Part 1: Chapter 4
"Why if it isn't the little crow of Karasuno? Are you ready to admit defeat?"
Nekomata sneered at you as your (e/c) eyes twitched in anger at his words. Not one to back down from a fight, you smirked at him. "Oh I think it's quite the opposite, in fact are you cats ready to admit defeat against us crows? After all, crows aren't known to be exactly friendly."
"Oh ho, don't be so quick to judge us cats. We are known to be quite the fighter, more so than you crows."
"Why you old geezer! I'll have you know that we crows can take on anything you throw at us."
"You're so on!"
Both you and Nekomata glared at one another, while your brother and Naoi sweat dropped in the background. While you and the coach of Nekoma were bantering back and forth, the volleyball players of both Karasuno and Nekoma were having an interesting introduction among themselves.
Suga and Yaku, the libero of Nekoma were apologizing to each other for the behavior of their teammates when suddenly they heard a voice shouting behind them.
"NEKO-MAMA! HOW HAVE YOU BEEN?! I MISS YOU SO MUCH!!"
'Neko-mama?' Suga, Hinata and Tanaka glanced at one another, giving confusing looks while you practically threw yourself onto Yaku who was trying to support your weight.
"(Nickname)-chan, how many times I have told you to not to call me that name? It's embarrassing." Yaku gently scolded you while you gave him a pout.
"But Yaku-senpai, that name fits you. After all, you're like the mother of Nekoma. Ain't that right Kenma-kun and Yamamoto-senpai?"
Yamamoto gave you a resounding 'yes' while Kenma just stood there, playing with his hand phone that he had managed to take it out in the middle of whatever it's going on.
"Ano, if you don't mind me asking, but (Name)-chan you know the Nekoma players?" Suga asked you curiously.
"Yeap, I used to follow Grandpa to Tokyo whenever Karasuno and Nekoma has practice matches with one another in the past. It's been quite a while since I last saw them." You happily explained as Yamamoto tried to pull you off Yaku who looks close to collapsing under your weight.
"(Name)-san, can you please let go of Yaku-san? He looks like he's about to faint anytime soon." Kenma softly said, his eyes still remained on his phone.
You glanced down at Yaku's face which has turned a few shade lighter, indicating that you were crushing his lungs. Feeling sorry for the poor third year, you leaped off while apologizing frantically. Meanwhile Suga just stood with an amused smile on his face, used to your usual antics. (Hinata and Tanaka both had disappeared, maybe it was the "ghost baby" from their training camp that kidnapped them. If you know what I mean.)
Inside the gym...
"We're looking forward to our match today."
"We're looking forward to it as well."
Both Daichi and Kuroo, the captain of Nekoma shook hands as they gave each other a forced smile. The thought "This guy is the crafty type." went through their minds when suddenly Kuroo felt someone walking into his back. Turning around, Kuroo saw you clutching your forehead, groaning in pain. The black-haired male gave a surprised look, saying.
"Kitten?"
You glanced up in surprised at the nickname which you haven't heard in years. Lo and behold, it was the captain cat that you used to play with you whenever you came to Tokyo. "Kuroo-nii?"
Kuroo just smiled at you as he pet you on your head, saying. "Long time no see. How have you been?"
"KUROO-NII!" You shouted as you threw yourself at Kuroo, burying your face into his neck.
Everyone turned and stared the sight of Nekoma's captain hugging Karasuno's assistant coach who was clinging tightly onto him. Meanwhile Tsukishima just looked at you and Kuroo, a frown on his face as unwanted feelings stirred inside of him. For some unknown reason, the sight of you hugging Kuroo so tightly made his stomach churned. Shaking his head to get rid of the feelings, he turned his attention away from the sight before him and got ready for the match. (A certain string bean is jelly!) After a few minutes, several responses could be heard throughout the gym.
"WHAT?!"
"EH?! KUROO HAS A YOUNGER SISTER?!"
"KUROO IS (NAME)'S BROTHER?! BUT I THOUGHT UKAI-SAN IS ONLY HER BROTHER?"
