𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐖

lxiii - goodbye tokyo

"That's enough," Crow shoved the two apart so strongly that they both fell on their asses. "I thought I already made this clear, but don't fight on the court. Go outside if you want to scream at each other, at least there the walls won't encase your screams," He grumbled, massaging his temples.

"I agree," Keishin stepped up beside the ravenette. "This is definitely something that needs to be taken outside and talked over, since it will effect everyone on this team."

"Fine," Kageyama said, moving so that he was once again standing. "Come on moron, we're going outside for a bit."

"You can't just decide that on your own!" Hinata exclaimed as he sprang up and followed the man out the door. "Oi Kageyama, wait up will you?!" This time, they weren't the only ones going out: Keishin and Sugawara went out the door as well, probably to be the outside voices of reason and breaks to make sure the two didn't kill each other.

Crow didn't really care how things went, but at the same time, he would find it easier if he didn't have to aim right as he jumped since extending his senses that far really strained his mind, and in turn exhausted his body faster. It wasn't the worst thing, but if it could be easier, he wouldn't hesitate. However, that wasn't his call to make; the freak quick was Hinata and Kageyama's creation, so it was their problem to mold and fix as they saw fit, he was just along for the ride.

And then, they were up against Fukurodani. "You're going middle again," Keishin clasped Crow on the shoulder, then flinched back as if he had been burned as the aura around Crow darkened and his face contorted in a scowl.

"Fine." He spat, then went off grumbling about how much he hated being middle and how he might just go out and slaughter another yakuza clan to make himself feel better. The coach sweatdropped, thinking that maybe putting him as middle rather than Yamaguchi or Kinoshita was a bad call with all those negative vibes. Shaking his head, he moved over to where Hinata was looking at him, eyes wide with confusion and hurt.

"Despite what you think you want to accomplish, you need to chill out today. I don't think that trying anything out in the current situation will succeed. Crow will take care of everything, so just sit tight," He patted him on the shoulder. "We'll work something out, so don't sweat it too much."

"...Hai," Hinata bowed his head in resolution. Crow watched the exchange, his eyes narrowed for more reason than just him being frustrated. That was probably the best Keishin could have done in this situation, but the aura around Hinata didn't feel right. Like it was the calm before the storm.

Auras like that were dangerous, in Crow's experience.

As for the game against Fukurodani, it mostly went how it did the day before: a loss at 29 to 27. It wasn't really surprising, considering how tense most of Karasuno's players were. Crow was probably the only one to get any clean kills or receives, which was mildly concerning.

After that, it was time for Karasuno to go since they had a long drive ahead of them. "Thank you for the matches!" the boys called as they bowed.

"Thank you!" The other teams returned.

"We'll see you the week after next, at the training camp during summer vacation," Nekomata informed Keishin and Takeda as Crow stood off to the side.

"Hai!" The two adults responded. "We look forward to the opportunity!"

"That's where it really begins," Nekoma's coach murmured, glancing over at the ravenette, who nodded to him. He returned the gesture before his gaze fell on the two adults still in front of him. "It's the last and most important long-term training camp before the spring tournament preliminaries."

"Hai," Takeda agreed as Nekomata started ambling away.

"Just know that you're going to be joining me for drinks every night for a week."

"Hai!" the faculty advisor did not look opposed to that in the least, not with that grin on his face.

"I'M GONNA MISS YA BUDDY!" Crow was suddenly engulfed by large arms, causing him to deadpan immediately as Bokuto twisted him about like some sort of rag doll.

"I guess I'll miss you too, bird brain," He sighed, and even though he had just been insulted, Bokuto's smile brightened and his hug suddenly got tighter. "I'm losing oxygen."

"HAHAHA YOU ALWAYS SAY THAT!" The man laughed, but released him anyway. Now, his smile was soft as he looked at Crow as if he were the most precious thing in the world. "I'll see you during summer break, okay?"

"That you will," Crow smirked in return, and they fist bumped.

Making their way outside, Karasuno started loading their things into the bus as the other teams all watched them do so. "Thanks for all your help, Crow," Yaku said as he, Fukunaga and Kenma stood in front of said person. "It's been a blast, I can't remember the last time I had so much fun."

"Same here," Fukunaga agreed.

"Glad I could assist," The ravenette replied, allowing Nishinoya to wiggle into a side hug. "Let's have more fun next time."

"You know it!" Yaku grinned as Fukunaga nodded. Crow's gaze shifted over to Kenma, and he held his hand out. The action seemed to startle the pudding head as he flinched for a second, then looked at him with a confused expression.

"I look forward to working with you, Kozume," Crow expressed, wanting a handshake. It was at that moment that the setter's cheeks heated up, and he moved his hand so that it was grasping Crow's. And then he spoke, looking away almost shyly.

"You can just call me Kenma.." He voiced, then subtly braced himself for the man's reaction.

"Sure, Kenma then," Crow confirmed, dropping his hand. It was at that moment as Crow walked away with Nishinoya still stuck to him that Kenma realized he shouldn't have braced his body, he really should have braced his heart.

But it was too late for that now.