nicepii-blog

[nicepii-blog]

He fidgeted in place honestly. He was antsy, out of place, guilty. He almost hurt someone. Hadn’t his senpai told him to keep his mind on the game and focus? How could he let himself slip up so badly just throwing a ball at a fence.

“Ahahaha I feel like I’m more at fault here to be honest. But thanks, and sorry again. I promise to pay more attention! It’s a Sawamura Eijun Official Promise!”

He watched her lemonade fall over as she got up, relieved that he hadn’t caused her to spill it by getting up. The was always a good thing. His eyes drifted back to her, ready to answer her question when his arms shot out to catch her.

“Hey! Are you okay did you get hurt?” He seemed really worried about her.

Her eyes fell uncomfortably to the ball in her hand, white leather, red stitches. Thin seams barely (carefully) holding it together. It was so human, right? But he spoke, and her eyes spiked upwards. Her face angled sharply parallel to his.

He sounded genuine, didn’t he? He was sorry, he made a mistake…

“…It’s okay. I should have noticed you practicing, too, I think. So, …now we both know to pay more attention, right…? And no one was hurt… hang on–I’m not very good at throwing, not like you. I’ll hand it to you.”

So Shannon stood, carefully reorienting her picnic and blanket behind her. Grass was springy, grass was spongy. The lemonade fell over again, but she just glanced at it and smiled. It had a cap. It probably wouldn’t spill. More interestingly, his eyes followed the ball in her hand as she walked towards him.

“Are you practicing? You must be thirsty, right? If you want water or juice, just, let me kn–”

She tripped. 

She meant to trip, but it came as a surprise nonetheless, hands opening to brace for her fall, catching her balance–and the ball went flying, somewhere out behind him. She didn’t quite fall on top of him. She had enough dignity for that.

“Ah, I’m sorry…!”

[nicepii-blog]

Once she pumped her fist into the air, Eijun felt himself mirroring her in excitement. Yeah! Yeah it was neat wasn’t it? Going to school to become a great pitcher! Following his dreams! He caught up to her and matched her pace.

“I wonder if i can find enough people to throw together a baseball team here. My first team was just a bunch of my school friends and I doing something fun before our school closed, so I hope I can find a team who wants to fight here too! And fight maybe even as hard as Seido! The team i wanna be the ace of!”

Eijun didn’t want to let minor setbacks like being thrust away into an alternate dimension dampen his enthusiasm for baseball! He agreed with her, being an optimistic sunflower himself.

“Oh whoooa!! Really you’d do that? Thanks a lot! This is gonna be so fun! You can even be on my new team here if you want!”

this sport isn’t even real ||closed; theformerace

“That’s really neat, Sawamura-kun!” She’d subsequently leaped, pumping her fist into the air above her in a show of excitement. After a moment, she allowed him to catch up to her, and she resumed walking alongside him as she led him to the market.

“A-Ahh, the part about being an ace candidate!” She definitely wasn’t speaking about being pulled from his world so suddenly. “I am not certain where you’d be able to play in a place like this, but if you keep training while you’re here, I believe that should you ever return home you’d be more than prepared!”

While nodding, she stated that so confidently, as if it training were the easiest and most natural thing in the world.

Optimism in the face of adversity was a key trait in the success of a team, and the captain had to exude that at all times. It came as natural for Suruga to speak so positively, even when she didn’t know if either of them would ever return to their respective homes.

“I know we don’t play the same sports, but if you’d like, I’d be honored to assist you in your training! That is, after we retrieve a proper ball for you!”

His training couldn’t have differed that much, could it?

[nicepii-blog]

“How do we talk them into cooler weather? I wanna wear my super great coat I got from school.”

“Well, the weather usually starts changing around mid-October, though I guess it sort of depends on what the scientists want…” Did the world here even revolve around a sun for seasons to take place?

[nicepii-blog]

“Summer’s great and all but it’s soooo hooooot still isn’t it fall now???”

[nicepii-blog]

unsetter:

It’s not that he doesn’t meet new people often, Eijun! It’s that it’s your birthday and you had to spend it getting dragged to this hellhole!

