Jump float serve

"Don't overthink it, you'll find the right words," Terushima ruffled Yamaguchi's hair. It was first school day after the holidays. Boys were standing near Karasuno High, volleyball bags swung across their shoulders. "Now go, your practice already started," Terushima gently pushed him towards the entrance. Yamaguchi looked at him, before swallowing nervously. Volleyball practice was something neither of them knew how to feel about. He didn't want to go. He could give everything up just to get away from here. "Alright, go," Terushima spoke up again. Yamaguchi felt stiffness in older boy's voice, yet reason for it was just as clear as his own nervousness. Tsukishima. They didn't know how he'll act or what words will come out of his mouth. Despite being friends for years and then getting to know each other even better in a year long relationship, Yamaguchi couldn't predict what was about to happen today. Will he get yelled at? Or will he be met with a cold indifferent gaze and harsh comments? Chance of simply being ignored was there too. That also was the reason Yamaguchi purposely took longer to get ready. He didn't want to meet Tsukishima. Although now they were already here and there were no more excuses to make. He doesn't care anyway. Yamaguchi made an attempt to calm his growing anxiety down. He knew that part of him that wasn't afraid wanted to get this over with Tsukishima. Today's practice was the best time to do that.

Yamaguchi probably spaced out, because Terushima spoke up yet again, "do you remember the rules?" he arched an eyebrow.

Freckled boy nodded. Before coming to Karasuno, boys talked each and every issue out. Terushima did his best to change Yamaguchi's perception of Tsukishima. And Yamaguchi couldn't lie, it really worked. Tsukishima was no longer a fear that loomed over him as a dark shadow. Yamaguchi didn't see him in control anymore. Freckled boy smiled weakly, "no apologizing and no crying." He watched Terushima nod in reply and smile softly. Warmth spread across his body. Even if something will go wrong, one thing Yamaguchi was certain about was that he always can count on Terushima.

"Now go already," older boy gave him a quick pet on the shoulder.

Yamaguchi nodded, tightening his grip on the training bag. Let's get this over with. He turned on his heels and started walking towards the gym. With each step he felt his heart pounding heavier. What if he can't do this? What if-

He reached gym doors when phone buzzed in his pocket. Yamaguchi swiftly fished it out and scanned the screen. 'Relax and don't forget to have fun!' he smiled at the text. Yamaguchi's eyes flicked to the metal doors. Even if everything will go wrong. He'll show that he's not that stammering insecure mess of a boy that was scared to speak up. Yamaguchi's lips curved in a smirk. This time there was the right person by his side to show the worth in him. Yamaguchi put a hand on one of the doors. Have fun. Volleyball is about having fun. He exhaled, calming down piling emotions and pushed the door open, "I'm sorry I'm late!"

"Yamaguchi!" coach Ukai smiled at him, "glad to see you." Yamaguchi flashed him a bright smile before looking around. Gym felt bigger and scarier this time. It almost felt unfamiliar. His eyes caught a glimpse of blonde hair but Ukai's words immediately brought his attention back, "go and change, you'll have five minutes for a warm up."

Tsukishima however took these moments to take in Yamaguchi, looking boy up and down. His hair were put up in a ponytail, with lower part of them buzzed short. Two piercings shone in his ears as well as a black helix one on the right ear. Shirt hang loose on his shoulders accompanied by a black necklace with a volleyball pendant on it. White print on the back saying 'kiss me will ya?' in fancy letters was all he managed to register in his mind, before Yamaguchi nodded to the coach and ran to the locker room, "fuck..."

It wasn't even two minutes when Yamaguchi met his teammates with a light wave and a soft 'hi'. It almost felt the same as before. Almost. A couple of hugs from Hinata and Nishinoya felt good, but couldn't dull cold shiver creeping up his spine from a certain blond's piercing gaze. Yamaguchi's eyes quickly slid across the room. Tsukishima stood near the bench, hands crossed on his chest. He was impatiently tapping his foot on the floor, gesture Yamaguchi knew to well. Tsukishima was annoyed. Yamaguchi felt a sudden urge to come up to him and apologize, however he quickly pushed it away. This seemed to be his strongest and worst habit. Yamaguchi apologized every time air filled with tension. Most of the time he couldn't even find a real reason for it. Yamaguchi averted his gaze the moment their eyes met. He wasn't ready to hold and challenge blonde's amber eyes. Not yet.