You released your hold on Kuroo as you looked at everyone's surprised expression, feeling confused you said. "Huh? Kuroo-nii isn't my actual brother. I just called him that because I have known him since young."
Ukai gave a sigh of relief. For a moment, he was shocked as well thinking that maybe Kuroo was his long-lost brother that he never knew about. Thank god that wasn't the case considering you were his precious younger sister and let's just say, he wasn't quite ready to share you with anyone yet. Kuroo chuckled as he saw the look of relief on Karasuno's coach's face. Leaning next to your ear, he whispered. "I think you should go over to your brother and reassured him that he's your only brother."
You glanced at your brother who was glaring at Kuroo and sighed to yourself. Sometimes your brother can be quite the idiot. Ukai was still glaring at Kuroo when he felt someone hugging him from behind. Glancing down, Ukai realized it was you who was peering up at him with those big (e/c) of yours. Smiling, you said. "Don't worry, nii-chan. I wouldn't replace you for anyone else."
Ukai just returned your smile as he patted you on the head.
"Aw, this is cute and all. But, it's about time we start the match." Nekomata said as he interrupted both you and Ukai.
You released your brother as you raised your fist up at Nekomata, scowling. "How dare you interrupt this lovely sibling moment I have with nii-chan? Do you know how hard it is for me to get my brother's love when half of the time he's always bullying me?"
"Hey!" Ukai protested.
"Shut up, nii-chan."
Ukai and you began arguing while everyone else just ignored the two of you while they set up everything, getting ready for the match. After all, they were used to the Ukai siblings arguing now and then.
***
The whistle blew as the match began. You glanced over to your brother and noticed the sly smirk on his face. This could mean one thing. Soon enough the evil look on your face appeared as you look at the match playing out before you. Takeda looked at the two Ukais, fear climbing up his spine at the looks on both faces. You watched as Kageyama tossed the ball towards Hinata who immediately spiked across the net at an insane speed. The whistle blew as Karasuno gained their first point.
"W-what was that?" Nekomata screeched.
You and your brother glanced over at Nekomata, snickering at the old man who was glaring at the two of you. "Ne, nii-chan. I think we are too much for the old cat to handle us."
"Yeah I mean he looked like he's having a heart attack. Poor guy couldn't handle all their stress."
"Soon he's gonna be..."
"OUR NEXT MEAL YOU OLD CAT! HAHAHA!" Both you and Ukai jeered in unison.
"SHUT UP YOU TWO UKAIS! THIS IS JUST THE BEGINNING!"
Meanwhile on court...
The two teams stared at their coaches who were screaming at each other faces.
"Are they always like that?" Kuroo asked Daichi who just stared at you being held back by your brother as you threatened Nekomata, saying you will rip out all his gray hairs.
Daichi nodded as everyone paled at the sight of you, who knew you could be that terrifying? Noticing that the match has been stopped, you, Ukai and Nekomata turned to the boys on the court.
"You just gonna stand there and talk?"
"No..."
"THEN GET BACK TO THE GAME!" Your brother screamed.
The match continued as you and Nekomata casually made snide remarks at one another. A ball came hurdling from a spike and before it can touched the floor, Nishinoya received it perfectly back up into the air.
"Nice receive Noya-senpai!" You praised Nishinoya for the nice save. Nishinoya gave a thumbs-up before getting back into the game.
You continued praising the players whenever did they something amazing, cheering and lifting their spirits up. But as Inouka managed to keep up with Hinata every time he tried to score a point, the mood among your teammates began to drop. However, the ball of sunshine persisted on. At one point, a ball came straight towards Tsukishima who simply received it lazily and it set you off. In an instant, you were screaming at the top of your lungs at the middle blocker.
OI STRING BEAN! STOP BEING SO LAZY AND PLAY PROPERLY!"
"Awe, you just can't your eyes off me can you?"
"I'LL FREAKING RIP YOUR HEAD OFF IF YOU KEEP BEING SO GODDAMM LAZY, YOU SHITTY FOUR-EYED!"
"I'll like you see you try doing that. But with that height of yours, I doubt so you can."
