#daiyarpwk2020

[fierysunrises]

“These two have been teammates and rivals competing with each other since their first year… I’m sure they share a special feeling only the two of them can understand.”

daiya no ace rare pair week day 2 - bonds (furusawa)

[shoutarus]

furusawa childhood au for daiya rarepair week!!

[daiyarpwk2020]

Hello! 

With the end of Daiya Season 3, we thought it was time for another ship week! It’s time to celebrate all the new characters that were introduced in the anime, as well as cheer on our existing favourites. 

Welcome to Daiya no Ace Rare Pair Week 2020. 

The week will run April 24th - April 30th. We want to see more content for some of the more obscure ships out there and to let all those creative spirits grow! If you have any questions, please send them here or tweet at us! 

Rules:

any kinds of works are welcome (fanart, fanfiction, graphics, gifsets, edits, cosplay, etc.)

NSFW is allowed, but please be sure to tag it as so

platonic and/or romantic works are allowed

MiSawa are allowed as secondary ships, if you choose to include them

feel free to post on any social media platform

please be sure to tag #daiyarpwk2020 so that we can track all posts!

(not required) follow us for more updates!

Themes:

Day 1: Distance/Longing Day 2: Bonds Day 3: Swap (gender, age, position, sport, etc.) Day 4: Reunion Day 5: AU Day 6: Faith/Doubt Day 7: Free Day

Social Media: Tumblr (@daiyarpwk2020) || Twitter (@daiyarpwk2020) || Ao3 collection

[daiyanerd]

Reunion is today’s @daiyarpwk2020 prompt. Tetsu is a pro player for the Tigers and is in town for his brother’s wedding. Of course he has to look up Jun who is a teacher and assistant baseball coach at Seido…

[channelslam]

for the first time, the blending of two shades

alt title: furusawa (a study in color, part 2)

↳ my entry for day 6 of @daiyarpwk2020

[rayraywrites]

Title: Maybe things happen.

Chapter 7: Eyes full of galaxies (Day 7 - Free Day)

Characters: Sawamura Eijun, Furuya Satoru

Relationship: Sawamura Eijun x Furuya Satoru

Rating: General Audiences

Total Word Count: 993

AO3

Event: @daiyarpwk2020​

Lying down on the field and staring at the stars had become a common occurrence for both of them. Their respective roommates were accustomed to finding the pair of them chatting late into the night, and said nothing. It had started with a simple conversation about their pitching for even with all the rivalry, they were still teammates and wanted each other to succeed. There was an unspoken depth to their conversation that had yet to surface. And then he had laid down, eyes drawn towards the sky and stars.

“They make me feel small.” The words were uttered with a soft voice, forcing the other boy to pause his ramblings. He stared down at his rival, his friend, and his partner. With a quiet sigh, he shook his head and slumped down onto the ground; lying down so that their faces were beside each other, both of them looked up at the sky. 

“The stars?” A nod in reply.

There was silence. Time required to come up with an answer that would feel appropriate. “A star is a giant ball of gas and dust, squished together by the power of gravity. And yet, a blackhole is so much larger than a star.” 

The boy continued on about stars and space, words dropping from his lips as easily as the passion he showed during the day but now with an unstated quietness. His companion was a silent listener, but his eyes were slipping from their focus on the stars down towards the talkative one of the pair. He knew that space was something of a secret interest for his partner, and very few knew of his interest. Satoru felt his chest clench, knowing he was special

“Did you know?” There was a sudden curious tilt to the boy’s voice as he interrupted himself with the question. “Did you know that a blackhole can be born from the death of a star?” The boy then sat up, tugging his legs towards his chest and arms wrapping around his knees. His voice had dropped to a whisper as he answered himself. “That means that something as powerful as a star can create something even more than itself with its own destruction.” 

He sat up as well, his pale hand unbiddenly reaching out towards the tanned one of his friend. He wouldn’t be considered the wordy one of the two of them, easily letting Eijun take that title, but when he spoke there was some consideration and care to it. Usually there was some thought behind his words, but being around Eijun changed that. Satoru went to open his mouth, to disagree or maybe to agree with what Eijun had said, he didn’t know. But before he could, Eijun continued, hand squeezing around his own in a tight grip.

“That means, if the stars make you feel small, even if you destruct, you’ll only come back as something more powerful, that makes the stars feel like dwarves.” 

The smile on Eijun’s face, a brilliant light in the dim night, and the honest words brought a change to his own face. The slightest upturn of his lips that made Eijun somehow become even brighter. He almost wanted to close his eyes and hide away from the brilliance. But something in him refused to comply and he felt himself drawn even closer, inching its way towards the light like a moth to a flame. He squeezed back, relishing in the feeling of the calluses on both their hands pressing against each other. 

