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

44. Sanctuary

Daichi exchanged a gaping look with Suga.

"Nani?!" Suga yelled, blinking slowly, as Hinata pushed off the ground with extreme force, slamming the ball past Date Tech's blockers and down onto the other side of the court. "When did that kid get so strong?"

"Heh," Daichi couldn't suppress a grin. "He's hardly a 'kid' now."

"True, true." Suga gestured to Hinata. "Just look at those biceps - they could rival yours!"

A voice coughed from behind them. "I'm honestly impressed with Kageyama."

"Tanaka?" Daichi and Suga chorused, heads whipping around to face the voice behind them.

The skinhead waved, coming over to sit on the fold-up chairs with them. "It's their last game together before Kageyama leaves, isn't it? That's why you're both here, right?"

They nodded. "Is that why you came, too?" Daichi asked.

"Uh huh! Just like old times." Tanaka scratched his head. "In fact, wasn't it the three of us that went to see Hinata's first match?"

"His infamous middle-school match against Kitagawa First?" Daichi chuckled. "I guess so. Woah, that feels such a long time ago."

"Yeah, Hinata has actually learned to receive properly since then," Suga sniggered, and Tanaka followed.

"You know, he might be at national level soon enough, if he keeps improving at the rate he is." Tanaka was watching Hinata with an awed expression.

"That would be something," Daichi smiled to himself. "I think we're all hoping he gets there."

Another smack echoed throughout the court, bringing their attention back to the game at Karasuno's gym. It wasn't long before it ended, both teams having played extremely well, in Daichi's opinion. However, Karasuno still possessed that fighting spirit that seemed to push their team to further heights, and they stole the final point.

"Daichi-san! Suga-san! Did you see that last shot?" Talk about fighting spirit, Daichi smiled to himself. Hinata was about to bound up to them, but Suga tugged on his arm. "C'mon, we have to get back to class, let's wave to Kageyama and leave!" Daichi sighed. It would have been nice to stay longer, but Suga was right.

Who was calling at their door, at six forty-five in the evening, on a weekday? Daichi peered into the hallway from the kitchen and gaped as he took note of the sopping mop of ginger hair buried in Suga's chest, as the two hugged each other.

"Hinata! Get inside now - it's freezing and you have school tomorrow!" Daichi ushered the soaking boy into the living room, grabbing a tea towel and rubbing him down. He grabbed the teapot sitting on the table in the centre of the room, and poured three cupfulls, handing one to the shivering mess on the beanbag. The room soon filled with the tea's vapour, clouds of jasmine-scented air cloaking them where they sat. After a few minutes, time returned to its regular speed.

Daichi removed Hinata's soaking jacket, and Suga passed him a fluffy blanket. The boy appeared to wilt in relief, bundling himself up all cosy before addressing them.

"Sorry for barging in," he began sheepishly, before a wet sneeze took over him.

"Hinata," Daichi began calmly. "You're never barging in, we're always available to help you."

He glanced at Suga, who nodded earnestly. "What's up?" He asked. "Is it about Kageyama?"

"Yes... and no." Hinata began to bite the corner of the blanket, wearing an expression which shockingly resembled deep thought, before speaking suddenly. "Why did he get into the National team and I didn't?"