Momotaro's Wingman

Chapter One

"Good practice today everyone, I will see you all tomorrow." As soon as Rin dismissed us, nearly everyone left, including said captain. Being a new team member, in fact this was my first practice, I figured this was normal and went on my merry way.

"Hey, Nitori~Senpai?" Saying "senpai" is still a bit weird to me, being American, but I don't mind it too much. Sometimes I forget but no one corrects me, maybe it's a little weird for them to have a foreigner call them that. Or maybe I'm just overthinking things.

Probably that last one.

He jumped away from me, a look of surprise passing through those delicate features. Did I scare him? I hope not. "Oh! Shadow, didn't notice you there..." His nervous chuckle has me raising a brow, crossing my arms over my bare chest. "What's up?" He smiled shyly and fixed his hair.

I sighed through my nose, leaning to the side on one leg. "I was just wondering if you'd want to hang out..." My voice was so hesitant I inwardly cringed. Why is socializing so hard?? Minako never seemed to have trouble making friends.

Nitori looked genuinely apologetic, making me fear the worst about where this short conversation is going. "I-I'm sorry Shadow, I'm really busy today. Bye! And happy birthday!" With that, he speed walked towards the locker rooms to go change.

I sighed heavily and slumped my shoulders, just slightly, before following him inside. Most people were coming out by the time I went in and showered. I was mostly ignored, which was fine by me, but someone seemed to notice my dejection in the midst of changing. The one person that could probably lift my spirits up in a heartbeat.

"Yo, Shadow! Is something wrong?" Momotarou asked as I dried off my hair, making me look up at the hyperactive male. We're in the same classes, being in the same year, and he's the reason I know Nitori a little bit. Though I'm not good at making friends, he is, and we clicked almost instantly. Though, because of that clicking, I've found myself with a huge problem.

I couldn't help but smile a little when I saw that bright grin on his face, the way the light danced in those golden eyes, damp hair drying in a messy and very Momo way. "No." I told him before pulling on a dry and clean shirt, already having my bottom half dressed. I slid on my shoes before packing everything up again. "Just wanted to hang out with Nitori~Senpai but he's busy—"

"I'll hang out with you! I'm free all night!" I quickly turned around to him once more, seeing a look of earnest on his face. Can I borrow some of this energy? Enough to stop me from sleeping in class at least?

I smiled again, a slight tingle of pink dusting my freckles cheeks. "Sounds like fun. I was thinking of going to the cafe after practice. You in?" I asked and shouldered my duffel bag, walking towards the door. Momo followed me quickly, his sea otter key chain rattling and catching my attention.

"Alright! Last time I went there I found a really cool stag beetle outside! I tried to give it to Gou~San but Rin~Senpai didn't allow me." I patted his back in sympathy as we left the pool and headed outside for the cafe nearby. The poor boy had such an obvious crush on the Iwatobi girl, that I have yet to meet. Rin told me that she's oblivious to it.

The walk there was filled with Momotarou either talking about the tough practice, Rin's sister, or beetles. I stayed quiet mostly, not that I minded. Momo already knew that I don't talk much and I like listening to him speak about things he's passionate about. He gets this gleam in his eye, eager to talk, and his voice is bright and cheerful almost all the time.

We stopped a few times when Momotarou saw something that interested him, but we still got there pretty quickly. Going inside, I held the door open for Momo and shut it once he was inside.

I say cafe, but it's really just a Starbucks. We both got in line, Momotarou insisting on paying for some accursed reason. I let him because I'm tired and too lazy to argue back. We ordered, for our drinks, and sat down at one of the table outside.

I sipped my hot chocolate, jolting back and setting the cup down immediately. "Owe my tongue." I pouted, the strange feeling of a burnt tongue not very pleasant, and downed a few gulps of water. Momotarou laughed at my suffering, which caused me to giggle slightly. Because I'm a disaster gay and his laugh is so adorable.

This time I talked. About the newest shows I started, the books I've read, and my bad art. We ended up just discussing random topics until the sun began to set about an hour later. A warm glow was cast on us as the sky began fading from blue to black, the transitional colors of a sunset painting the large canvas with colorful hues. "It's beautiful." I said quietly, possibly to myself.

Momotarou glanced at the sunset, but his eyes trained on me. Out of the corner of my eye I could see his expression, ripped between awe and fascination. "Not as beautiful as you are."

He said that.

He called me beautiful.

What.

Why is a straight dude calling me beautiful.

That's pretty gay.

MOMOTAROU. JUST SAID. I WAS BEAUTIFUL.

Shadow.exe has crashed.

I stared at him, blue eyes widening as heat rushed to my face, reaching up to the tips of my ears. As if noticing what he just said, Momo turned red as well, sputtering a few letters out before he spoke again.

"I-I mean, you're beautiful for a boy! But still handsome! The most beautiful person in my eyes is Gou~San though." He checked his watch, golden eyes widening, before he leapt up and grabbed my hand. Holy frizzle he's holding my hand. Holy shizzle he's holding my HAND.

Why are we running?

"We're gonna be late! I almost forgot!" Momotarou was verbally cursing himself for forgetting the very important event I apparently have to be at. I just hope I won't have to be social. I don't like most people. And crowds give me anxiety.

We were back at the pool again, but before I could ask why, he pushed the doors open with both hands before pushing me inside, causing me to stumble and almost fall. I jumped when the lights turned on and I saw everyone.

"SURPRISE!" My jaw dropped as I looked around, seeing party decorations such as balloons and streamers, everyone on the team in a semi circle around me, and Momotarou grinning like a madman. "Do you like it?! Me and Nitori~Senpai thought of it when you told us your birthday!" The orange haired teen asked me eagerly.

I stared at everyone, swallowing down my fear of speaking in front of crowds. "Y-Yes. It's amazing, thank you all so much." I smiled softly before clapping my hands together. "Let's all enjoy this party."

And we did, until it was time to go back to our dorms and pass out. Which I did, quite willingly, pretty much ignoring my roommate who I barely knew. The night kept replaying in my head. As good as the day was, there was one part I deeply regret.

"Hey Shadow...? I don't know if you know this, but I really like this girl and... um... Can you help me figure out to get my feelings across?! Please! I'll do anything you ask!"

Don't say yes don't say yes don't say yes... "Of course. What kind of friend would I be if I said no?" gOSH DARNIT SHADOW.

And so, my days will begin as a wingman for my brother from another mother, my fellow swim comrade, and my crush.