[ 09 ]

from a dictatorial king Kageyama Tobio King of the Court semi-open rp blog affiliated with toshi city to a righteous ruler

[settermama]

Judging from the look he’d received in response, Kageyama had never heard of his selection before (not that this was in any way surprising).  While he found it slightly disappointing that his partner’s overall knowledge of pop culture was extremely lacking, he knew it was probably for the better; this time, at least. Therefore, due to the unfamiliarity with the film’s diegesis, the silvette swiped one of the boxes of tissues from an end table and situated it closer to their vicinity, just in case.

With their timing in perfect synch, it was just as Kageyama returned triumphant with a delicious smelling bowl of goodness that the movie’s title screen had begun to play. Although, it wasn’t until after snuggling into his favorite spot, his head resting comfortably against Kageyama’s shoulder, that the movie was allowed to start.

They didn’t manage to get far, only about halfway through the opening credits when a loud crunching noise began sounding in Sugawara’s ear. Glancing up at his partner, the silvette had to contain a giggle after taking in the absorbed expression painted upon Kageyama’s features; though he had a sneaking suspicion it wasn’t the movie that had so tightly held the darker haired boy’s interests, but rather a certain salty snack.

                        ✧ “You’re chewing with your mouth open again.”

[righteousruler]

"Sorry.." he apologised, eventually, after a failed first and second attempted of talking around a mouthful of popcorn, almost spitting a piece out as he tried to speak. Almost. Kageyama quickly became painfully aware that there was no possible way to eat popcorn quietly. Not even slow, calculated chews lessened the resounding crunch that the snack produced. Perhaps he was imagining it, that he was just hyperaware of the noise he was making now that it had been pointed out to him, though he couldn't be sure. A second, experimental mouthful had to be taken— for test purposes, of course. Sharp, blue eyes watched through their peripherals for any signs of annoyance on the elder setter's face, though it was difficult to see with the way he was resting against his shoulder. He looked peaceful enough. It was fine. Probably. Suga would tell him if it wasn't.

The movie itself wasn't bad, he decided, as time progressed. His attention had, admittedly, wavered once or twice, distracted by Suga laughing or shifting next to him to find a more comfortable spot on his shoulder. Some of the more subtle details relating to plot were somewhat lost on him—they were in love and everything was great, but Allie's family didn't approve, even though they thought Noah was a nice guy? So then why?—and required the other's explanation to make things clear to him. 'Wait, who's that guy again?', 'How does the old guy know all of this?', 'How much is 40c an hour?', 'Am I asking too many questions? I'll stop, sorry', 'Wait, one more...'.

By the end of it, with all of his questions answered and a somewhat firm grasp on the overall story achieved (many thanks to Suga's gracious explanations), Kageyama could appreciate what the movie was getting at, though he hadn't been as moved as his companion seemed to be by the time credits began rolling. Reddened eyes (no tears though, as far as Kageyama could see), and fingers that had wrung themselves so tightly into the fabric of Kageyama's shirt that it'd take a week of ironing to remove the creases; obviously affected by the film. He should probably comfort him, though how... He had no idea. 'There, there,' was half-assed, even for him.

"Popcorn?"

Shit.

[righteousruler]

{ little bow sweet }

[settermama]

Pleased enough with his reaction, despite the fact that Kageyama was not as enthused as Suga would have preferred him to be, the older setter offered one of his characteristic smiles to the other, a silent signal of his approval. It was clear that he was very excited by the thought of indulging in favorite treat, seeing as Suga’s pace quickened now as he lead his little black sheep in the proper direction towards their new destination.

Currently distracted, humming a tune about pork buns to himself, it was at this precise moment that Kageyama had decided to speak again; this time insisting that he be the one to do the purchasing today. However, just as the Suga was about to voice his disagreement, the younger male gave his arm an assertive squeeze. He wasn’t quite sure why Tobio was so adamant about the matter, but the look on his face alone was enough to make Suga cave to his will. No matter how bad he was at dealing with others, the elder setter had and would probably always be weak to seeing a Kageyama with an expression of thoughtful determination.

