A Co-Captain's Doubts

Bright Eyed Bench Warmer

Ukai got to his feet as the four approached the benches on the side of the court, eyes squinted and brows furrowed in agitated disbelief.

"We can't be sure... But there is some pretty concerning evidence suggesting he did. Unfortunately, there really isn't much we can do about it. "Takeda sighed, heading over to the bench and plopping down with a disappointed sigh.

Looking to Suga who hung back behind Daichi, Ukai rubbed at his chin with a frown.

"You must have really ticked that guy off when you didn't let them wail on Red, now he's got it out for you or something. We'll have to keep a close eye on him. In the meantime, I don't want you wandering off on your own, got it?... Hey, you listening?"

Daichi looked back at the silver haired setter to see him glancing toward the opponent's side of the net, head still down as if he didn't want to actually make eye contact with anyone, and shoulders drawn up in a skittish way that broke Daichi's heart. The Captain felt his chest tightened with guilt as he watched his friend, unable to stop wondering if things would have gone better if he'd been the one to fetch Hinata. He'd only been in a couple fights, but he could hold his own likely a little better than Suga, who he was pretty sure hadn't ever thrown a punch before.

Turning back to gently tap his friend's shoulder, he fought the urge to grit his teeth as Sugawara flinched again, and then placed a hand on his back to steer him toward the empty bench beside Takeda.

"Why don't you sit, stop worrying yourself with what's over there. Coach is talking to you by the way, did you hear him?" Daichi asked in his calm and level voice, gingerly guiding the setter until he sat down.

""Hm? He was?"

Looking up dazed, Suga ran a hand through his hair, fluffing up the already mused locks.

"I'm sorry, Coach. I didn't hear what you said..." He admitted, deflating even further.

"Could you repeat it?"

"Don't worry about it. All I was saying was don't wander off alone, I'll be dammed if Kita Wasaki lays another finger on one of my players." Ukai growled, lip curling in a slight snarl.

"Alright, get your butt over to the warm up box, Sawamura. You're going in as soon as you're limbered up, we're getting our asses handed to us out there."

"Yes, sir. Thanks for letting me accompany Suga, I'm sorry for making you and the team wait."

"Yeah yeah, less sentiments, more stretching. Get that ice pack on your eye, Kid, that's one hell of a shiner." Ukai added, walking back to stand beside Takeda as he scrutinized the match that was back in play.

Taking a moment to squat in front of Suga as he pressed the ice to his face with a wince, Daichi gripped his friend's knee and looked up into the eye that he could still see, speaking softly.

"We might not be able to hit them back the way we want, but we'll win this match and get our revenge. Take it easy and rest, I'll be back as soon as I can." He said, face going serious as he made his promise.

Surprise helping to draw his attention into focus, Sugawara momentarily relaxed and gave Daichi a small smirk as he halfhearted punched the brunette in the shoulder.

"That's a tall order to fill, better get out there, Captain."

Grinning back, Daichi nodded and got to his feet.

"Right."

Suga watched the white number one on the back of Daichi's jersey as he left to warm up near the others, smile melting away as he took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. He wished he could stop the stupid ache in his chest, he felt foolish for making such a big deal out of what that jerk said. He was the team's indomitable spirit, he couldn't waiver like this... And yet, he couldn't shake this dread.