Ukai held you back before you could really carry out your threat while Nekomata just laughed. Meanwhile Tsukishima simply stood there, trying his best to hide his smirk.
"You got character issues, Tsukishima." The rest of the Karasuno team grumbled, tired of you and Tsukishima always fighting.
The game continued on and as you calmed down, you began to feel bored. You glanced at the game that is going before you. Everyone cheered as Tanaka managed to score a point. Somehow seeing the boys playing volleyball makes you want to play volleyball again. Suddenly, your (e/c) eyes light up as you got an idea. Tugging on your brother's sleeve, you excitedly said.
"Ne, ne nii-chan. Can I join in on the match? I'm bored."
Your brother glanced at you before saying, "No. Besides, are you even properly dressed?"
You nodded your head as you unzipped your Karasuno jacket, showing that you were indeed properly dressed. Ukai simply looked at you before saying "no" again.
"But I wanna play! It's been so long since I last played in a match. Please Kei-nii." You pleaded your brother, giving him the puppy look.
Ukai stared at you, refusing to be fooled by your puppy look. You widen your (e/c) eyes as you jutted out your lips, acting like a wounded puppy. Finally after what seemed like forever, your brother agreed.
"Fine. But let me ask Nekomata-sensei first."
"Yay! Arigatou!"
You cheered as your brother sighed, making his way over to Nekoma's coach. You beamed as your brother gave you the thumbs-up, indicating that you can in fact joined the boys in playing volleyball.
Ukai (name) is back!
***
The whistle blew as the first set came to an end, with Nekoma winning the first set. You began passing towels and water bottles to the tired boys, each of them thanking you.
"Arigatou, (name)-chan." Hinata thanked you half-heartily as you handed him his water bottle. Seeing the disheartened look on Hinata's face, you tried to cheer him up. "You did great out there. Despite being constantly blocked, you didn't give up and I'm proud of you doing so. Don't worry, okay? Besides, I'm gonna help you guys win the second set."
Hinata gave you a confused look. "What do you mean by that?"
You simply winked at at the orange-haired middle blocker, not giving him any hints.
"Can you not do that? It's disgusting." A certain blonde-haired male spoke up.
You clenched your fists in anger as you turned to face Tsukishima, answering him. "Shut it you four-eyed string bean. Besides, what is wrong with you? Always making fun of me? And stop being so lazy when you're in the middle of the game!"
Tsukishima simply just smirked at you, saying. "Aww is munchkin-chan sad that I don't like her? Want me to hug you to make you feel better?"
"As if anyone wants to hug you?" You retorted back.
Before Tsukishima could retaliate, Ukai called you. "(Name)-chan, are you ready?"
Your (e/c) eyes lit up, immediately forgetting about your anger at Tsukishima as you replied excitedly. "Yeap I'm ready!"
All the Karasuno's boys watched in confusion as you rummaged through your bag, looking for something. Their eyes widen when they saw what you were looking for. In your hands were your knee and elbow guards.
"(Name)-chan, are you playing volleyball?" Suga asked as you began to put on your guards.
You straightened up as you replied back happily. "Yeap! I will be taking over Noya-senpai as the libero for the second set."
"WHAT?"
Everyone shouted as you simply just laughed.
"(Name)-chan, you can't just take over Noya's position like that." Tanaka said.
"It's fine, Ryuu. Ukai-san talked to me about how (Name)-chan really wants to play in the match and the position she only knows how to play is libero. Seeing how (name)-chan is so passionate about wanting to play volleyball, I decide to let her take my place for the second set. Besides, I can really use the break." Nishinoya replied.
You faced Nishinoya, bowing you said. "Arigatou Noya-senpai. I promise I wouldn't let you down!"
Nishinoya laughed as he hit you on the back, causing you to almost fall flat on your face.
The whistle blew once more, indicating that the second set is about to start. You entered the court along with the Karasuno's boys, surprising the Nekoma players except for Kuroo who simply smirked at you. You faced your opponents with a smirk on your face. It's time for Karasuno to counter attack.
