Training Trepidation Into Composure

Chapter 8

She could feel his warmth, he leaned closer. A cloud shifted in front of the moon as though giving them privacy. His lips were rough, a little chapped, as they brushed against hers. She squeaked then felt a huff of laughter. She pushed forward and felt his hand shift to the back of her head, running through her hair and pulling her closer. His lips opened and she felt his tongue against her bottom lip. She gasped, her mouth inviting him in.

She gasped, her eyes snapped open. She heard a soft giggle of one of the girls trying to stay quiet so early in the morning followed by whispers as the two left the room for the bathroom. Yachi glanced around, the curtains were still closed, and a few bodies were still tucked under light blankets. She reached up to her lips and brushed against them quickly.

That was certainly a dream. She felt her cheeks flush, a dream unlike any she'd ever had before. And about Kuroo-san. She flipped the covers off, and sat up like a rocket. She had to erase it from her memory.

"Was wondering when you were going to get up." Mako said when Yachi entered the bathroom. "You're on nets this morning." She said as she gave herself a final once over in the mirror.

"But- I was supposed to be cleaning the water bottles."

"Yea, but Eri said you seemed a little stressed, so Kiyoko switched with you."

"She- She didn't have to do that."

Mako turned to look at her, "It's no problem, Yachan. If you're having a hard time, just ask for help. We don't mind." As though it were an afterthought, and not something that completely shook Yachi to her core. They didn't mind? But wouldn't they think she was slacking? That she wasn't trying hard enough? As though sensing Yachi's trepidation, Mako faced her and put her hands on the shorter girl's shoulders. "We're not in competition right now. The whole point of this camp is to help each other grow. The managers are here to make sure that goes as smoothly as possible. If you need help, ask. That's part of being responsible, too, you know." She dropped her hands, "knowing when you need to ask for help."

Yachi gaped after the older girl before clenching a fist, "right!" She got dressed as quickly as possible to join the rest of camp for breakfast.

Yachi sat next to Hinata with a smile. The rest of the Karasuno boys were in various states of alertness. But Hinata seemed to be at the top of the list. Yachi smiled when Kageyama sat down next to them. His eyes half closed and silent, but next to Hinata nonetheless. Things really were starting to return to normal.

"If you don't slow down you're going to choke.... Actually- then I wouldn't have to hear you anymore... Keep eating." Tsukishima sat down across from her. So much for things going back to normal. Not that she was going to complain about this unexpected turn of events.

Hinata swallowed before shouting, "you're just scared we're going to beat you guys tonight."

"Please. You better be grateful to Akaashi-san. He's the only reason that team is half as put together as you seem."

"Umm- Bokuto-san is one of the top aces in the country. I think that's a pretty solid plus for us."

Tsukishima opened his mouth to reply, but Yachi spoke first, "What are you two talking about?" She asked. Spending so much time with Kageyama for one-on-one practice had apparently left her very far out of the loop.

Tsukishima gave her a furrowed brow and a scowl, "he didn't tell you?"

Yachi looked to Hinata, maybe she'd forgotten some conversation they'd had? She didn't get a lot of sleep the night before. But Hinata shrugged. She shrugged back and shook her head when she looked back at Tsukishima who rolled his eyes. "Not him." Yachi just stared at him blankly. Maybe she needed more sleep. "Oh my god," it sounded like he grumbled under his breath. He put his hands in front of him like he was taking a moment for himself. Then said, "Hinata started practicing with us in the third gym last night. We're doing three on three matches. And Hinata sucks, despite having a top ace on his team."