“So if I get destroyed and come back stronger, that means I’ll be an even better Ace than you could ever be.” His words were said with firm conviction but the gentle smile on his face exposed his true feelings. And Eijun, ever the pleaser, played along with his usual tirade of “you won’t beat me Furuya. I’ve got the Ace title now, and you’re not getting it back!” But the teasing grin gave it away.

They curled into each other more, feeding off the warmth and chill between their bodies and gazing up at the sky. He looked over at Eijun again, eyes tracing the contours of his cheeks, watching as eyelashes fluttered open and close, and soft pink lips that parted as Eijun breathed. And even when he was caught staring he just continued, trying to memorize the features he was so familiar with already. And Eijun for his part simply smiled and turned back towards the sky.

“Sometimes I wish I could go to the moon, or see a star up close.” The wistful tone in Eijun’s voice was new because whenever Eijun spoke there was a conviction to his voice, even when talking about his wishes. He watched as Eijun reached up with his free right hand, and grabbed at the moon as if he could hold it in his fist. “I think it would feel the same as standing on Koshien’s mound, throwing that final pitch and watching it be a strike. The sound of the stadium cheers fading away until all you could hear is the thump of the ball that flew from your hand and landed smoothly in the catcher’s mitt.” 

He watched as stars littered Eijun’s eyes, dreams filling them with galaxies full of hope and desire. An unquenchable urge filled his chest and he found himself speaking, again without thinking. “We’ll go then.” As Eijun turned to face him, eyes dulling slowly as reality began to pour in again, he spoke up once more. “To the moon, we’ll go to the moon and feel that rush.” The smile he received blinded him again but he embraced it, the warmth filling his chest.

He’d bring the galaxies back into Eijun’s eyes, and maybe bask a little in the brightness of his own star. He wouldn’t be the blackhole that snuffed out Eijun’s light, but maybe he’d be the dying star that fed the birth of a new one.

[musicprincess655]

Okumura Koushuu is not very observant, but eventually he has to realize that his teammates are also his friends

Written for @daiyarpwk2020 day 2: Bonds

Koushuu is, perhaps, less observant than the people around him. It’s not exactly news to him, but it feels like a pretty poor excuse for explaining why he never realized he and Asada are friends.

In fact, other than Taku, Koushuu thinks Asada might be his best friend. They don’t have the same wordless ease born of knowing each other far too long, but if Koushuu actually craves someone’s company, he’s most likely to seek out Asada, and if Asada finds him instead, Koushuu never feels the urge to tell him to leave.

He realizes it all in a rush when they’re walking back from the cafeteria later than the rest of their batchmates. A year of this life should’ve gotten them used to the ungodly amount of food they have to eat to keep up their bodies, but they’ve settled into a routine of eating slowly and steadily, and Koushuu, at least, will never be the kind to scarf down his food like some other teammates he could name. They linger late, taking their time, and a kind of camaraderie is born from being in this slowpoke squad.

“Do you think we’re good senpai?” Asada asks, not looking at Koushuu. “I mean, we’re not setting a very good example, right? Taking so long to finish our food.”

Koushuu privately thinks it might actually be better to let the first years know some of their senpai still struggle. It shows them that no one on this team is superhuman, that through hard work, all of them can rise.

“I think if they can’t keep up, they’re not worth worrying about,” Koushuu says sharply. It’s the kind of acerbic comment he usually reserves for Taku’s ears only, the kind that just sounds mean – and it is, but he didn’t only mean it that way – that would get him in trouble.

To his surprise, though, Asada just huffs a laugh into his fist and keeps walking, and that’s when Koushuu realizes. Asada gets how Koushuu is, and accepts him for it, rolling with the punches much like Taku does, just in his own way.

“One of them asked me to help with pitching from the stretch,” Asada continues. “I don’t know if I’ll be a very good teacher, but I’ll try. I asked Sawamura-senpai to help me.”

“Don’t let him overpower you,” Koushuu says. He doesn’t have the same antagonistic relationship with Sawamura that he used to, but they still have strong, opposing personalities, and they still butt heads, and Asada seems like the type to let Sawamura talk right over him.

“He said he just wants to watch,” Asada says. “Not that I think he won’t chime in, but he and Nori-senpai helped me a lot last year. I want to do the same for the first years.”

Sawamura, at first glance, doesn’t seem like a good matchup for Asada at all, but Asada needs that kind of reassurance in a way Koushuu never has, and Nori was a good way to temper that. Asada isn’t a pitcher like either of them, and he might never be the ace, but he’s a wicked closer, and that’s the influence of both of those pitchers.

“Let me know if you want me to catch for you,” Koushuu says. “I’ll make time.”

Asada doesn’t even look surprised at the offer, which means he probably realized they’re friends long before Koushuu ever did.

***

Kuki is loud, and boisterous, and gets in people’s faces, and in general, he seems like the kind of person Koushuu hates the most.

