Akaashi's 18th (and the events that followed...)

42. Trick or Teach?

Note: this is a Halloween special, so if you want to save reading it for Sunday then you can - I just wanted to post it today as usual!

This chapter contains a scene where two adults are smoking - I just wanted to make it clear that I do not encourage this habit and do not smoke myself, however it is a personal choice and it keeps in line with Ukai's character. You can skip it if you wish.

Thank you, and enjoy!

A heap of leaves in fiery oranges and reds had accumulated at the doorstep of the Sakanoshita Market, the skeletal outlines of trees throwing a meshwork of shadows onto the road. Takeda watched as Keishin pulled his scarf closer, kicking the pile, which flurried about in the wind, dispersing.

"You've learned a lot about volleyball," Keishin began, at which Takeda grinned.

"They've had a really great coach," he dismissed, as Keishin took his cigarette lighter, lighting a candle inside the carved pumpkin at the shop window. Of course, it was Halloween. He was probably expecting the village children to come later that night. "Without your input, the team would have never made it to nationals, and Kageyama certainly wouldn't have been spotted."

In the dim glow of the pumpkin lantern, Keishin's cheeks appeared to turn almost pink, as he scratched the back of his neck sheepishly. "It wouldn't have happened if you hadn't harassed me for weeks on end." His eyes crinkled at the corners as a smile overtook his features. "You've been there for the boys from day one - that's why they managed to create a team." He stared Takeda in the eye, and the teacher's stomach clenched. Takeda bowed his head, brushing off the compliment. "And as far as credit for Kageyama goes," the coach continued. "I think that's got more to do with Hinata than with me. That boy really does change everyone around him."

"Still," Takeda wrung his hands, hesitating. "Are you staying on as Karasuno's official coach?"

"Yeah, of course I am - we still need to keep up our reputation as a powerhouse school! Eto... will you stay on as the manager?"

"I have to," Takeda chuckled. "There has to be a teacher present during club activities." He sighed. "I'll never forget the ones who started it all, and I will certainly never forget the team that got us to nationals for the first time in years. But, even when they're all gone, I feel as though Karasuno will always have that feeling, a feeling as if you're soaring through the skies, searching for new ways to play, new tricks, new ways to become stronger. I want to be a part of that. Always." His gaze followed the trail of smoke in the air, to Keishin's cigarette, and to his face. His eyes were wide, and he appeared to have stopped halfway through a drag. "And please, stop with the formalities, Keishin - you're far too old to call me 'Takeda-sensei'."

At those words, the cigarette seemed to be forgotten completely. "So what - I call you by your given name? That..." Keishin scratched his head, lifting himself to sit on the counter of the shop. "I don't even know... you're such a teacher, I didn't even think about your... what is...?"

"Ittetsu."

"Oh... Ittetsu." There was a pause. Neither of them seemed to know what to say. It was broken by a rustling of Keishin's jacket as he held the cigarette towards Takeda.

He stared at the white roll. "It's just tobacco right? Not..." he raised an eyebrow to demonstrate his meaning.

"Ah, no of course not!" Keishin threw him an affronted look. "It's a regular one from a packet, so yeah, it's as safe as they get."

"Errm, okay, fine." Takeda took the thin stick between his thumb and forefinger, turning it around and tentatively placing it at his lips. How much was he supposed to inhale? Was Keishin staring at him?