                          ✧ "Ummmm.. alright, I guess. But you owe me for this~”

He stated, accompanying the comment with a cheeky wink. Luckily for him, before the other could make too much of an argument about it, the pair arrived at the proper shop. Eager to make their purchase and to return home so he get back to helping with the unpacking, Suga released his partner’s arm and hurried in to make his selection.

It was a task that had suddenly become a difficult one upon his entrance into the store. This was because even the chime of the little bell located above the door was ascetically pleasing to Suga, who was feeling now, more then ever, like a kid in a candy store. His face had been pressed up against the glass, eyes gazing over every goodie located inside the display, by the time Kageyama had caught up to him. 

With a sheepish glance back at the other, the elder setter informed the store keeper what they would be purchasing for the evening, even though it wasn’t really a surprise to anyone anymore. After the expected exchange of buns for cash had been completed, with Kageyama keeping to his insistance of paying for them, the boys headed back on their way to the place they both currently called home. Thankfully, it wasn’t too far of a walk; one which Suga spent the entirety of the time clutching the bag of buns enthusiastically.

With a sigh of relief as they finally reached the doorway, Suga watched as Kageyama turned his new key into the lock and the door swung open. It took some rather skillful maneuvering for Suga to make his way through the clutter and into the kitchen, but somehow he managed, plopping the bag down directly onto the counter. Yet, before either of them could dig in, Suga’s conscious urgently reminded him that he had not properly thanked his partner for the treat. Knowing this was incredibly rude of him, the shorter male sought to close the space between himself and Kageyama, all the while kicking himself for not thanking him yet. 

It was in this moment that Suga tightly embraced his partner, clutching the smooth fabric of the other’s shirt between his fingers and wedging his face in his favorite spot between Kageyama’s neck and shoulder for a while. In addition to the affection, it happened that the slightest of blushes also managed to creep across his cheeks before Suga could finally manage the words..

                          ✧ “—Thank you.”

[righteousruler]

He didn't get the mechanics of why he'd still owe Suga one at the end of it all, the reason he insisted on paying being precisely because he wanted pay back some of the kindness that the elder was always so generous with bestowing upon just about everyone. He'd just have to think of another way to repay him. "...Okay." It was an ambivalent acceptance of the condition, the single word sounding more like a question than acknowledgement; his tone riddled with undertones of confusion after being completely thrown off by the wink. Maybe it had just been a joke?

Mulling over the meaning of it all—not reaching many conclusions, regrettably—once Sugawara had darted ahead into the shop, the younger setter had almost missed the sheer glee practically oozing from the other's aura as he eyed the variety of snacks on offer to them. He managed to catch it, just a small glimpse but it was enough, before Sugawara became aware of his own zealous excitement and reined his senses back.

He paid, as promised, after asking if there was anything else his companion wanted. Suga declined politely, as expected, though Kageyama grabbed a bottle of flavoured milk for himself and a bottle of chilled water for Sugawara before handing the appropriate money across the counter.

The walk home was uneventful, mostly quiet sans some easy chatting, mostly consisting of the elder boy's humming and general enthusiasm about their snacks. What did it matter that it was the middle of the summer and probably far too hot for steamed buns?

After the door swung open to welcome the pair home, Kageyama toed off his shoes and left them quasi-neatly in the genkan, before slipping on a pair of indoor shoes and bringing a pair in from the hallway for Suga, should he wish to wear them, since he apparently forgot about them in his haste to get to the kitchen.

Before even having the chance to ask if the elder setter wanted his pair of slippers, Kageyama was met with an unexpected hug; freezing up from the suddenness of it, unsure what had warranted the hug in the first place, and partly from not knowing how to respond right away. It took a moment—a few moments for the gears to click into place, though Sugawara's eventual 'thank you'—for the buns, he assumed—cleared everything up in an instant. Perhaps predictably, a rush of warmth began pooling in his cheeks as he started stammering out a typical response.