But he’s also a brilliant pitcher, and his second year is showing the potential he has for rising to take the ace number. It won’t be possible this year, not with Sawamura and Furuya fighting with each other for glory, but Koushuu will eat his own batting gloves if that number 1 isn’t emblazoned on Kuki’s back next year.

Then there’s the fact that Kuki’s interesting as fuck to catch for, and unlike Sawamura, who has a style built between him and Miyuki, Kuki is still growing into what he can do, and Koushuu is helping to shape that.

Koushuu doesn’t appreciate having to agree with Miyuki Kazuya on anything, but making a pitcher grow and bloom is thrilling in a way baseball hasn’t been for a very long time. Dare he say it, he’s even having fun.

“What the fuck was that?” Koushuu growls as he snaps the ball back to Kuki. He’s lucky he snapped his hand up fast enough to keep it from flying over his head.

“An experiment!” Kuki tells him cheerfully. “I saw some video from America, and this pitcher could do this cool trick shot.”

“It’s not so cool if you take a batter’s head off,” Koushuu says, because that’s exactly where the ball would have landed if a batter was actually standing there. He’s glad it’s not one of the nights where Asada stands in for them. It would’ve sent him running, scared shitless. Masashi…well, it might actually do him some good to get the fear of God put in him, but Koushuu doesn’t really want to see him decapitated.

���Lemme try a few more?” Kuki asks. “I think I can get it. That felt weird, but I think I can fix it.”

“It might fuck up your form,” Koushuu warns.

“Come on, Kou-chan, please?” Not even Taku calls him that, but Koushuu has somewhat given up on getting Kuki to quit it.

Koushuu is not indulgent, never has been. This is probably a waste of his time, and there’s better uses of it. For example, fixing this new quirk in Kuki’s slider that might be nothing and might be a game changer, Koushuu hasn’t decided yet.

But…

Well…

“Keep them in the zone,” Koushuu relents, and with that, he also has to add Kuki to the growing list of Friends Koushuu Has. He wouldn’t agree to sit around and let Kuki possibly fuck up one or both of them if they weren’t. He definitely wouldn’t allow the nickname if they weren’t.

“I’ll do my best!” Kuki says, and immediately throws a ball. But then he gets it in the strike zone.

And then Koushuu thinks he sees what Kuki’s going for.

“Relax your wrist instead of your fingers,” he suggests, resetting the way he squats.

When the ball comes to him, it’s far from perfect, but it might be something.

“Did you see that?” Kuki demands, laughing to the ceiling. “I did it!”

“Do it again,” Koushuu says, throwing the ball back. “Prove it’s not a fluke.”

Stumbling and flailing, more failures than successes, Kuki does.

***

Yui is a rival, but he’s also a good captain. He’s doing a far better job than Koushuu ever would’ve. Unlike Miyuki, Koushuu had the good sense to turn the coach down when he offered the position. Koushuu is good at intimidation, and he’s fine at teaching a few selective underclassmen, but a captain needs to be for everyone, and that was the fatal flaw of Miyuki.

He recognizes, of course, that Miyuki did the best job he was capable of doing, and no one can fault him for the work he put it to make his captaincy function, but anyone who wanted to look could see that it only worked because Kuramochi was, essentially, a second captain rather than just a vice. After a year of Kanemaru as captain, supported by Toujou and Sawamura but not dependent on them the way Miyuki was on his vices, no one needs a repeat of the past, and Koushuu has never been shy about telling the coach what he thinks.

Besides, he likes being vice-captain. He gets all the perks without any of the work. Koushuu is mostly left alone to work with the pitchers and catchers, but now his voice carries more weight. Kuki is happily handling the moral support side of the equation, and Yui gets stuck playing keystone and, somehow, not crumbling.

It doesn’t mean there aren’t cracks, though.

“My head’s gonna explode if I look at that any longer,” Yui complains, rubbing his palms over his eyes.

Koushuu lowers the playbook they’ve been looking at down to the desk. It’s not that late. Koushuu’s roommates aren’t even back from the baths yet.

But Yui looks exhausted, slumped in his desk chair, and Koushuu can’t bring himself to point out that they’ve been at this for less than an hour.

“I can finish up,” Koushuu says. “Get some sleep. I’ll tell you the important stuff in the morning.”

“You’re not even the one starting,” Yui protests without heat. “I’m the one that needs it.”

“You need to rest,” Koushuu says. “I’d do this anyway. It’s no trouble.”

“For a practice match you’re probably not playing in?” Yui asks.

Koushuu shrugs. The data analysis has always been one of the better parts of being a catcher for him, and just because he’s not playing this practice match doesn’t mean he can’t use it for practice. Besides, he started yesterday, and he’ll probably start again as their season gets rolling. It’s still spring. Even though their last summer is coming, it hasn’t started yet, and Koushuu is trying to enjoy the time they have left. In as much as he enjoys baseball, anyway.

