Stealing First

Chapter 12

As the weather cooled and the leaves began to turn impossible shades of red and yellow, Charlie fell into a new daily routine. She would get up early and complete her language studies, spend lunchtimes with Haruno and her friends, occasionally meet with Ryo for an hour to go over his college submissions before afternoon practice, then head home to cook dinner for her Dad. Jack had been working long hours tutoring the third years before their final exams as well as working with the baseball team, and Charlie was doing her best to make life easier for him where she could.

Other than Ryo, she didn't see her friends much, only occasionally checking in to their group chat to see how they were doing. She had caught up with Kuramochi a few times for a quiet lunch and even a quick session of Mortal Kombat, but (apart from English class) she had so far managed to avoid seeing Miyuki since the Inashiro game. Charlie figured that, for her, the old 'out of sight, out of mind' adage was at least worth a try. And it seemed to be working pretty well - until the retirement game anyway.

Charlie had been mentally trying to prepare herself, but she couldn't stop the tears welling up in her eyes as she watched Ryo walk off the Seido baseball field for the last time. She had come to think of him as an older brother, albeit a mildly inappropriate one, and she was going to miss his wicked sense of humour and loyal presence in her day. Although he was still a few months away from graduation, the pressure of final exams meant that the third years would be spending so much time in cram sessions, it would feel as though they had already left. 

As the retiring players began to make their farewells, Charlie stood off to the side, waiting her turn. She caught a glimpse of Miyuki as she turned, and her stomach twisted. She stared resolutely at her shoes, desperately fighting the urge to catch his eye... Her awkward moment was interrupted when a certain pink-haired soon-to-be graduate called her name across the field. Ryo smiled broadly at her, tilting his head affectionately and spreading his arms wide. Social customs or not, Charlie didn't hesitate; she ran and crashed into his arms, giving him a tight hug and burying her face into his shoulder.

Ryo held her for a moment, feeling the weight of her emotion. He gave her a quick squeeze then bent his head to whisper in her ear.

"Not in public, Charlie-san. I know I am hard to resist but my little brother is here, and he is innocent and impressionable."

Charlie laughed despite her tears. She pulled away and gave her friend a wide smile. "Dammit, I am going to miss you, Ryo."

"Hey, it's not like I'm dying or anything. I'll still be around." He saw her face fall at this comment and realised too late how badly he had put his foot in his mouth. No wonder she was so sad; she had a rough time with people leaving her lately. "And still up for a concert date or cheeky text for that matter?" Ryo added, hoping to bring back her smile.

She obliged, but it was obviously forced. "Take care, Ryo. I'll call soon, I promise." Charlie gave him a quick wave and walked away, disappearing into the crowd of students milling around the grandstand.

Ryo wandered over to his teammates who had been waiting to wish him luck. After countless handshakes, backslaps, high fives and a few hugs, he began to pack up the field for the last time with Kuramochi and Miyuki. The three shared memories of the past two years as they went, frequently laughing at each other's expense.

"I think my favourite memory was seeing the look on Miyuki's face when our little Charlie wiped him out with that crazy tackle at the beach." Kuramochi chuckled as he recalled the moment.

Ryo laughed out loud, adding "Or when he realised that Charlie was older than him, or – "

"Ok, ok, I get it." Miyuki interrupted, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender. His own mind had flashed inadvertently back at Kuramochi's comment, reliving the sensation of having Charlie's lithe body pressed against his own...