"T-Thanks," he began, instantly feeling his face grow even warmer when he realised he used the wrong response, before scrambling to correct himself, pulling back in his panic though without breaking the hug. "I'm s—!!" Try again; third time's a charm. "Welcome ho—" Definitely this time, for sure. "You're welcome..!"

Until his embarrassment lessened, Kageyama let his head fall forward, dropping his forehead down onto the top of Suga's shoulder with a soft bump; his stiff stance from before now relaxing somewhat. It was completely delayed by the time his free hand was raised and placed around the other's back, finally returning the embrace after remembering that hugs were usually a two-way thing. His other hand was kept limp by his side, fingers hooked into the heels of the indoor footwear that he picked up a few moments beforehand. "I brought your slippers in.." he eventually reported, voice small and meek.

When he felt satisfied that the heat in his face had cooled enough, hoping that the colour of his cheeks would be somewhere near 'normal' on the spectrum of colours his face was capable of turning, Kageyama lifted his head again and took a step backwards; feeling a bit awkward for not knowing when would be a good time to break the hug. How long was too long? Was it even long enough? He didn't break it too soon, did he? Suga-san, help.

[fugashistars]

"T-that’s right. I applied when I transferred and they seemed to be okay with it! I was worried that Toshi City’s volleyball team would be popular so I wouldn’t have a chance."

The first year seemed to be content with herself as she approached without fear. It was Kageyama after all! She didn’t think she would’ve ever been so happy to see anyone! “I couldn’t imagine after leaving Karasuno that you’d just quit volleyball, ehehe. I can’t wait to see who else has come to play! Have you met other players?” 

[righteousruler]

Quit volleyball? Pigs would fly.

"I'm only here for the summer, so I can't join any teams." As much as he would like to, knowing so many of the names already in the lineup, and now Yachi reassuming her role as manager, it would have been ideal. "But I'll go to any practices if they'll have me," he added as an afterthought, sounding determined to at least get some practice with an actual team while he was out of his usual routine. "I haven't met any of the players yet, but Sugawara-san said they seem nice." Suga was likely to say that about anyone though, and they knew most of the team already. "How many managers are there?" he asked, wondering if this would be his fellow-first year's first time managing a team on her own. 

[fugashistars]

righteousruler started following you

"K-Kageyama-san? You’re here too?" The former Karasuno manager couldn’t believe it but here he was! Did this mean…the others were near here too? "Amazing! Does that mean I’ll be managing with you on the team? It’s honestly comforting…!" 

[righteousruler]

How weird, a girl who looked just like—

"Yachi-san." Kageyama was flummoxed at best, because just what were the chances? In a city of known for it's doves, it was crows that seemed to keep popping up. He'd been gaping for a moment before realising and regained some of his senses, unsure of how long he had been staring dumbly at the familiar face, though the startled setter could only hope that it wasn't too long. "..!! At the academy?" 

[settermama]

He wasn’t sure how, but somehow, within the past minute, Kageyama had gotten ten times cuter. Suga had suspected it had something to do with the fact that the darker haired male wasn’t the type to show excitement over much, especially not when it concerned such a trivial matter. And so, because of this, Koushi quickly decided that he would not tease the other any more about their salty snack. For now, at least.

Perhaps it was the look on his face, or the way his voice had gone up in pitch ever so slightly when he used the word ‘please’, but for whatever reason, Suga couldn’t keep a small blush from creeping over his cheeks. However, he hid it well, feigning to glance over some of the videos before selecting the one he’d already had in mind.

                        ✧ “The Notebook, if that’s okay? I’ll get it set up if you make the popcorn. Remember, only three minutes this time though. Wouldn’t want to burn it like last time~”

[righteousruler]

He'd never heard of it before. When he thought of notebooks, he was reminded of school and studying and exams, none of which were remotely enjoyable, though he would lay his trust in the elder setter's decision of viewing material for the night. How bad could it be?