The setter taps his chin, thinking of a quick dining joint he could take the other boy to. “… Speaking of which, why did you want a tire again?”

Oh, alright! He doesn’t meet new freshly arrived birthday boys very often! That makes sense! He was relieved that someone was helping him out with something as seemingly dumb as trying to find a discarded tire, but really he couldn’t comaplin if he was getting the help anyways. Eijun had to admit, everyone he’d encountered so far had been friendly. Well, all but one, but who even expected Mei to be nice to him anyways honestly. And it wasn’t even Eijun’s fault this time probably! Anyways though, he was just happy to meet people that were agreeable and personable. It made Eijun smile wide at the thought of making more friends, especially sports friends. With Suga though, he’d been immediately kind, if not confused.

Speaking of confusion though, Suga’s question left him at a loss. Why want a tire? Why not want a tire? He needed it for training of course! He was dumbfounded.

“You guys don’t have tires at your school to carry around your waist while you run? I run with Tire-chan all the time around the baseball field. Ah I miss Tire-chan...”

i didn’t sign up for this || closed; unsetter

[nicepii-blog]

ikeatrice:

It whistled as it approached her, and, at almost the last moment, Shannon turned. She turned in time to see the ball fly just past her–inches away–the wind brushed her nose, her cheek, and rustled the hair around her ears. Belated, she flinched. When it hit the fence, she flinched. When it recoiled, and fell, and touched her ankle, she flinched again. 

…But, she looked up in the direction that it had come from, too. Shannon reached a quivering hand towards the ball (lying motionless on her blanket, now, upsetting the balance so that her bottle of lemonade tipped perilously to one side) and picked it up. 

“Th, that was you?” It was, wasn’t it. She stammered the pleasantries while clamoring to quiet Kanon’s voice in the back of her head. “That’s a very impressive throw…! But, …you should be careful, I think. I’m very glad that I wasn’t hurt, but…”

There was an edge in her words that she didn’t intend. Shannon held up the ball (here, catch) as if to distract him. “This is yours, right? Do you want it back…?”

He honestly hadn’t intended to disrupt her picnic. If he’d been paying attention and not pretending he was at Koushien again, this wouldn’t have happened. He’d hit someone before and he still remembered the cold, empty feeling it left him with for months to come. It was destructive to not think in the moment, to not focus, and he’d almost proved that a second time. If he’d managed to hit her what would it have done to him this time, to hit someone so far removed from the field that they were no more than a passerby. How bad would the yips be? It was worrying knowing how bad his body could get and how out of control he was sometimes. Or, well, how out of control he was all the time. He was getting better, he promised, but he wasn’t perfect. He was unpredictable, especially when he wasn’t paying attention to his surroundings. This could have been Inashiro all over again, and that was something nobody, especially not himself, could forgive or forget.

He bowed low when he reached her, staying rigid and trying not to focus on the tone of her voice or the look of shock on her face. This wasn’t what he’d planned on today and now this person he hadn’t even met probably hates him. Great. He deserved it but it still wasn’t a good feeling. His stomach felt ready to drop.

“Y-yeah that was me. I’m a pitcher. Thanks but uh...you’re right I should’ve been paying more attention. I’m glad the ball curved away at the last second. I’m glad you weren’t hurt but you could’ve been, and I’m sorry.”

He saw her hand move up with the ball in it, eyes trained on it, head following it like a dog watching for his favorite toy. “Yeah, that’s my ball. Only one I’ve got. If I may have it back I’d be really grateful.”

[nicepii-blog]

twistedcatch:

You definitely can’t play baseball by yourself. Nothing was really as satisfying, otherwise. There is only so much swinging and pitching on your own that one can do before getting bored. Miyuki knew that first hand from the plays he tried to create and the swinging that he did endlessly through his healing process in the city with work and physical therapy taking up the other half of his time. There was only so much he could do without a team to guide.

Which is why he was more than content to be here with Sawamura - to spend time with someone familiar, even in such a light situation. For once and for whatever reason he was falling into more familiar situations, even if they normally weren’t his cup of tea. 