"Are you sure we can win now that munchkin is playing?"
"SHUT UP YOU OVERSIZE STRING BEAN!"
***
You stretched your arms as you tried to keep your mind focused on the game. You were slightly nervous as it has been months since you last played volleyball after the national in (country). Daichi glanced over to you and seeing the nervous look on your face, he smiled at you.
"Don't worry (Name)-chan, just do what you know best. We've got your back."
Your (e/c) eyes widen at Daichi's words, not expecting him to say that. You have forgotten that you're not alone in this game, you have your teammates to support your back. You closed your eyes and took in a deep breath, going through your role as a libero. You opened your eyes, focused (e/c) hues that has turned into slits, representing the little crow of Karasuno that you were known as. You were calm. You were collected. You were confident. Lightning-quick reflexes. Your eyes followed as the ball flicked upwards and time seemed to slow as you watched the way how your opponent's arm swing.
Arm cocked back, definitely aiming for a back attack. Probably towards Tsukishima who sucked at receiving.
Tsukishima's golden eyes widen as the ball was served in his direction. The middle blocker gritted his teeth as he prepared to try to receive the ball, knowing that he wasn't all that great at receiving. But before he could even react, you were already in front of him as your straighten arms received the ball perfectly, sending it towards Kageyama's direction who tossed the ball for Hinata to spike. A resounding sound echoed throughout the gym, the volleyball hitting the floor. A whistle blew, signalling that Karasuno won a point.
You straightened yourself as you glanced at everyone who was staring at you with mixed expressions, most of it being surprise and shock. Rubbing your neck as you hesitantly said. "Er..."
Immediately the gym exploded into loud noises.
"(Name)-CHAN! THAT WAS AWESOME!" Tanaka shouted in your face, his eyes shining.
"You were like gwap, shoop and then I was powed. It was as though the ball had rockets!" Hinata explained with all kind of actions as you sweat dropped at his choice of words. (I tried to make Hinata speak like he does in the anime.)
Daichi patted you on your head, smiling. "Nice receive, (nickname)-chan."
You rubbed your neck as you shyly said. "Ah, it was nothing at all. I just observed the server's arm swing and decided that he was serving towards the back, probably towards string bean who sucked at receiving. With that in mind, I ran in front of Tsukishima and managed to send the ball towards Kageyama who set the ball up for Hinata. So technically, it was Hinata and Kageyama who scored a point."
You blinked in confusion as everyone stared at you, their jaws dropped open wide.
"Scary. You're scary, (nickname)-chan." Daichi said as he stared at you with an unreadable expression on his face. You simply gave him an awkward grin, not knowing how to respond.
"Wah! Suddenly munchkin-chan becomes all famous." An annoying voice reached your ears.
Irk marks appeared on your forehead as you turned to glared at Tsukishima who was smirking at you, pointing at him, you said. "Oi don't anyhow say that about me. And can you put more effort into playing volleyball? That's how you do a proper receive. Honestly, all those times I spend teaching you had gone to waste."
Tsukishima ignored your remark as he patted you "gently" on your head, teasing you. "Aw is munchkin-chan here worried about me?"
You grabbed on Tsukishima's arm as you tried to pry him off you, scowling. "Let go of me string bean! You're giving me a headache."
Tsukishima being the sadist that he was, did the exact opposite as he added more pressure on your head. At this point you were kicking and screaming at the blonde male to let you go while he simply laughed at your misery. In the end, it took an angry Daichi, a scared Asahi and a scary-looking Tanaka to separate the both of you so the game could go on.
***
"You were amazing Shoyo! You're like... Zoom! Bam! Oh, I'm Inouka, a first year." Inuoka said as he stared at Hinata in awed.
"You too. You're big, but you're like... Wham! Kaboom!" Hinata replied.
You laughed in amusement at the two first years' exchange as they bounced up and down, complimenting one another. The practice match had come to an end and Karasuno lost every single match against Nekoma. Despite that, none of the Karasuno's boys was upset as they mingled among the Nekoma players. Currently, everyone is clearing up after a long day of volleyball.