Ah, the reminder of the last time; of the thin clouds of smoke that seeped from the microwave, and the unpleasant charred smell that lingered in the small kitchen for days later. He'd done well up until this point not thinking about it, though the image was unavoidable now, shoulders sagging meekly at the thought. "Got it." Three minutes. Not thirty-three, or thirty, or thirteen. Just three. The last time was unlucky but this time— this time it'd be a success.

And it was just that, a success, as he emerged from the kitchen approximately four minutes later with a warm bowl of popcorn in hand; trying not to look as accomplished as he currently felt.

The only thing that could mess his achievement up now would be dropping the bowl, but he wouldn't. He didn't. It was given a safe place on the small coffee table in front of the television.

[settermama]

In complete contrast to Kageyama’s preferences, Sugawara throughly enjoyed a good romance movie now and again. Their happy endings always left him with a feeling of satisfaction knowing that the characters had finally found their true love. And love, was definitely a topic the silver haired sweetheart was a sucker for.

Not only was the ‘feel good’ quality of these movies enjoyable for Suga, but Kageyama’s overall confused reaction to them was also an added bonus as well. Typically, this resulted in the darker haired male asking questions, before, during, and after the film. While most would have found this incredible annoying, Sugawara actually really enjoyed hearing the other’s involvement in the movie. 

                        ✧ “Do we ever not make popcorn..? Maybe I should just say no~”

[righteousruler]

"Wha—" No, no, no, wait. "Please can we make popcorn..?!"

The enthusiasm in his slightly raised voice over the traditional movie snack surprised even himself. Generally, he'd never think about or even want popcorn, but it was just a necessity when watching movies. The only thing better than being absorbed in the action unfolding on screen before your eyes was being absorbed in the action unfolding on the screen before your eyes while shovelling handfuls of popcorn in your mouth. Dropping a few wayward pieces down the front of your shirt was optional, though tended to add to the overall experience.

Moving swiftly on from his unexpected outburst... "What movie did you pick?"

[akuroroko-deactivated20141007]

Together We Play - Tobio | Kuroko

[akuroroko-deactivated20141007]

Name, right… they haven’t introduced each other yet. It’s not like Kuroko was famous or anything, unless this guy knew about the Generation of Miracles. However, they seemed more interested in their own sport that they probably didn’t look up much about basketball.

“Right, sorry… I’m Kuroko Tetsuya. As for your question earlier, um…” he glanced up to think about his answer. Explaining himself wasn’t always easy the first time, but if one knew their sports and fundamentals then it didn’t take long to figure out.

“I can try and show you when playing basketball, but it’d be better with a team. Do you understand misdirection?” he took the basketball out of the others hands and started to lead the way so that they could play a small basketball game.

“If you remember from earlier when you were confused as to how long I’ve been here, it’s… something like that.” he decided to explain himself anyway, hoping to give the other a basic idea. Honestly, Kuroko was surprised that he could do his misdirection even in volleyball. He wouldn’t mind playing volleyball every now and then, but it’s not like he was looking forward to become a decent player. Basketball was something he was going to stick with, there was no way someone would talk him into changing sports.

“Are you alright?” he stopped to turn around and look at the other to see if they were following. They were acting a little strange since he’s served the volleyball.

“Don’t forget your water bottle.”

[righteousruler]

Misdirection. He'd spoken to coaches and fellow teammates on the topic many times when discussing strategies for matches, made himself familiar with the concept and how to use it. Like many sports, misdirection was a basic tool when it came to offensive strategies in volleyball that he, as a setter, was sure to make use of; especially handy for situations where the team was in a pinch and needed to break the flow of the game.

However, while it was technique that could be easily utilised by setters and spikers, he hadn't seen it being applied to a serve before, leaving him a little stumped. "Yeah, but..." he began, intent on explaining what was confusing him, though he trailed off quickly, blinking a few times as he cleared his mind of the thoughts that clouded it. He'd just let the other boy show it to him, like he said he would.

