Miyuki’s soft lips and not missing the ghost of a sigh escape, shaking the body beneath his lightly. The way he could feel Miyuki hold his breath in stillness, not wanting to disrupt the moment. A moment of hesitation from the catcher who always seemed so poised and composed. The perfect opportunity for Eijun to place his lips precisely against Miyuki’s, letting every positive and negative emotion flicker through the connection of just how strongly he was influenced by the other.  

Hesitation and softness, were soon replaced by a hunger in Eijun’s core. A yearning to show Miyuki just how much he appreciated his guidance and constant coaching since coming to Seido. His relief at Chris-senpai showing signs of his former self thanks to Miyuki’s keen insight. His admiration of Miyuki being every ounce the ideal catcher he was praised to be, and continuing to amaze him in new ways on the field every day. The way Miyuki never once gave up on him, his wayward pitches, atrocious fielding; never once even allowing his path to the ace number to become dim before fanning the flames of desire even higher.  

Eijun allowed all of these feelings to boil to the surface in his kiss. The way they slowly became more comfortable as they continued to lick, nibble and press into each other, letting their tongues and roaming fingers do all of the talking for weeks, if not months of pent up frustrations.   

He regretfully pulled back, chest rising swiftly and breathing rapidly to take oxygen back into his body, but finding himself struck breathless yet again by the glow in Miyuki’s eyes. The happiness in his depths of being accepted and not pushed away or pulled down once again.   

He grinned ear to ear before chuckling, “I like you too, Miyuki-senpai. Which I think is quite obvious now…” before collapsing into a fit of giggles with Miyuki’s tickling fingers tracing under his shirt and digging into skin. Firmly engaged in erasing any traces of fear or anxiety that their current surroundings from today had brought.   

"Well this doesn't seem so bad now. More like the true 'Seven Minutes in Heaven' it's supposed to be when you're locked in a closet, well shed like we are now." Miyuki murmured before diving right back in for another round of kisses.   

They were so engrossed in each other, that they failed to notice the door quietly slide open and one very over-protective Ryosuke leering back at them, until sudden pain hit both of them at the same time.   

“OW! Onii-san why would you do something like that?” Eijun rubbed the back of his head from another harsh chop delivered to him today.   

“It's great you two are getting along again but,” and Ryosuke turned his devilish grin to match his current attire on Miyuki, “you had better behave. If I hear one fit of crying from an upset Sawamura there is going to be real hell to pay.” Before clearing the door and leading the way back to the pathway.   

Ryosuke was scary in his own right, but with Miyuki by his side he didn't startle again and was even having fun until they finally reached Jun again at the exit, and freedom back into the dim evening light.   

“Eijun-kun what took you two so long? You went in before us and came out after… what happened?” Haruichi inquired.   

“Sawamoron must have gotten them both lost, and Ryosuke had to save their ass…” Kuramochi howled, looking no worse for wear after going through the haunted mansion himself.   

"Saved us my ass..." Eijun muttered under his breath, extremely annoyed with Kuramochi’s sudden cackles.   

"We were just taking our time. I wanted to find out which frightened face of Sawamura’s was my favorite.” Miyuki winked at the rest of the team, at Eijun could feel his own temperature rising and beads of sweat accumulating on his brow.   

“So, what did you decide was your favorite?” Furuya added, aura burning that Sawamura had the privilege of Miyuki’s undivided attention for the evening.   

“Well… sorry that one is a secret.” He grinned at the team, joker’s mask firmly back in place covering any softer feelings lingering just below the surface. “Come on, Sawamura you likely have homework to do, don't you?”   

As Eijun’s own expression turned to something more normal, loudness level rising, mouth squawking and body language animated as ever as he responded to Miyuki’s taunts.