Under the Stars

Chapter #21: I Spin For You Like Our Favorite Records Used To

Soon after Tsukishima's visit to Tadashi in the hospital, he was transferred to the children's psych ward. As much as he wanted to visit him, the Shiratorizawa camp was coming up in a week, and he wasn't allowed to have visitors for the first few days he was there. In the days before leaving, he tells the team about Yamaguchi's incident. Everyone was stunned, some were even a little dispirited, but above all, they were thankful that he was okay, and would be patiently awaiting his return.

The training camp wasn't nearly as terrible as he expected it to be, but the first day was certainly humiliating. Unfortunately, Hinata had overheard when Tsukishima jokingly suggested that Tadashi sneak into the camp, and thought it was a brilliant idea. The second-hand embarrassment was like nothing else Tsukishima had ever felt. Hinata got chewed out by Coach Ukai and Takeda Sensei, and Tsukki would be lying if he said he didn't give him crap, too. Surprisingly, the Shiratorizawa coaches allowed him to stay, but only as a ball boy.

Since Tadashi was not allowed to have his phone while in the hospital, he and Tsukishima couldn't keep in touch. However, Ms. Yamaguchi was so kind as to provide the occasional update, soothing at least some of his anxiety. Akiteru had gone to visit him while Kei was away, which was only more confusing. The question of why he had wanted to see him alone still lingered in his mind since that first visit.

At the training camp, the Shiratorizawa team had played a few practice sets against the athletes attending the camp, and Tsukishima got to go head to head against the Guess Monster himself. While the stories about Tendou being strange were true, he was actually a very kind person. He gave out tips and pointers to Kei and the rest of the middle blockers, and honestly, he made the camp a bit more fun. He was outgoing, but he didn't drain Tsukishima's energy, which was a rarity. The two had a few conversations outside of training, and Tsukki would be lying if he said Tendou didn't add a bit of sparkle to his day.

It's the last day of camp, and Kei is more than ready to get home and sleep for a week. Akiteru had been kind enough to offer him a ride home, so now he waits in the school parking lot, and watches as Datekou's setter, Koganegawa, goes around asking for the other participants' contacts so that they can keep in touch. All the while Tsukishima is listening to music through his iPod. He had downloaded another Green Day album, while deleting some old songs that he didn't like anymore. He almost wishes that he asked for the iPod Nano for his birthday, but with Christmas coming up he still has the chance.

Akiteru pulls into a parking spot and Kei hops into the passenger seat while throwing his duffle bag into the backseat. "Thanks for picking me up," he says while fastening his seatbelt.

"No problem," he responds as he backs out of the parking spot.

For the majority of the drive, Akiteru pestered his brother with questions about the training camp, until Kei answered with a question of his own, "How is Tadashi doing?"

"He's doing alright, best as he can considering the situation," he replies. "Definitely better than the last time you saw him."

"That's good," Tsukishima nods.

"He misses you."

He feels a blush creep up his face, but doesn't pay it any mind.

"I miss him too."

***

The next Monday after school, Tsukishima heads to the gym for volleyball practice. He'd gotten a few updates from Ms. Yamaguchi over the weekend, but he hasn't been able to visit him due to the amount of homework he's missed over the last week. He attempted to do his work after practice but there simply wasn't enough time. According to the doctors, Yamaguchi will be able to come home this week, and Tsukishima was thrilled.