After zipping up the jacket he was wearing, Kageyama began following after the one he could now identify as 'Kuroko'—when did he start walking away, anyway?—only to stop in his tracks when he was checked on. "I'm fine, yeah." Fine but addled. When reminded about his bottle, Tobio's lips formed a small 'o' shape, he'd forgotten about it, before he set off in a jog to retrieve the almost-forgotten item and hurrying back.

"Can you play with two people?" he asked once he reached Kuroko again, bottle in hand and the ball he was practicing with tucked under his arm. He'd never actually played basketball before, and couldn't help the feeling that he wouldn't get the hang of it right off the bat. 

[gekkoin-deactivated20150814]

Hello, "King" ☽ @righteousruler

[gekkoin-deactivated20150814]

☽”Now why would I be sick of that? It fits you perfectly, ‘king’”

It seems he hasn’t grown out of that habit yet. Teasing his old teammate was still as fun as it has always been, though, the expression was not what he was expecting. Well, it didn’t matter. If this was the same Kageyama he knew, there had to be some way to make him react.

"Oh, I was bored and just thought I’d say ‘hi’." He answered. "There is nothing wrong with that, is there, king?”

[righteousruler]

God, he was still insufferable.

"Nobody cares about any of that stuff anymore, y'know?" That was how these things usually worked, wasn't it? People only cared to rile you up for as long as you'll provide them with a reaction; if you let it slide, they'll stop eventually. That had been the plan, though Tsukishima seemed to have more persistence than Kageyama had patience, made clear by the small flickers of irritation that began appearing on his face; eyes more narrowed, brow drawn taut in a frown.

The rankled setter had to wonder if there was much point in continuing any efforts in getting along with the beanpole of a middle blocker, considering they no longer had to force themselves to be civil for the sake of teamwork. Kageyama didn't exactly have a shining personality, he was aware, but Tsukishima was really something else. "There wouldn't be if you'd just stop with the 'king' stuff, you sound like a broken record."

[settermama]

                        ✧ “Okay, but it’s my turn to pick the movie tonight got it? And I wanna watch a cute one, not one of those extreme action movies.” Always take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself, his mother always said; like mother, like son.

[righteousruler]

"Okay." Extreme action movies were his thing. They were fast paced, usually quite simple in terms of basic plot—beat the bad guy, save the day—and, visually at least, they were quite exciting. The appeal of 'cute' films was generally lost of him, often finding himself struggling to keep up with the dilemma and complex emotions that the protagonist usually has to overcome, the problems faced between once-friends/rivals-now-love-interests, not to mention the subtext that goes right over his head more often than not. But Sugawara seemed to enjoy them, if his occasional stolen glances across his shoulder to the silvette were anything to go by, and that was as good as reason as any not to argue on the matter. "Can we make popcorn?" The salted kind and the sweet kind, because he'd recently discovered that mixing the two together in the same bowl was better than having either separately.

[his-twisted-sister]

{ café au charité }

[his-twisted-sister]

An immediate sense of embarrassment washed over the brunette as she assessed the other’s clear confusion over her previous commentary. Clearly, Namie’s senses had failed her here, alerting her to an intruder that was, in fact, not an intruder of any sorts; only a teenage boy who appeared to be gawking at a menu board coincidentally situated near the spot where she had been seated. Nevertheless, her icy demeanor never faltered, leaving not a single indication of any sort of emotion written upon Namie’s face.

Once an exchange of awkward glances and mumbled commentary from the boy had occurred, Namie signaled her dismissal of the matter by simply resuming her attention back on her work. She probably should have said something, an apology for her own rude mistake, but that would have been completely out of character for the so called ice queen. Thankfully, the boy moved on rather quickly, ordering a plethora of beverages from the overly friendly barista, before attempting to figure out how he was going to carry them all (obviously he hadn’t thought of this before hand).

With a sigh, Namie gathered her things and told herself that she was going to such lengths simply because she could not stand to witness good coffee be wasted on the floor when the obviously clumsy teenager dropped it because he was trying to carry too much.

                          ❆ “Let me help you with that.”

