Mr Refreshing

A Watercolor Sky

"CALM DOWWWN! THERE'S NO TIME TO SELF DESTRUCT! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU SO NERVOUS ABOUT, THE TV CREWS?! QUIT MESSING AROUND!"

Daichi smiles to himself as he replays the match from earlier today in his head. It is rare to see Suga mad, or even act mad. That is his job as captain; he should've been the one shouting at the team, but in that moment, everything felt too surreal.

The court was too large, the crowd too loud, the gravity of the situation crashing down on him all at once – that this could be his last match as part of the Karasuno volleyball club, that he was captain and it was his job to lead his team to victory... but trust Suga to know what to do to pull everyone together.

He replays each point in his head, smiling to himself as he looks over at his kouhai across the table – The 3 monkeys are asleep on their food, and while Kageyama still maintains some sense of dignity, even he cannot keep his eyelids from drooping while he sleepily chews on a piece of meat.

Beside him, Takeda sensei is still blubbering between mouthfuls of his Nikujaga. He hasn't stopped crying since they scored that glorious last point, and occasionally, he still emits loud wails of "I'M SO HAPPY!!" to no one in particular.

Daichi is exhausted from playing five full sets, his jaw is still aching from smashing into Tanaka's shoulder the day before, his brain is zoning out, but this could be the happiest moment of his life.

His own eyelids are growing heavier by the minute, and, taking the last bite of his food, he slumps his back, ready to drift into slumber.

Coach Ukai and Takeda Sensei take care of the bill, and next thing Daichi knew, the team is being herded back to Karasuno to pack their gear.

"Come now, Hinata!" Suga is dragging Hinata by the arms, the smaller boy barely awake. "Use your legs, step, step step!"

Daichi lets himself zombie-walk into the equipment room. Everything around him is a blur. He's vaguely aware of people shuffling around to put things in places, the smell of muscle patches, voices...

"Daichi?"

He's being shaken awake. He's sitting on the floor of the equipment room, leaning against the wall. Suga's face comes into focus.

Daichi rubs his eyes. "Where is everyone?"

"They left a while back. I didn't wake you because you were sound asleep... couldn't bear to," Suga grins. He's already changed into a fresh jersey. "We've packed up. Go change, Daichi. I'll walk you home."

Daichi feels his pulse quicken. Daichi and Suga have walked home together countless times. Their houses are close by, with Suga's only slightly further from Karasuno, so it is really, a convenient and natural thing for them to walk together. Why was he feeling like this now?

"A-ah, yes. Thanks for covering, Suga."

Suga grabs Daichi's arm, hoisting him up as he hands Daichi a clean #1 jersey.

He's gone through my bag... Daichi realises as he turns away from Suga. His muscles ache even as he strips his shirt off. He could feel Suga watching his back as he undresses, or maybe he's just imagining it?

"I'll see you outside!" Suga calls as he walks out.

Probably imagining it.

The cool night is made even more peaceful by the sound of crickets and the scent of fall – an earthy smell, mixed with warm floral notes floating through the breeze.

"Ah! What a refreshing night!" Suga sighs as the pair started on their walk.

"Isn't that what Oikawa calls you?" Daichi smirks.

"Is it? Refreshing?"

"Yeah, Mr Refreshing."

"Huh, that's cute," the silver-haired setter smirks.

You're cute.

Suga turns to Daichi, smiling, his eyes forming half moons. "We did great out there today, didn't we?"

Daichi takes in a breath of the cool spring air. "Thanks for –" He scratches the back of his head sheepishly. "Thanks for not letting me self-destruct."

Suga cringes. "The umpire so glared at me. You shoulda seen his face."

"Worth it," Daichi laughs.

They walk in silence, each understanding that what they feel at this point couldn't be expressed in words. A beautiful swirl of joy, pride, and saudade painted the air between them in watercolor-strokes, an artist's palette with all the colors of the rainbow.

Daichi's palette had just one more color.

They approach Daichi's house, the wooden "Sawamura" name plate on the door softly illuminated in the orange glow of a nearby street lamp.

"So, I'll see you tomorrow?" Suga's eyes are still lively, despite the taxing day. Mr Refreshing, indeed.

"There's no training tom-"

"Yeah, we're doing to the dentist!" Suga places his hands on his hips. "You spat a tooth out yesterday,"

"O-Oh. Shit, I hate dentists..."

Suga cocks an eyebrow.

"B-but yeah we - I - still gotta go. Should probably go. T-thanks for offering to come with me." Daichi stammers.

Stop stuttering, you idiot! Daichi curses at himself internally. You're just making things super weird! Okay, now play it cool, you can fix this. Should I hug him goodbye?

Daichi smacks the back of his head in self admonishment, earning another bemused look from the setter.

"Go inside and rest," Suga places a hand on Daichi's shoulder, ushering him towards the door. Daichi stiffens at his touch. "I can tell you're spacing out."

Daichi's heart is pounding. All he could hope for was that Suga couldn't feel his heartbeat through his shoulders. "Y-yeah, thanks again, Suga."

"I'll see you tomorrow, captain." Suga winks.