“Prepare? I didn’t know you had to prepare to eat a piece of cake, Sawamura,” he laughed out, fiddling with his fork before cutting into the corner of his own piece, eyes back on the other within moments. “You’re so old now, though. Wh–.” 

He cut himself off before he could make some snide remark, biting his tongue as he watched the other presumably making his wish before a smile spread back to his features.

“Yeah? And what did you wish for?”

Eijun didn’t know how much physical therapy Miyuki had undergone while he was in the city. He just knew Miyuki looked a lot better than he had when Eijun last saw him. And that was good! He’d been kinda worried, honestly, with Miyuki gone and in pain. He worried things could’ve been as damaging to him as they were to Chris-senpai. He couldn’t bare to see the two catchers important to him so hurt and unable to perform.

He was glad for Miyuki though, he truly was. Even if they did kinda bug the shit out of each other, that was alright too. It was normal for them, it was what they did. That was the kind of relationship they had together.

“Of course you have to prepare you can’t just go straight into birthday cake without being ready! It’s special cake!” His cheeks puffed up when Miyuki called him old though. “Who are you calling old! You’re even older than me!”

He calmed down at Miyuki asking about his wish, looking out the window with a little red at his cheeks. Surprisingly, it wasn’t for the ace number he so desperately craved. For them to go home and play baseball again together. He wanted to play with Miyuki again, with everyone, and win with his team. He wanted Miyuki to be okay and to see the field again and to form the strongest and most feared battery with him. That was his wish.

“D-Don’t you know that if you tell your wish it wont come true!”

誕生日おめでとう！☆

[nicepii-blog]

theformerace:

He was so agreeable and positive about the whole situation, which was far more than Suruga expected; most people would react with frustration, and rightfully so, even after she offered her help. Nonetheless, she waited until he finished tossing the balls he had into his bag before she turned to lead the way on their little mission.

It didn’t take her long to remember she’d forgotten something so crucial, however, which prompted her to turn toward him as she continued walking.

“Sorry, sorry! I had forgotten my manners in all this. I’m Suruga! Suruga Kanbaru! I was just starting my third year at the high school I attended before I suddenly arrived here. It’s a pleasure to meet you!”

Eijun had no reason to be frustrated aside from the obvious frustration at his situation as a whole. Why not be positive about a little set back, even one that was going to be fixed, right? A wide grin graced his face as he strode next to her, head turning to her once she’d begun talking.

“O-oh! Nice to meet you, Suruga-senpai! I’m Sawamura Eijun and I was just starting my second year when I was taken here! You could also say I’m an ace candidate for my team as well!”

Becoming the ace. A little hard to do from here, but why dampen his spirits more?

this sport isn’t even real ||closed; theformerace

[nicepii-blog]

twistedcatch:

[TO:] bakamura [FROM:] international☆flamingo [TEXT:] this is you talking to me so. yes. probably. [TEXT:] if i was kuramochi you might not lie though but i’m not as mean. [TEXT:] of course you don’t. i know i’m cute but jeez chill out. [TEXT:] whenever is convenient for you though. i’m free now.

TO: MIYUKI KAZUYA!!! FROM: #1 ACE

[TXT]: at least i know youre not gonna kick my ass halfway across the dorm [TXT]: probably anyways [TXT]: maybe... [TXT]: ALSO WHO SAID YOU WERE CUTE [TXT]: im gonna start heading for the station then okay???

[nicepii-blog]

twistedcatch:

TO:] bakamura [FROM:] international☆flamingo [TEXT:] yeah ok i’ll believe it this time. [TEXT:] but are you sure it’s no one? [TEXT:] jeez don’t talk about me so much not everyone needs to know about your crush on me sawamura. ;) [TEXT:] oh. uh sure? i mean wherever is most convenient. train station?