It wasn’t a question or even a pleasant offering, that much was clear from the way Namie scooped up the remaining tray of drinks immediately upon approaching him. Not wanting to hear any protest, the brunette immediately headed for the door, assuming Kageyama would follow behind her.

[righteousruler]

It hadn't occurred to him, until faced with more coffees, frappuccinos, and pastries than he cared to count, that it would require more than one set of hands to carry an order for an entire team back to the gymnasium they use to practice.

He'd attempted stacking the trays of takeaway cups on top of one another in a combination of different structures. They were steady enough when sitting flat on the end of the counter, though the stacks quickly became unstable as soon as they were picked up. He considered resting the top tier against the top of his chest as an option, though didn't want to risk having the hot beverages spilling on him; earning himself a scalding as well as never hearing the end of it for returning to the gym with coffee stains all over his clothes.

However, Lady Luck decided to smile upon him, granting him a much needed extra pair of hands.

"Th... Thanks." It was such a tricky word sometimes, not made any easier by her very clear hostility to the situation. In his defence, he hadn't actually asked her to help him and she was under no obligation to do so, though he was silently thankful that his problem had now been solved. Another problem was created, but he wasn't aware of it until he got outside and realised that he had no idea what to talk about once they exited the little café.

Flowing, natural conversations definitely weren't his forte and she didn't seem to be the kind of person who enjoyed small talk. Or talking, in general. But they had a bit of a journey and to spend it all in total silence was a bit... Usually, it wouldn't the kind of thing that would bother the young setter too greatly, though this lady was, honestly, a tad intimidating. He was stuck between a rock and a hard place, really. Grit his teeth and bear the thick silence, or dare open his mouth and run the risk of receiving more sharp, biting comments? Neither was ideal, but help was help, he supposed.

In the end, Kageyama opted for the latter of his choices. "I could have handled it, you know." Probably.

[hazel-dice]

[righteousruler]

Sugawara & Kageyama || Haikyuu!! - Episode 5

[gekkoin-deactivated20150814]

Hello, "King" ☽ @righteousruler

☽Boring… Nothing to do… No one to tag along with if he felt like it.

"This sucks"

Tsukishima grumbled as he was aimlessly walking the streets in search of something that could spark some interest in him. Too bad that didn’t seem like the case. He already ate. He studied what he felt he needed to study for all his classes. Anything he considered entertaining before, he already got bored of it. Just one thing that could entertain him. That’s all he wanted.

"Hmm?"

And he got it…

"Well, well, well~ Didn’t think I’d find you here, king."

[righteousruler]

Of all people to bump into. "I thought by now you'd get sick of calling me that." In a perfect world, maybe. A boy could dream. Kageyama had long since hung up his crown and cloak, though apparently the stigma remained among certain people.

He had to work hard, really work, not to let any little prickles of irritation show on his face; a task that was usually quite difficult when the blonde middle blocker was present and in one of his teasing moods, which he currently seemed to be, unfortunately. "What do you want?"

[akuroroko-deactivated20141007]

Together We Play - Tobio | Kuroko

[akuroroko-deactivated20141007]

Kuroko was too busy trying to figure out his stance to see Tobio bouncing the ball around. It didn’t matter to him anyway, it was just what was natural to do with a basketball. It’s not like the other was going to break the ball. Then again, that basketball probably was damaged a bit just from Kuroko practicing on it. He’s gone through so many basketballs, he can’t even keep track anymore unless he looked back and thought about it.

Looking in the other’s direction, he watched their pose carefully and nodded slightly, but still kept his concentration. At least he had his wristbands on, those did help his accuracy a little bit more. A tennis match… he did watch a few games since nothing else was on TV, so he had a basic idea of what he was talking about. He didn’t want to use his energy by jumping, so he figured staying on the ground would be easiest.

“We’re just hitting the water bottle though. Then… I’d hit like this?” he tried to do what was shown to him. He wasn’t Kise, so he wasn’t able to copy his exact moves, but he was able to get the basic idea of how to handle the ball. He used the palm of his hand; that’s what he was best at. Soon as he did and managed to hit the ball in the air, even if he didn’t realize it, he probably (most likely) made the ball disappear in front of the other’s eyes. Kuroko wasn’t sure if he was trying to spike or serve, but at least he tried.