"What the heck are they talking about?" Tsukishima said as he stared at the two first years.
"They're complimenting each other on their plays during the match, string bean. Try to keep up." You answered Tsukishima casually who raised an eyebrow at you as you struggled to untie the net from the pole.
Instead of helping you, he simply just watched your misery with a smirk on his face. "Just a bit more and you would have reached it."
You faced the male with a scowl on your face as you raised your fist at him. "Instead of standing there and being a telephone pole, you could have help me out."
Tsukishima's eyes twitched as you called him a telephone pole. "Is this how you ask someone for help? Because if it is, I don't think anyone would want to help."
"As if you can talk. You're ten times more rude than me you four-eyed shit."
"Maybe I'll help if you give me a kiss."
Your faces immediately turned ripe at the mention of the incidence during dinner that day. Meanwhile Tsukishima simply smirked at you, enjoying the sight of your red face. You clenched your fists as you stared at the floor, gritting your teeth. "I seriously don't understand what it's your problem. Why are you treating me this way when I didn't even do anything to do you. Do you hate me that much?"
Tsukishima's eyes widen slightly at the sight of tears in your (e/c) eyes. You wiped away your tears before walking off, mumbling. "Forget about it. It's not like you will understand anyway."
Tsukishima simply stared at your retreating back as you went to join Hinata and Kageyama, forcing a smile onto your face. For the first ever since he met you, Tsukishima felt slightly guilty. Not that he would admit it.
***
You waved goodbye to the Nekoma's players, promising that you'll keep in touched with them. The week of training has finally come to an end and you were more than happy to go straight home and sleep for the next hundred years or so. After the argument you had with Tsukishima, you were avoiding him as you were afraid that you might have the cross line. Despite the way how you two act around each other, you have come to consider the string bean as your friend. Well, some what. Throughout the way back to school, Tsukishima and you walked behind everyone else as silence surrounded you too.
You bit your lips as you kept glancing back and forth at Tsukishima, not sure if you should speak up or not.
"If you want to say something to me then say it. Honestly you look quite ridiculous with the way how you're acting." Tsukishima said in boredom, not looking at you.
Your (e/c) eyes twitched as you glared at him. "Here I am trying to apologize to you and this is how you act. How on earth do you expect me to say sorry when you are not exactly making it easy for me?"
You began mumbling under your breath about how rude the string bean was and doesn't deserve a apologize when sunddenly Tsukishima softly said.
"I'm sorry. And for the record, I don't hate you."
Your eyes widen in surprise, not expecting the apology at all. You grinned evilly as you saw the tip of Tsukishima's ears turning red, his eyes avoiding all contact with. Tsukishima's golden eyes narrowed when he saw the sly smirk on your face as you stood before him.
"Aww, is string bean embarrassed?" You teased Tsukishima.
Irk marks appeared on Tsukishima's forehead before he gave you a blank look, simply pressing a spot on your head. You immediately clutched your head in pain as you cursed the middle blocker.
"TSUKISHIMA YOU ASSHOLE! WHAT WOULD YOU DO THAT FOR? NOW MY HEAD HURTS!"
Tsukishima simply smirked at you as you glared at him with tears of pain in your (e/c) eyes. For the rest of the night, you and Tsukishima fall back into the same routine - him irritating the hell out of you while you simply cursed him. Despite the argument you both had earlier on, you knew that Tsukishima was genuinely sorry although he didn't show it. That little tsundere string bean.
You smiled at Tsukishima at the thought of him not hating you.
"Why are you smiling at me so creepily?"
"Hey, my smile isn't all that creepy!"
"Right as if I will believe you."
"SHUT UP YOU FOUR-EYED STRING BEAN!"
***
Hi there my readers!
I hope you're enjoying my story so far. Tsukishima is still being the asshole string bean that he is, but it doesn't matter as we all love him. In the next chapter, I will be focusing more on the relationship between the salty middle blocker and (name)-chan as I felt that their screen time together isn't enough. So, if you have ideas on what I should write about, let me know in the comment! Thanks and happy reading!
Love,
Rainbend