TO: MIYUKI KAZUYA!!! FROM: #1 ACE

TEXT: would i lie to you TEXT: dont answer that TEXT: but im sure!!!!! TEXT: I DONT HAVE A CRUSH ON YOU MIYUKI KAZUYA SHUT UP!!!! TEXT: YOURE ANNOYING!!!! STOP SAYING THAT!!! TEXT: that sounds good i can meet you there whenever you want 0:

[nicepii-blog]

theformerace:

Ahh! When his face illuminated at the mention of her helping him, a surge of enthusiasm coursed through her, rendering her all the more eager to help. Whoever said that kind of thing was contagious was surely on to something.

Nonetheless, Suruga planted her hands on her hips and nodded.

“Of course! Well, I am a basketball player – you’re correct! Good job!” She was, rather, but making mention of that would create a negativity that would surely break this air of enthusiasm between them. “Even if we don’t play with each other on the same court or field, as a fellow athlete I cannot stand idly by while you’re not playing for such a silly reason as the whims of the scientists.” Well, even if she herself didn’t even play much anymore, she still felt bad for these people – this person included.

“If you don’t mind a little walk, we can hop over to the next sector. I know exactly where to go!”

Eijun was a ray of sunshine, always sparkling in, sometimes too bright, but continuing to shine when he could, nonetheless. He almost always had some sort of optimistic reason to shine on, and when skies were grey, even for him, he still would continue forth to shine another day.

“Whoa cool! I’ve played basketball in gym before, but baseball’s my home, you know? Always something to come back to!” Ah, so she was ready to ally with him against those weirdos upstairs, or wherever they were. That was something Eijun could get behind! Having an ally, a teammate, to rely on was one of the best things in the world.

“I don’t mind walking at all. Lets get this show on the road! For sports glory or... something.”

With that, Eijun cleaned up the weird balls, not wanting to leave a mess and disrespect another’s playing field, and carried them in his bag to follow the nice girl.

this sport isn’t even real ||closed; theformerace

[nicepii-blog]

twistedcatch:

Miyuki didn’t really find anything special in birthdays. But maybe that was just because he never celebrated his own birthday, always something that was forgotten except for maybe a card from his father, but they hadn’t exactly come in recent years, either. Birthdays were nothing to the catcher, if he was being honest, but he knew otherwise for the boy in front of him - which is exactly why he brought him out here to begin with. He’d be incredibly disheartened otherwise, he was sure. 

Either way, he enjoyed the loud presence that he’d been missing from his life. So really, no matter how loud he got, he probably wasn’t going to complain. Not today, at least.

Still, Miyuki smiled, leaning forward as he fiddled with the edge of his fork, watching his coffee being sat down out of the corner of his eye before speaking.

“Yeah? Well, it definitely feels like a spot you’d pick, if that means anything. I like it.” A pause, glancing down to his cake because he really couldn’t handle the sunshine in front of him, in that moment. “Eat your cake, though. And happy birthday.”

Eijun honestly would’ve just been exceptionally lonely if Miyuki hadn’t asked him to come to the cafe. What else would he have done if he wasn’t here, wander the city alone as usual? Play some ball? Well, try to anyways. You can’t play baseball by yourself. He couldn’t hold back the smile when Miyuki had asked, though he was probably coming across as entirely too excited at the time. He didn’t mean to, he was just glad someone remembered his special day, someone he knew and wanted to be around.

“I will! Don’t rush me I have to prepare myself for this, I’ve been waiting all year you know! Finally 17 did you know that?”

He seemed proud of himself, like he put forth some sort of effort to stay alive as long as he had and been here to celebrate with Miyuki. Really though, he couldn’t have asked for a better way to be spending his birthday in this city.

Closing his eyes a minute, lost in thought, he paused before his cake. Then, smiling, he blew out an imaginary candle and took a forkful of cake into his mouth.

“I had to make my wish first.”

誕生日おめでとう！☆

[nicepii-blog]

twistedcatch:

[TO:] bakamura [FROM:] international☆flamingo [TEXT:] uh huh of course it does. [TEXT:] who are you talking to about me to the point it does that huh? [TEXT:] either way. i hear there’s a big bonfire tonight. wanna go?

TO: MIYUKI KAZUYA!!! FROM: #1 ACE TEXT: it does i swear! probably bc your name is in all caps as a contact TEXT: shut up!!! no one????? TEXT: YEAH I DO!!! should i meet you somewhere??