Yui’s head lands on his shoulder. Koushuu jumps, because Yui isn’t usually the touchy type, and Koushuu definitely isn’t, but he lets Yui stay there anyway. It’s been a long day, and being captain is hard, and Yui has been fighting barriers Koushuu never has for far longer than this.

“I quit being captain,” Yui says. “You can do it.”

“You know I’ll just make Kuki do it,” Koushuu says. He knows Yui doesn’t really mean it.

“I feel like I keep fucking up,” Yui says. “No matter how hard I work, I always feel like there’s more to do.”

“You have vice-captains for a reason,” Koushuu says. “Let us help you.”

“So you’ll do all the data analysis, and Kuki will handle everyone’s emotional problems, and that just leaves me doing what?” Yui asks.

“Leading,” Koushuu says, and he gently pushes Yui off. “Go sleep. It’ll be better in the morning.”

Koushuu stays up later than he should and walks into breakfast blinking sleep out of his eyes, but the relief on Yui’s face, coupled with the way the dark circles under his eyes have faded, is worth it.

“Aren’t you the diligent vice-captain?” Taku teases when Koushuu sits down, cursing the lack of coffee. “You’re a good friend.”

Koushuu really should have realized that Yui was also his friend sooner.

***

“That is blatant favoritism!” Kuki complains as Koushuu throws a pillow at him and growls for him to shut up. “Taku-chan started it and you didn’t say shit to him.”

“Can’t help it if I’m his favorite!” Taku grins as he passes by Kuki on the racetrack, piloting his Princess Peach across the line to lap him. “Or maybe Asada is now, I can’t tell.”

Asada shrinks and focuses on keeping his Luigi on the track.

“Nah, if you’re not the favorite it’s definitely Kaoru-chan,” Kuki says. “They have this catcher bond that can’t be bro – dammit, Kaoru-chan!”

“You snooze, you lose!” Yui crows, browbeaten into taking a night off and thoroughly enjoying himself. “And I say Seto’s the favorite.”

“You’re all wrong,” Koushuu snaps from where he’s trying to focus on his homework. He’s not suffering the indignity of makeup exams again. He’s a third year. It’s demeaning. “Masashi’s my favorite.”

Masashi has been patiently waiting for one of the four controllers to open up, leaning against Koushuu’s desk as he works, and he looks up at the call of his name but doesn’t say anything. Koushuu adores him for it. Masashi stayed on later than he normally does because the other four had declared it a third year bonding night and camped up in Koushuu’s room with Mario Kart. He hasn’t said much – usually doesn’t – and that’s just fine with Koushuu, because he really wants to get ahead on his homework before it comes crashing down around his ears.

“You wound me,” Taku complains. “How is Masashi your favorite? No offense, Masashi.”

“None taken,” Masashi says.

“Taku, you’re fired as my best friend,” Koushuu says. “Masashi, you’re hired.”

“I don’t want to get in the middle of anything.”

“Too bad.”

Everyone else complains a little more before letting it slide, taking Koushuu’s mood for what it is.

“You dropped a decimal there,” Masashi says, pointing to Koushuu’s homework. He’s right. Koushuu fixes the mistake. “Are you actually mad at them?”

“No,” Koushuu says. He’s annoyed, sure, but they mean well, and it’s not their fault he has a hard time focusing on baseball and homework at the same time. Besides, he can’t actually bring himself to break it up when they’re having so much fun.

He’s really gone soft since his first year.

“Good,” Masashi says. “If you need help, I’m okay at math.”

“Thanks, Masashi,” Koushuu says, and he means for more than just the homework.

He and Masashi don’t talk all that often, but Masashi offers a quiet kind of companionship that Koushuu can’t get from any of the others. At least this time, Koushuu recognized the friendship for what it was early on. It’s a strange kind of friendship, not one he ever knew existed, but he’s grateful for Masashi anyway.

“If you want a turn, go take one,” Koushuu tells him. “Send Taku over if you do, I’m doing history next.”

Masashi goes, clapping a hand on Koushuu’s shoulder on the way. It hurts, a little, but Koushuu doesn’t complain.

***

Koushuu sits in the grass, knowing it’s staining his uniform pants, and he can’t bring himself to care. He has a diploma in his hand, and he never has to wear these again.

“Jeez, try to look less like someone died,” Taku complains, dropping into the grass beside him. “This is a time for celebration.”

“You’re even less eager to leave than I am,” Koushuu says. He made friends here, created memories, played baseball that restored the fun of the sport to him, but Taku loved it here. He’s grateful he made the decision and Taku chose to follow him for that if nothing else.

“True, true,” Taku agrees easily. “But it does give me the chance to do this.”

