A Co-Captain's Doubts

Strategy

Standing hadn't proved to be much of a challenge, but as Suga took a few steps, dizziness temporarily swirled his vision and he had to blink a few times for it to go away. He blamed the pounding in his head, and after taking a deep breath, exhaled it slowly as he stepped into place beside Daichi and Asahi, the team forming a circle around Ukai as he waited with his arms folded, one hand gripping his chin in thought. As the last of the team gathered around, Kiyoko and Yachi handed out water to everyone who needed it.

"I've got to be honest; things aren't looking good out there. We're off our game and they know it." Ukai sighed, eyes closing as he thought on the matter, thumb and forefinger massaging his chin as he frowned.

"But that just means they've yet to deal with the real Karasuno, and they won't recognize us when we pull it together. Alright, I'm gonna say something and you all better listen well!"

Straightening, each player nodded their heads and looked to Ukai. Eyes opening, the coach dropped a hand to his hip and looked them all over.

"I know they attacked one of our own and all you can think about is the injustice of it, but we need to let it go for now."

The faces around the circle went dark, and as Sugawara's head bowed self-consciously, he felt two strong hands land on his shoulders. Looking up, he found Asahi and Daichi watching their coach as their hands squeezed gently and felt a swell of affection for his fellow third-years.

"I can't speak for Sugawara, but I'm guessing this situation would only be worse if we lost without bringing our best game. We need to calm down, open our eyes, and get under that damn ball! We've gone against teams with serves like this before, how did we handle it? Give it to the guys who receive like it's their jobs, that means you two!" Ukai barked, jabbing a finger at Daichi and Noya who clenched their fists and nodded.

"And while I'm on it, what's going on with you Sawamura? You in love with our vice-captain or something? He's a tough guy, he's gonna be alright. Stop overthinking everything and treat this game like all the others, you can coddle him all you want on the bus ride home, got it?"

Faces flushing, Daichi released Suga's shoulder and rubbed at the back of his head, the silver-haired setter laughing lightly.

Usually, it was Sugawara who was teased for his care of the team, but it was funny to watch the captain get called out for worrying over him, though he couldn't say he minded the roles being reversed today. Daichi was like a bear, he appeared docile from a distance but became terrifying and protective if provoked. It was nice being friends with a guy you knew had your back undoubtedly, even if Suga didn't stand on the court with him much these days.

The other boys snickered as the brunette was scolded but were reduced to stifled smirks as their captain shot them a glare promising laps, before nodding to Coach Ukai.

"Right. I'll clear my head." Daichi promised, letting out a slow breath after saying so, and looking up with a renewed focus.

"Good. That's the last of my rant, we've got two minutes until the second set begins. Stretch, did you get the clear to play, how's the nose?" Ukai asked, directing his attention to Tsukishima whose eyebrow twitched in annoyance.

"If you're speaking to me, then yes. I can play." The blond middle blocker replied, tersely.

Seeming unbothered by the first-year's irritation, the man nodded to himself in thought.

"Alright then, we'll start the set with the original line up. Get something to drink and warm up." He said dismissively, beginning to turn as Suga suddenly spoke up.