[nicepii-blog]

ikeatrice:

     nicepii

She wasn’t very familiar with sports.

Shannon knew that there were all kinds of sports–one where balls were thrown or kicked or hit with sticks–and, she had even heard about a few of them from Jessica, and watched a game or two on the island’s TV set. She hadn’t played with the other children in the orphanage very much, though. She’d never gotten much of a grasp on the rules.

So, the diamond drawn in chalk in the park (with its plastic bases) was recognizable as a “sports thing”, but she didn’t think much more of it than that. There was plenty of space in the rest of the park–such as the great green field just outside of the diamond–for her to set up her blanket and enjoy the sunshine, having a picnic by herself.

The outfield might not have been the best place. Shannon didn’t realize that, and she didn’t see the ball spiraling precariously towards her, either.

It was fine.

Eijun hadn’t exactly expected anyone to be around. He was just trying to pass the time, pitching his ball into the fence. A lapse in judgement, a moment of not looking because everything was the same and nothing was different from the last throw had him overlooking Shannon. The ball left his fingertips and it was this moment he was thankful for his unreliable curve of the ball when pitching as the ball brushed past Shannon, ramming into the fence with a loud clang! The ball popped off its resting place on the fence, bumping against Shannon’s leg and falling to the ground, no longer a threat to her.

Eijun however, until the moment he heard the ball hit the fence, cowered with his face in his hands. Now though, he was peeking out at Shannon between his fingers, tips of his ears red in embarrassment and slowly spreading across his face as he moved his arms and ran toward her.

“Holy shit I didn’t even see you there I’m so so so sorry I didn’t mean to almost hit you.”

[nicepii-blog]

Birthdays were special, twice as much if you get to spend it with someone you enjoy. Eijun was happy about birthdays, his birthday, anyone elses birthday, he loved them all. There was something just so... magical about having a whole day dedicated to people being happy you’re alive!

Eijun was loud and was proud and had nothing to be ashamed of. He was who he was, after all! He knew he was far too loud for Miyuki, far too annoying. Maybe he’d tone himself down for Miyuki’s birthday, that would be nice. Probably.

Fidgeting in his warm wooden chair, Eijun chirped happily about what a nice day it was and how delicious his dessert looked before watching Miyuki sit down across from him.

“Well it looked really... warm and inviting I guess! Like it was saying ‘hey Eijun come sit here’ or something!”

誕生日おめでとう！☆

It was mostly conscious, if Miyuki was asked. Honestly, he couldn’t find it in himself to be mean to the younger when it was his birthday, of all days. It just didn’t seem right - something about it didn’t mesh. As used to picking on him as he was, there was something about a birthday. It didn’t really matter, though. He was more than happy to be here with him celebrating. Anything to remind him of Seido, he kept telling himself.

Still, the catcher couldn’t help the laugh that came from his lips as he shook his head. God, such a loud mouth. He replied with a “whatever you say” before watching him wander off with his food.

Miyuki grabbed his own cake after thanking the waitress who was to bring the coffee out that he’d requested before following, as well, scanning the spot before giving a nod. Sunny, warm - how like the pitcher to pick a spot much like his personality. He just sat down his own plate before settling into the chair across.

“You picked a good spot, Sawamura. Who knew you had such an eye.”

[nicepii-blog]

TO: MIYUKI KAZUYA!!! FROM: #1 ACE TEXT: hey hey hey it’s MIYUKI KAZUYA TEXT: SORRY AUTOCORRECT CAPITALIZES YOUR NAME TEXT: yeah whatcha wanna know???????

[TO:] bakamura [FROM:] international☆flamingo [TEXT:] hey bakamura. what’s up. [TEXT:] it’s your coolest senpai if you didn’t know. [TEXT:] i’ve got a question for you.

[nicepii-blog]

“Well not my first day but... third? Third day sounds about right yeah.” He stared at Suga, confused. Why was this guy freaking out so much? Did he not meet new people very often?

“Whoa thanks! Yeah lets hang out and look around!”

i didn’t sign up for this || closed; unsetter