He holds out a button under Koushuu’s nose, and Koushuu realizes his jacket is hanging open.

“Is this your second button?” Koushuu asks. “Is this a confession?”

Of all the things he expects, he doesn’t include Taku laughing at him.

“Is this…of course it’s not a confession!” he says, grin in place. “This isn’t news to you.”

Koushuu shrugs, because it kind of is.

“Koushuu, we got playground-married when we were seven,” Taku says, incredulous. “I made you a flower ring and everything!”

Koushuu doesn’t admit that he’d kept that ring until it fell apart.

“We haven’t been…together, though,” Koushuu says.

“Of course not,” Taku replies. “We’re in high school, and we were busy with other stuff, and you had to work through those weird crushes you had on Miyuki-senpai and Sawamura-senpai.”

“I did not have-!”

“You totally did, and it’s fine,” Taku says. “I’m surprised you didn’t date anyone this entire time, though. I did.”

Yes, Koushuu remembers the girlfriend Taku had for a few months, remembers how fiercely and furiously jealous he was of her. Taku’s confession, if it can be called that, isn’t a surprise, sure, but Koushuu expected to continue as they were, best friends and maybe something a little extra, growing closer without him realizing it.

But, of course, life isn’t that kind. They’re not going to the same university, although they’re both staying in Tokyo, and Taku isn’t playing baseball anymore. He still loves it, but there are other things he wants out of life, and he told Koushuu he was happy to keep supporting him in the aftermath of the huge fight they had about it.

Koushuu reaches out, but instead of grabbing the button, he grabs Taku’s hand, holding the button between their palms. Taku rests his head on Koushuu’s shoulder, and they watch the sun sink together.

“You’re not allowed to lose my number,” Koushuu threatens. Taku laughs.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he says. “Come on. Our moms are making some huge celebration dinner at my house that they think we don’t know about.”

Koushuu didn’t know about that, actually, but he’s not surprised Taku did. He lets Taku tug him to his feet and lead him home, just like always.

[moonliel-writes]

For Daiya Rare Pair Week 2020 Day 7 Theme: Free Day Summary:  Sawamura does not want to miss out on this years Stargazing Festival at his home town of Nagano, a time for friends and love confessions. Dragging Chris-senpai along was imperative. Pairing: Chris x Sawamura Notes: WIP but will be completed soon!

[hiraethstill]

title: distance socializing (and maybe dating)

rating: general audiences

warnings: none

pairing: kamiya carlos toshiki / kuramochi youichi

summary: When Kuramochi sees the cute guy dancing on the rooftop across the street, he can't let him go without getting his number. But how's a guy in quarantine to do that?

link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/23889511 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

For Daiya Rarepair Week 2020, Day Five (AU)!

[oaktoont]

Words: 9518 Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Isashiki Jun/Yuuki Tetsuya Characters: Isashiki Jun, Yuuki Tetsuya, Isashiki Jun's Sisters, Isashiki Jun's Mother, Yuuki Tetsuya's Mother Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Flower Shop & Tattoo Parlor, Childhood Friends to Lovers, Pining, Non-Explicit Sexual Content, Slow Burn, Tattoo Artist Yuuki Tetsuya, Florist Isashiki Jun, Hanakotoba (The Language of Flowers) Summary:

Jun was five.

And he thought he was an edelweiss.

[fierysunrises]

“It’s only us pitchers who can prove for all to see that your game calling choices aren’t wrong, yeah?”

“If we go up in flames, we go up in flames together. It’s okay. I won’t leave you to die alone.” daiya no ace rarepair week: day 6-  faith/doubt (kousawa)

[pagsys-writings]

Lost & Found - Chapter 3

Found (Part 1): Furuya Satoru

Pairing: Furuya/Haruichi; Sawamura/Haruichi; Furuya/Haruichi/Sawamura

Summary: Eijun had been the one to put him back to his feet, knowing what to say at the right moment. Furuya doesn’t talk a lot but he speaks with his actions. He always knows what to do to put Haruichi at ease. Sometimes it’s a well-placed touch of the hand. Other times it’s bringing him something to snack on when he’s been busy.

Notes: Hey guess what? Things get a little better.This is the first part of the reunion prompt for the daiya rare pair week. Kind of like a rekindling of a relationship that was already there. (Also added some new minor ships!)

[fractionallystruckout]

Title: Off the Record Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Isashiki Jun/Yuuki Tetsuya Characters: Isashiki Jun, Yuuki Tetsuya Additional Tags: Alternate Universe, In which Jun didn't attend Seido, Professional Baseball Player!Jun, Sports Reporter!Tetsu, Acquaintances to Lovers, DaiyanoAceRarePairWeek2020 Word Count: 800

Summary: Jun doesn't like interviews. He doesn't like reporters who've never played the sport. This conversation is off the record.