The ball landed on the other side, but it missed the water bottle. This was harder than he thought it would be.

“This is a lot different than basketball…” he went over to get the volleyball so he can hand it back to them. At least it was fun, and this person really seemed to like playing their sport. That was good; Kuroko liked it when others enjoyed what they’re best at.

“Here. Thanks for letting me try it out. Did you want to try basketball in return?” Kuroko was going to be a worse teacher, he knew that, but maybe he could teach them a few basics at least if they wanted to.

[righteousruler]

—What the hell was that serve? He hadn't taken his watchful gaze away or even blinked, but his eyes couldn't follow the path that the ball took as soon as it was slapped against the other's palm. Kageyama whipped his head around to gawk at the ball as it bounced towards the fence at the other side of the court. It had landed out of bounds, he thinks, though he can't be sure, and the bottle was still standing upright, but with proper training perhaps that serve could become a powerful weapon. That was the kind of power that a spiker would usually dream of possessing, providing he wasn't just imagining the whole thing. 

But this guy was so... small and ordinary, it didn't really make much sense.

"How did you do that?!" he eventually remembered how to form words when he had finished gaping, talking to the stranger's back as he went to nonchalantly retrieve the ball, as though nothing had happened. Who the hell was this guy?

Nevertheless, Kageyama accepted the ball as it was handed back to him a little dumbly, still in shock, exchanging it for the basketball that he was still clutching.

"Uh.." He fumbled, processing the offer and just regathering his thoughts in general. He hadn't even caught this person's name yet. "Sure." He agreed, despite sounding a small bit hesitant, after figuring why not and wondering if there was a court nearby. There must have been, if this guy was out practicing already, which Kageyama assumed he had been before wandering onto the volleyball court. "What's your name?"

[settermama]

✧ "Promise?" Not really convinced, but he’s so cute when flustered.. 

[righteousruler]

"Promise." He couldn't tell a convincing lie to the elder setter if he tried.

[akuroroko-deactivated20141007]

Together We Play - Tobio | Kuroko

[akuroroko-deactivated20141007]

Finally, he was noticed. This reaction was common to Kuroko, even the words sounded familiar to him. He just stared at the other blankly, or more unamused—but really, he was waiting for the other to have a moment to come down. If Kagami was here, then the red-head would have a sense of de ja vu.

“I’ve been here, though…” he tilted his head, the other appeared to be examining him. Were they thinking what position he’d be good in volleyball? Kuroko was barely good at playing basketball other than passing, but he didn’t want to admit that right away.

Seeing the ball coming his way, Kuroko decided to catch it. At least he was able to do that. He watched the other and blinked, wondering if it was a good idea to do a simple toss so they can hold onto the ball. It shouldn’t hurt, it’s not like they were practicing his passing. Besides, this boy probably couldn’t catch his pass without hurting his hand in the first place. He tossed over the basketball normally, then held onto the volleyball with both hands.

“No… can you hit it or toss with your palms? That’s what I’m good at. You don’t dribble it, right?” he looked the volleyball over. The markings were different than that of a basketball, even if they were both round. The feel was a little different, too. It was the grip; something about the grip was new. It wasn’t exciting as basketball, but it was a ball that he could hold in his hands.

Trying to remember how he saw the other doing what they were doing, he tried to copy their stance. This was way too different. He looked at them for help, unsure if the posture was even right. Knowing Kuroko, he was most likely not going to hit the water bottle. He just wanted to see if he can toss as fast as he could pass. What were they doing, anyway? Whatever this was called, it was hard, being first try and all.

