PSL /Overflow/ Open Post

[1foxgiven]

 What it says on the tin.

Comments

[chromatic_coma]

Osamu came to Kita looking for sympathy, but ironically now that he's getting it, it's making him uncomfortable. "Well, you know, it wasn't that big of a deal. I mean sure, 'Tsumu can never see what's happenin' right in front of him unless you spell it out. But it's not like I wasn't invited to the camp. I just couldn't go because of my own stupidity."

[1foxgiven]

Too bad, Osamu. You signed up for this.

Shaking his head, Kita tucks the bento boxes away.

"You aren't stupid, and I don't mean the camp. I mean the entire amount of time you didn't talk to Atsumu. Spendin' all that time together like things were normal. That wasn't fair to you or him."

[chromatic_coma]

"It's not like he made it easy to tell him I had other stuff on my mind," Osamu counters irritably. "He was the one who always went on and on about volleyball, volleyball, volleyball. Anyone with eyes could see that he thought we'd be in it together for the rest of our lives."

Osamu purses his lips, trying hard not to frown or show just how bothered that always made him. But he's much more transparent than he thinks he is.

"I thought he'd grow out of it eventually but with 'Tsumu I just gotta grow up myself and then drag him along."

[1foxgiven]

Clear as glass. That's Miya Osamu and his feelings, especially tonight.

"Obviously he did. I thought you both did, until you brought me the meat bun."

[chromatic_coma]

"It's not like I was tryin' to keep it a secret," Osamu mumbles, suddenly feeling wary. How could he have expected Atsumu to just get it when even someone as perceptive as Kita didn't know that he had other dreams?

Then again, Kita isn't Osamu's twin. Atsumu's always understood him before, even if he needed a bit of prodding to help him get there. Osamu's just... well, hurt. Hurt that Atsumu isn't willing to put aside his own wants to see what's best for Osamu.

"Do you have any siblings, Kita-san?"

[1foxgiven]

"No. I'm close with my cousins, but I know it isn't the same."

Kita can only watch the Miya's bond from the outside. A fractious, fierce thing as likely to bite itself as anyone else. Yet it works. Somehow...

"You can't drag him."

He settles a hand on Osamu's shoulder. No pulling back on honesty, but at least there's an anchor.

"Atsumu has to decide - Stay a kid or chase after you. Odds are the second. He'll yell and complain and run his legs off to catch up. But waitin' around won't change a thing."

[chromatic_coma]

Osamu nods. He isn't even sure that normal sibling relationships would be like his and Atsumu's, not with them being twins. Everyone says it's different with twins, that the bond is stronger. Especially identical ones like they are. They've never been able to read each other's minds or tell when each other are sick the way some people say they should be, but the closeness has been there for their whole lives.

And for just as long, Osamu's been the one tempering Atsumu's relationship with the rest of the world.

"I know you're right," Osamu grunts, turning the tap off and wiping his hands dry as he finishes up with the dishes, finally. "But I'm tired of luggin' him around after me. He can't rely on me forever. Not anymore."

[1foxgiven]

Watching out for others is a huge responsibility. It requires planning and structure, carefully honed. Kita should know. He walked into his situation with eyes wide open. Seems Osamu didn't have such a luxury. No wonder he's tired. Without choosing, it burns you out. Hard.

"That's true."

With a pat, Kita pulls his hand back.

"Good job on the dishes. And dinner really was amazin'. Thank you."

[chromatic_coma]

It's almost funny, how all Osamu needs to hear is a simple "That's true" from Kita before some of the tension unknots from his shoulders. It's not enough to completely undo all of his frustration with his twin, but it's pletny, and it's more than enough for now.

"You're welcome. Thanks for havin' me over and lettin' me vent, Kita-san." He cracks a small smile. "You know, it's kinda hard to believe you live in a normal house like everyone else."

[1foxgiven]

Its good, finding the right words. Seeing them hit and unwind. There's still work to do, but not tonight.

"Really?"

Kita huffs a laugh.

"Where else would I live?"

[chromatic_coma]

Osamu brings a hand to his chin as he considers this. "Where do they keep robots when they're not being used? Laboratories? Or you could live in a museum, or some kinda time capsule house from the 1800s."

Is he even joking? Not really.

[1foxgiven]

"I'm not even sure what to say to that," Kita replies. Bemused.

"I mean, which is it? Robot or time-traveler? They're completely different genres."

[chromatic_coma]

"It's not that you're a time-traveler, just that you kinda act like someone from the past. Like upstandin', moral, super polite. It's really charmin', I mean, it's not bad. But sometimes it just feels like.... super human, you know?"