[daiyanerd]

It’s finally here! I’m so excited for @daiyarpwk2020! Today’s prompt is Distance/Longing. Miyuki closes the distance to give Nabe the kiss they’ve both been longing for…

[ijichi-bff]

Day 3 of @daiyarpwk2020​ : “Swap”

Title: Kominato-san

Pairing: Miyuki Kazuya/Kominato Haruichi

Description:

“Haruichi,” A voice called out all of the sudden, “don’t get too comfortable with the boys, now.”

“O… Onii-chan!” She stood up and as his head started to finally clear up, for real this time, Miyuki felt like a ton of bricks had just fallen on top of him. Well, there’s no denying it now. They are definitely siblings.

[rayraywrites]

Title: Maybe things happen.

Chapter 3: Cooking Games (Day 2- Swap)

Characters: Miyuki Kazuya, Kuramochi Youichi, Sawamura Eijun (minor)

Relationship: Miyuki Kazuya x Kuramochi Youichi

Rating: General Audiences

Total Word Count: 2654

AO3

Event: @daiyarpwk2020​

Clicking on another video he focussed in on the same face that he’d been gazing at for hours. He laughed softly at the same lame intro he’d been hearing in each video. The same dorky glasses and apron. He gulped silently at each intense look shot at the camera when concentration was required. His smile grew as each successful cook was greeted with a brilliant grin.

“Welcome back to home plate kitchen.” The man shot a smirk at the camera before continuing, “I’m your favourite catcher, Miyuki, here to share another recipe.” 

Youichi barely focussed on the actual meal, simply watching the ease at which the man moved around his kitchen and the mastery of his art. He wasn’t a mess in the kitchen, but watching this chef easily switch between different styles and types of recipes each video and make successful food each time, it rankled a bit. Yet he was fascinated. 

But what drew him even more was the moments of silliness that would pepper throughout the videos. When Miyuki would sometimes attempt to lift a hot pan off the stove without mitts and then whip his hand back. The incredulous look on the man’s face coupled with rapidly shoving his burning hand under cold water pulled raucous laughter out of his mouth. He especially enjoyed when Miyuki’s housemate, Sawamura, would appear in the frame to pull silly faces that wouldn’t be seen until editing. The captions insulting Sawamura were particularly amusing for him. 

He had spent a couple days watching Miyuki’s videos, realistically he was binging them. It had been a lark, having seen a comment under one of his own videos about a week ago. 

gamer_goose35: you know what would be great? thechefcatcher and Mochi making a video together! They have the same type of humour! Plus think of the video options!

Youichi had been curious, having not heard about “thechefcatcher” before, so he looked the other youtuber up. That led to days of listening to the same sarcastic laughter, the snarky side comments at every recipe, and gazing at the talented movements that attracted him first. 

When he finally glanced at the clock on his laptop he saw that it was approaching three am. With a slightly hysterical laugh, Youichi closed the lid and placed it aside. He’d deal with his new strange obsession another time. Right now he needed to sleep. Tomorrow, well later that same day, he had plans to shoot two new videos. He needed the sleep. Getting under the covers, he tried to convince himself to fall asleep. But each time he closed his eyes, all he saw were Miyuki’s eyes blinking back at him. He spent much of the night tossing and turning, restlessly attempting to fall asleep.

--

Clicking on the email icon, Kazuya began deleting all the trash that filled his inbox. Switching between his calendar and an email from another cooking channel who reached out to him for a collab, he sent off a couple days that would fit his schedule. Switching to his social media, Kazuya sent out the usual morning tweet that his followers were expecting. Nabe had recommended that he start interacting more with his fans, and disagreeing with his manager was something Kazuya had quickly learnt wasn’t a smart decision.

@thechef_catcher: good morning. But also what constitutes a “good” morning. We’re all waking up much too early and having to go to work and slog our way through the day. So really...just morning. (6:37 AM)

There, that would keep Nabe off his back, for at least a couple days. Sliding off his bed, Kazuya winced slightly as his foot hit the ground a bit too hard. Waiting for the jarring feeling in his ankle to subside before trying to stand again, he glared down at the floor. Finally feeling up to standing up again, Kazuya moved towards his closet, changing into his usual jogging outfit. With it being the off season, he could usually find Sawamura hovering around the kitchen. Sure enough the pitcher was still there, ready for their morning run. 

As normal, Kazuya put in earbuds, drowning out Sawamura’s inane chatter so early in the morning and stepped outside of their apartment. He had thrown in a small heating pad into his bag before leaving the house, in case his ankle started acting up again. Running their usual route, Kazuya let himself sink into the music and the monotonous sound of his feet pounding on the pavement. By the time they rounded back to the apartment Kazuya could feel the sweat running down his neck. With a shaky grin he nodded his head back at the street, telling Sawamura to keep going. Heading back inside, Kazuya went straight for a shower, changed into his outfit for the day, grabbed his computer and headed towards the kitchen.

