The Cat and the Crow

The Sweetest Hours Fly The Fastest

The next two days were spent doing whatever came to mind. There really wasn't that much to do, but still, Kei took Kuroo to his favorite park, and they visited a few shops along the way to and from home. At one point, they took the bus to Karasuno, but saved a visit to the team for later. They also stopped in at Sakanoshita, and said hello to Coach Ukai, who was currently minding the shop.

"How is Coach Nekomata doing," Coach asked Kuroo as Kei went to pick out lunch food.

"He's doing well," Kuroo replied. "Still looking forward to the showdown, too." Kei peered around the corner, hearing the little note of challenge in Kuroo's voice.

"Is he now?"

"He told me to tell you that he's very much looking forward to winning. Again."

"That wiley, old, son of a..." Coach stopped himself, but smirked instead. "Mind carrying back a message from me?"

"Not at all."

"Don't underestimate us. We aren't the team we once were. We're better."

"Message received, sir," Kuroo replied. "I'll tell him when I get home."

"Much appreciated." Then, Coach seemed to relax, and he smiled. "Nice seeing you again, Kuroo."

"Yeah, same, Coach Ukai."

"How are you liking our little town?"

"I love it, actually," Kuroo said, while looking at Kei. "I'm going to hate leaving tomorrow."

Kei chose that moment to bring up the food and drinks he'd picked out, laying it all on the counter to be checked out. He brought out his wallet, but Coach shook his head and bagged everything up. Handing the whole thing over, he shook his head when Kei attempted to pay.

"My treat. You two get out of here. Enjoy the rest of your time together."

"T-thanks, Coach," Kei said quietly, taking the bag and bowing. He reached for Kuroo's hand, and as they started to go, Coach gained their attention.

"Practice starts early on Tuesday, Tsukishima."

"Yes, sir," Kei replied, looking relieved. He left with Kuroo, heading for the bus stop. Neither of them spoke, but neither of them had anything to say.

[Trashcan Showdown]

"So what's the showdown you were talking about with Coach?" Kei asked as soon as they settled at a picnic table at the park. He set the bag of food and drinks between them, and started handing Kuroo the things he'd picked out for him.

"No one's told you?" Kuroo asked. Kei shook his head. "The trashcan showdown was supposed to be the game both our schools played at the Nationals. Coach Nekomata, and the older Coach Ukai, made a huge deal about it. But both schools lost before it could happen. This was 5 years ago, I think. When Coach Nekomata came out of retirement, and the younger Coach Ukai started at Karasuno, I thought maybe we could try again."

"You do realize that that would mean we'd be facing off against each other, if we made it that far. Assuming we even make it to Nationals in the first place."

"You sound like you don't think you will."

"It's not that. Not exactly. If we're extremely lucky to make it past the first two rounds, we'll ultimately be facing Seijoh and Shiratorizawa. Both of them are huge powerhouse schools in Miyagi, and we've faced Seijoh before."

"Why does it sound like it didn't end well?"

"It didn't. At Interhighs, we lost in the 3rd set, 31-33."