A Co-Captain's Doubts

Frustration

"Tsukishima, are you alright?"

Daichi had only just set foot on the court, and already he was on the ground crouched beside one of his first years. Holding his nose as a thin stream of blood ran down his wrist, Tsukishima glared across the net at the boy who'd slammed the ball down, a kid with green streaked hair, and a quiet grin. One of the guys who'd entered the gym with number four.

"I'm fine." Tsukishima muttered in his usual monotone, muffled by the hand covering his nose.

"Oh man Tsukishima, I thought that ball was gonna take your head off! I bet you have brain damage!" Hinata yelled a couple feet away.

"If anyone's got brain damage, it's you. Stop hollering like a chimpanzee."

"You don't have to call me names, I was worried about you, jerk!" Hinata bit back, huffing out an annoyed breath as he scowled at his fellow first year.

A spike to the face wasn't an uncommon occurrence in volleyball, but Daichi had a gut feeling that play hadn't been accidental. After exposing number four's intentions, he speculated Kita Wasaki recognized their tallest player's observation skills and wanted him out of the picture. Not to mention Tsukishima was one of the few players Karasuno had that stood a chance blocking their insane power shots. If their reasons for attacking Hinata held true, it wasn't unfathomable Tsukishima had become another target.

"Quit bickering, let's get something to stop that nosebleed."

"You know that spike was intentional, don't you?"

Daichi grabbed the younger boy's bicep, helping him get to his feet and then guiding him to the sidelines as he gave a soft grunt of acknowledgement. When he spoke, his voice was low and gruff.

"Yeah, I thought as much. They're playing dirty and hiding behind the refs."

Tsukishima's gaze shifted down to look at Daichi, his expression remaining uninterested.

"I wouldn't be surprised if you were next, you were the one to threaten them after all. They'll probably want to put you in your place."

The Captain's face darkened.

"They can try."

"Tsukki! Are you okay?"

Coach Ukai and Kiyoko had already made their way over to meet Tsukishima and Daichi, the later drawing out some tissues and handing them to the first year as Yamaguchi crowded his elbow, and tried to inspect his friend.

"You're bleeding so much, does it hurt?!"

"What do you think, yes it hurts. Stop standing so close, you're acting like my Mother."

"R-Right, sorry Tsukki..."

Daichi shook his head at the two as the green haired boy took a step back. It must be rough to remain in a friendship with such a bristly guy, he figured Yamaguchi must have his reasons, but he didn't know what they could be. Speaking of friends, the brunette found Suga had risen from his bench and looked positively weary as he removed the ice pack from his bruised face to better see Daichi.

"Who can try what?"

"Hm?"

Suga glanced to Kiyoko handing over more tissues before turning back to Daichi, his lips pressed in an anxious line.

"You were talking to Tsukishima and said, 'they can try'. What did you mean?"

Daichi casually raised his brows, surprised his fellow third year had managed to hear him, and then was torn with how he should respond. He didn't want to lie to Suga even if it was intended to keep him from stressing further, but neither did he want to admit his teammates were being systematically taken out, that he was likely next.