Always and Never

High School: Year One

Tooru tapped his foot against the floor, joining his fingers together at the tips as he waited in the gymnasium. He looked around, inspecting everything. It was a decent size. His eyes flitted toward some of the senior members of the volleyball team. Introductions had yet to take place. The captain said that they were still waiting on some of the other first years to arrive.

Iwaizumi stood beside him. His movements were unhindered by nerves. He was calmly talking to someone who had introduced themselves as Yuda Kaneo. Yuda's hair was messy. A smattering of freckles were dusted over his face. "Oh, a wing spiker? I am too." Yuda smiled.

Losing interest, Tooru glanced to the door. Two taller, more lanky guys walked in. At first he thought they were older than him but then noticed they weren't wearing Seijou's colours yet. They had to be first years like him. After a few more first years came in the captain called for attention.

When introductions were finished Tooru learned that the two players were named Hanamaki Takahiro and Matsukawa Issei. They had a wry, slightly sarcastic sense of humour. Together they seemed to ease the tension amongst their fellow first years.

"Pretty big team isn't it?" Hanamaki said, tilting his head as he stretched out his legs.

"The gym's big too." Iwaizumi wrinkled his nose.

Hanamaki leaned toward Iwaizumi, resting an arm on his shoulder. "Ah you mustn't be intimidated, Iwaizumi was it?"

Matsukawa flanked Iwaizumi's other side. "Yeah, we have three whole years to grow into the gym."

Tooru snickered then tried to pass it off as a cough. He was unsuccessful. Iwaizumi spiked a ball at him. He agreed to toss to his fellow first years. They were occupied with that for awhile before he was asked to switch with a third year setter.

So far he was pleased with everyone's abilities. Though he was happy to learn what his seniors had to offer. Iwaizumi seemed to getting along rather well with their teammates. Tooru snuck a glance at him, watching as he pulled off an impressive spike and then was promptly patted on the back. He really needed to stop being so cool!

Eventually the coaches stepped in. They called for drill practices. Serves were first. Tooru couldn't contain his excitement, almost vibrating as he waited for his turn. He heard some of his seniors murmuring about him already, wondering about his serve. Thankfully his jump was good, but his aim was slightly off. Everyone was still adequately impressed. When Tooru went back in line Iwaizumi smacked him. "Quit looking so smug."

"Iwa-chan is just jealous." Tooru responded primly.

"Oh? What's this? You have nicknames for each other?" Matsukawa smirked, his eyes alight with amusement. Hanamaki looked much the same.

"He's just a dumbass who rarely ever calls anyone by their name." Iwaizumi rolled his eyes, walking to the front as he was called to serve.

"So how long does it take to get a nickname?" Hanamaki asked.

"Well..." Tooru tapped his chin thoughtfully. "I wonder." His voice trailed off airily which caused Hanamaki and Matsukawa to snort.

Iwaizumi joined them back in the line-up. Shido was up next. By the time they finished receiving drills Matsukawa and Hanamaki had been dubbed 'Mattsun' and 'Makki' respectively.

Tooru's choice had been the right one.

~0~

He still wasn't in the gym. Tooru looked around, frowning. Iwaizumi was usually one of the first to arrive. Had he got called to stay behind after class? Or was it his turn for cleaning up the classroom? No, he usually told Tooru when he had classroom duties.