Osamu looks a bit wary. "I'm not too sure I'm explainin' this right. You should ask Aran."

[1foxgiven]

"Don't drag Aran into this."

Even Kita can't keep the tone cold enough for a believable scolding. It's just so ridiculous. He's no one but himself. Does that really make such an impression?

"Well, glad to hear it's charmin'?"

[chromatic_coma]

"He'd be able to explain it better," Osamu insists. "You're just.... different. Not in a bad way!!" He adds quickly, fearing he might have insulted Kita. "Not in a bad way at all. It's like you're just a good person, way better than most people. And you aren't even tryin' to be. You just are."

[1foxgiven]

Kita's not reaching for better. That sort of battle is for other people. He only wants to set the world in order. Make things feel right. A concept baffling everyone he knows, aside from his grandmother.

Oh well.

Taking mercy, Kita smiles.

"Don't worry. I'll take it as a compliment. Thanks."

[chromatic_coma]

Osamu sighs a little with relief. Offending Kita would have been a grave mistake, and the whole team would have (deservedly) come after him for it.

"Good. Uh, you're welcome. I just sort of meant that it's nice to see you at home since it's not school. Away from the team. S'nice."

[1foxgiven]

"Hadn't thought of that. Guess Aran's the only one who comes over.""

It's true. This is the first hangout in a non-volleyball capacity. Kita can't say he minds. Even with this disruption to the Sunday schedule, the management of yet another crisis.

Osamu's good company.

[chromatic_coma]

"So Aran's been here," Osamu mumbles, filing that information away. It's obvious the two upperclassmen are friends, but he and Atsumu have never really been able to tell how deep that friendship runs.

"And you invited him over but not us? Isn't the team captain supposed to be fair and encourage team bondin' and stuff?" He teases, toeing the line of being bratty. Hopefully, anyways.

[1foxgiven]

It's easy to believe nothing ruffles Kita.

This is mostly true.

But there are still reactions. Nuance in tone and expression. Especially in the eyebrows. Which now tilt a fraction, translating into I know you don't mean a word of what you're sayin' you absolute menace to society.

"Does the team need to bond over Advanced Calculus? I'll add it to the schedule."

[chromatic_coma]

The thing about losing their very first match at Nationals is that Inarizaki's team, by nature of being a powerhouse school, booked accommodations and transportation anticipating that they would be competing for the entire duration of the event. They even attended tutoring sessions before leaving Hyogo just to make sure they wouldn't miss too much schooling. So now they're stuck in Tokyo for a few days, with reminders of the tournament they should be playing in but aren't constantly surrounding them.

Osamu hates wallowing in his own self-pity, and dealing with Atsumu's anger and frustration is even worse. The rest of the team isn't much for a good time right now in general, but Osamu especially notices Kita. Kita, who doesn't seem upset on the outside, but leaves Osamu wondering. He's a third year, and their captain. Isn't he upset, even if he's hiding it?

"Hey, Kita-san," he says one afternoon, after he gets back from watching some of the matches happening on the orange court. "Are you free tonight? 'Cuz there's this restaurant I heard about in Tokyo that I was meanin' to try while we're here. Maybe you could come with me?"

Since it's a school trip, Osamu would have a hard time getting permission to go alone.

[chromatic_coma]

Well, Osamu did walk right into that one. He makes a face that conveys exactly what he thinks of Advanced Calculus.

"Well, then, enjoy your special bondin' time with Aran. I'll leave you to it."

[1foxgiven]

It feels nice, being on this level. To enjoy joking, instead of immediately disarming the situation. Kita chuckles. Mentally awards himself a point.

"I enjoy special bondin' time over a lot of things. Like tonight."

Just so Osamu's aware.

[1foxgiven]

The ball fell and that was it.

The result.

Kita could not imagine a more intense game. Facing the Crows from nowhere. So ravenous they've devoured Eagles and now Foxes. He keeps running the match mentally. Not to ask what could be different. Just to enjoy the feeling.

It's not as if he has much else to do. The hotel staff is exemplary, bathrooms beyond reproach. And the hallways. And the elevators. Kita can't even find a spare corner cobweb. He's on his third inspection, which is where Osamu finds him. Staring at the ceiling.

"Oh - I'm sorry, where do you want to go?"

[chromatic_coma]

Osamu can't help but smile. Kita's so direct, and in this case it makes him feel warm inside.

"Thanks again for havin' me over, Kita-san. It really helped."