Today’s video was going to be about Sanuki Udon. He had spent a couple weeks working with the local udon shop alongside the chefs to perfect his technique. He had already filmed his first failed attempts a while back, following recipes online. Setting the cameras up, he prepped the kitchen before picking up his phone. Texting Sawamura that he would be busy for the next hour or so, Kazuya got started. Slipping his branded apron over his head, he switched the camera on and began speaking.

“Ohayo everyone! Welcome back to home plate kitchen. Your friendly neighbourhood catcher is here!” He said the words with an awkward smile, hating that Sawamura had convinced him to start his videos with such a cheesy introduction. Even if it worked as his fans took to the puns and silly intro, he hated it, but he carried on. 

Seven years ago Kazuya would never have considered that his days would be littered with recording himself cooking, editing videos, and becoming as unathletic and baseball oriented as he had. But another bad collision at home plate, and a shattered ankle had ended his career. Six months after he managed to walk on his ankle safely, he was still just sitting around his home and moping. It had been Sawamura’s suggestion to start the channel, something to do for fun while he figured out what to do with his career now. Kazuya had been uninterested at first, putting in very little effort and just cooking whatever came to mind. But the fact that people seemed to enjoy it and Sawamura kept crowing about how the channel kept growing made him start to give it a bit more attention. But even moreso, he started to enjoy it a bit more. There was something oddly enjoyable about just talking to a camera for a couple of hours and cooking food. And with Sawamura living with him, he wasn’t just cooking for himself. 

It was kind of nice. 

“Alright, with a completed dish, I think we’ve completed all nine innings, and it’s time for this video to wrap-up!” He placed the completed Sanuki udon onto the front of his counter. With the recording complete it was time for editing. Luckily with experience and time he’d managed to get better at editing. Moving back to his room with the camera SD cards he settled down at his desk. The video wouldn’t be released for another week or so, but Kazuya wanted to complete editing so that he’d have the rest of the day free. As he was fiddling with the font for the side text explaining each step he completed, he heard the extra chair in the room being dragged to sit beside him. Turning his head slightly he smirked at Sawamura who settled into the chair with a loud thump! Reaching over and ruffling the pitcher’s hair, he turned back to his computer. 

“How was your run, Sawamura?” 

“You missed out on the cutest dog Miyuki-senpai! It was adorable, with its tail wagging everywhere!” 

He couldn’t help but laugh at how Sawamura sounded like he’d seen the cutest thing on the planet. “Ah, so you met your family member, how lovely!” The affronted look on Sawamura’s face was worth all the hits his shoulder received.

“Stupid Miyuki, you’re just sad you missed out on the dog.” Sawamura’s countenance suddenly brightened as another brilliant idea came, “this Sawamura will make sure to take a photo for next time!”

Smiling to himself, Kazuya couldn’t help the sigh that escaped his lips. Sawamura never ceased to amuse him, but even moreso, he was a bright light in his life. He was still the most eye-catching sunflower Kazuya had ever seen. And fully bloomed. “Sure...whatever you say Bakamura.” 

“Idiot Miyuki....” Sawamura had switched to looking at his phone, muttering threats under his breath as he often did around Kazuya. 

Out of the corner of his eye Kazuya watched as Sawamura continued scrolling on his phone, becoming comfortable in the chair. Giving his full focus back to his video, Kazuya ignored his desk partner for about thirty minutes until a loud shout made him almost jump. Turning and glaring at Sawamura, Kazuya waited impatiently for an explanation. 

“Miyuki! Mochi uploaded another video! It’s a cooking video!” Sawamura’s voice was loud as ever, but laced with astonishment.

He felt the joy course through his body, excitement filling his veins at the news. Both of them had gotten hooked onto @gamermaimer’s videos a few years back. Sawamura enjoyed the commentary while Mochi played the game, but Kazuya had become enthralled with the gamer’s voice. There was something soothing about it, but he also felt something from the grainy sounds. And then, last year they’d received a face reveal, Kazuya had been floored. He hadn’t expected to find spiked green hair, eyeliner, and a lip piercing as attractive as he had. 

“Give me ten minutes, I should be ready to watch.” He tried to nonchalantly speak, but he knew Sawamura was aware of his crush. The number of times Sawamura had recommended that he contact Mochi to collab was high, but every time he looked at the differences in their video styles, Kazuya hesitated. But cooking? Maybe there was a chance here. They sat down to watch the video.

“Hey maimers! Obviously this isn’t my usual set up, but I’ve been inspired. One of you folks recommended a channel for me to watch and maybe collab with.” 

They both laughed when Mochi fumbled with his phone to read off the channel, but then froze when he said the name.