[righteousruler]

What? How long had he been there for? Maybe he was just messing with him. That'd make more sense. "Well, I couldn't see you," he reasoned while catching the ball that was passed to him. Immediately, he could feel that it was much heavier than a volleyball, it's surface was pimpled with little rubber grips too, compared to the smooth, flat surface of standard indoor volleyballs. He bounced the ball that he was holding off the ground a couple of times to get a better feel of it, quickly deciding that he much preferred the volleyball; it wasn't as rough against his hands. Even the noise it made once it hit the floor sounded different and foreign to his ears.

"Your palms? Yeah, you can serve or spike with your palm or your fist," he supplied once he was no longer distracted by making detailed comparisons, stepping off to the side slightly to give the other more room on the court. He watched him quietly, observing his form, which was admittedly a bit out of whack, but he'd seen worse.

Eventually it struck him that help was being sought from him. He didn't fancy himself as much of a coach, but he'd at least try.

"Like this," he began, stepping into position behind the line at the back of the court and going through the stages of a basic overhead serve. He wouldn't actually serve the basketball, doubting that it'd travel far enough to pop over the net and sure that it'd hurt his hand. "Throw the ball up, and swing at it when it's still above your head. If you use an open palm, keep it flat. Don't let your wrist bend, be careful not to stub your finger tips. The swing should sort of be like.. If you were serving in a tennis match, that sort of motion. You can jump to meet it if you want to, but don't have to." Dribbling... If he remembered correctly... "The ball isn't allowed to touch the floor, the objective is it keep it in play; it's all about keeping connected. You win points when the other team drops the ball."

[akuroroko-deactivated20141007]

Together We Play - Tobio | Kuroko

It was around night time, which sounds about right. The sky was getting darker, anyway—it looked peach. At least Kuroko was still able to see. He held onto the basketball in his hand while looking at his surroundings. This seemed to be a …park. Or at least, the park was nearby, and this was some sort of court. It wasn’t for basketball, but someone else was using it. Maybe he could watch for a while.

They appeared to be playing volleyball by themselves. Wasn’t that hard, especially with what they were doing? Were they passing? Kuroko didn’t know much besides basketball, so it was different. He had a hard time registering. Whatever the case, this boy seemed strong, even if they were playing alone.

“You’re good at that. Can I try?” being Kuroko and all, he probably wasn’t noticed until he spoke up, even though he was standing right in the middle of the court this whole time. Playing a different game other than basketball was going to be a new experience, but maybe there was a way to pass with volleyball, too. Besides, this person looked like he needed someone else.

[righteousruler]

It wasn't often that Kageyama was stuck for practice partners, but this just happened to be one of the days that he was left to practice on his own. The others had prior commitments, work and deadlines, and some he just couldn't reach by phone for whatever reason. It was fine, though. He'd manage.

He'd mainly focused on practicing serves by setting up a few water bottles at the opposite side of the court and aiming to knock them over from a serving position. It was simple but effective, though not what he had wanted to spend all of his time practicing. If he had a partner, he could practice tossing, receives, or ever blocking.

The sudden voice at his side, however, had shocked him enough to cause a flinch and a surprised yell of no word in particular. The ball that he was just about to serve ended up being caught by the net, thanks for his sudden fright. "What the hell?!" It was an instinctual reaction, really, to spin around and shout senselessly at somebody who had snuck up on you. It was usually somebody you knew, but Kageyama couldn't remember ever laying eyes on the boy in front of him before. "Don't just sneak up on people like that!" His voice was still raised, waiting for his heart rate to return to that of something more normal.

Having gotten that out of his system, Kageyama let himself properly regard his company. He was roughly the same height as Hinata, perhaps a bit taller. Maybe he was a libero? No, no, that was stupid; he had a basketball cradled under his arm. "Sure..." He found himself conceding without thinking too much about it, picking up the stray ball that had rolled back towards him and lightly throwing it over for the stranger to catch with a slight frown. He held his hands out, ready to catch the other's basketball should he wish for him to hold it for the time being while he tried out... whatever it was he planned on doing. "Have you played before?"

[settermama]

                        ✧ "I didn’t mean to be.." Guilt slowly over powering. Wibbly lip activating.

[righteousruler]

"You weren't..! That's not what I meant!" How did this happen?