Koshi's Curse

Mysterious Cat

"Man, I know we're training for nationals, but I'm beat!"

Flopping back on the cool green grass of the school yard, Sugawara let out a tired moan and squinted as he held a hand above his head to shield his eyes. The large tree he'd collapsed under provided plenty of shade, but beams of sunlight shone between the leaves like scorching lasers.

It was noon on a Saturday, and the team had practice in order to cram in as much training as possible. That was the plan, despite practically melting to the gymnasium floor as the heat crept into the building and stole their will to live. Even Daichi was having a hard time staying hydrated as they sweat uncontrollably, and it was his insistence they practice on the weekend. He had compromised by allowing water breaks every 15 minutes, and after two hours of heavy breathing and receiving drills, the Captain granted them a half hour intermission to cool down and rest before diving into the last hour.

"You're the Vice-Captain, should you really be complaining so loud? You'll set a bad example for the other guys." Daichi chuckled, coming to join Suga under the tree and tossing a freshly filled water bottle at him.

Grunting as it landed on his stomach, Suga grabbed the water lazily and let out another groan as he rolled onto his side, jutting his chin out in a petulant pout.

"Don't use my title against me, it's the only thing I have these days. Not all of us can be big, tough, bully captains who run their team into the ground on a 90-degree day. Some of us are tired vice-captains who may have stayed up too late watching horror films."

Daichi snorted and shook his head at his friend who still laid on the ground, laughing lightly as the silver haired boy rolled onto his back once more and gave a dramatic yawn.

"You knew we had practice at 10, whose fault is that?"

"Still yours."

"Ah, sure it is."

Lowering himself onto the ground beside Suga, Daichi took a long drink from his water bottle and wiped his mouth on his forearm as he watched the rest of the team running about, dumping water on each other. He grinned as Tadashi made to splash Tsukishima, then stopped in his tracks with a sheepish laugh as the blond boy shot him a glare that hinted at certain death. The genius wing spiker really could use some lessons on how to lighten up. Daichi was quiet for a moment as he shook his head at the others and their antics, but then peeked over his shoulder to look at Suga with a little frown.

"I'm not really running everyone into the ground... Am I ?" The brunette worried.

He might act like a warden, but Daichi really was a kind person. He wanted them to win with every fiber of his being but would pull back on the training if he thought they had reached their limits. They were more than just teammates after all, they were his friends too.

Eyes turning amused and soft, Suga reached out to pat his long-time friend on the knee and gave a wink.

"Don't worry Captain, I'd let you know if we were fed up with your tyranny."

Skin creasing at the corners of his eyes as he smirked in return, Daichi laughed again.

"Of course you would."

CAW! CAW! CAW!

Suddenly a cacophony of noise exploded behind the two third years and Suga sat up abruptly as a murder of crows screeched, chasing after a poor fleeing cat. Hissing and batting at the large birds as they dove and pecked, the tan striped feline darted past Suga and Daichi before the flock descended upon it.

Lurching to his feet in alarm, Sugawara was running to the animal's aid in a heartbeat as Daichi looked back and forth with startled eyes.

"Hey, cut it out! Leave the poor thing alone!"