“Oh what was it...here we go! thechefcatcher! I’ve spent the past few days watching....”

Kazuya felt his breath catch in his throat, disbelief pouring out of him. But when he turned towards Sawamura, the same surprise was on the pitcher’s face. 

What.

--

Youichi was nervous releasing the video. He had struggled through the cook, even if he had picked a fairly straightforward dish to make. Baking was not his forte though and the roof would probably always have that strange orange-coloured splotch on it from his first attempt. But embarrassing himself for a video was not a big deal, he’d done it before. It was the fact that he’d called out his new obsession, he’d mentioned the youtuber who’d been living in his dreams. The tweet he’d posted had Miyuki tagged and for a normally brash person, Youichi was feeling uneasy about that decision.

The notification that @thechef_catcher liked and retweeted his tweet gave him heart palpitations. Deciding to take the plunge, he DM-ed Miyuki. 

@gamermaimer: hi

@thechef_catcher: hey

@gamermaimer: so...uh you watched my video...

@thechef_catcher: why else would I have rt your tweet? 

He stared blankly at his phone. What was that? He laughed in spite of himself, hysterically. 

@gamermaimer: yeah well. What did you think?

He meant about the offer of a collab at the end of the video. He meant the proposal of trying something new for both of them. What Miyuki responded with though?

@thechef_catcher: well you absolutely failed at every step so I’m amazed you managed to get any cake onto that table. 

@thechef_catcher: Geez Mochi, it’s almost like you bought a replacement cake to pretend you succeeded.

Somehow he wasn’t surprised to see that Miyuki’s personality was as twisted as it was. But it took two to tango.

@gamermaimer: well, if I sucked so bad, maybe you ought to come fix me?

He waited and the reply took more time to arrive compared to the last but it still came. He anxiously tapped the message notification. 

@thechef_catcher: perhaps I will.

He let out a sigh and his shoulders relaxed. Their conversation continued, figuring out dates and times that would work for both their schedules. They agreed that the first video would be with him in Miyuki’s kitchen. He asked if Sawamura would be there, and received a teasing response. So when Miyuki asked what video they would do for his channel, Youichi proffered the only realistic response.

@gamermaimer: well of course we have to play a video game.

It was only later, when he went to go follow Miyuki on twitter as well, that Youichi realized something. He shouted angrily, throwing his phone down onto the ground. Petulantly he whined to himself, “the idiot’s already following me.”

–– 

The day of filming was awkward. He arrived early, not by much, but early enough that it was obvious. He had already sent out the customary tweet announcing his “secret” plans for a video.

@gamermaimer: well sometimes you get lucky with your videos. Other times you meet a moron and make a stupid decision (10:34 AM)

Sawamura was there, hovering in the dining room. Fiddling with a camera setting even with Miyuki telling him to stop touching the camera every five seconds. Youichi blinked confusedly at both of them. They were fidgety and uncomfortable. Because of him?

“Hey! Hey idiots!” They both turned to him; Miyuki put down the pots he was randomly holding, Sawamura looked up from the camera. “What the hell is going on? Some explanation for your bizarre behaviour would be wonderful, please.” The last few words came out sarcastic, and he knew the look on his face matched his tone. For some reason being around both of them was easy. In the way most collabs never were; he felt at home with them. So he skipped past politeness and jumped straight into insults. “I realize that you’re both morons, but if we could at least get the video started?”

Miyuki seemingly calmed down at that, chuckling hesitantly even as he gazed at Sawamura with a lost look. But it was Sawamura seemingly snapping out of whatever funk he was in that finally set things normal. “Mochi!”

Youichi turned to face Sawamura expectantly, but the excitement seemed to have rapidly fizzled out before Sawamura exhaled deeply, you could see the air! He laughed to himself.

“Can I get a photo with you? I’ve...We’ve been watching you play for three years now!” 

He hadn’t expected that. Glancing at Miyuki, Youichi was stunned to see the usually calm face turning bright red before the chef looked down at the counter. Throwing his head back, Youichi let himself laugh freely, ignoring the squawks from Sawamura. Wiping tears from the corner of his eyes, he laughed softly one more time before replying. “Sure. Sure. But only if I get an autograph from you,” he nodded at Sawamura and then softly, “and your phone number.” He stared at Miyuki, waiting for acknowledgement. Miyuki nodded stiffly, but his eyes had only shifted from the counter to glare at Sawamura.

“I don’t exactly have three years as a credential...but is 48 hours of no sleep from binging your channel good enough?” He laughed at the stunned look on Miyuki’s face. “So, what do you say....my friendly neighbourhood catcher?” 

But rather than the huffy noise he expected, Miyuki still managed to surprise him. A smirk and, “well...I think you mean a maimer don’t you, Youichi?”

He grinned.