A/N: Hello, readers! So I'm currently in the process of making a prequel to this and writing about Takashi and Tenma's time as third years at Karasuno. It's gonna be called "No Regrets." Enjoy!

edited on january 17th, 2021 @ 1:56pm

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CHAPTER FOUR - PRACTICE MATCH WITH NEKOMA.

"TODAY IS THE DAY, TAKA!"

Matsuda walked up to him during practice. "I hope you're ready to lose, because Nekoma has some great players on the team." Matsuda informed.

"I'm not even sure I'm gonna go." Takashi admitted, tossing to Miura who hit the volleyball perfectly. "I haven't spent time with Ten lately because of volleyball and me going to high schools to train them."

"Don't give me that shit, Taka." Matsuda told him.

"I'm telling the truth, Ren." Takashi said. "Ten stopped playing volleyball because a college team didn't scout him. What he does most of the time is draw manga while I'm never home."

"Sounds to me like you're finding excuses to not go, Captain." Miura stated.

"For once, I agree with this dumbass." Matsuda added.

"Rude, Matsu-chan rude!"

"What are you so afraid of, Taka?" Matsuda asked.

Takashi sighed. "I'm afraid if I see Tobio set, I'll feel guilty for not teaching him. I'm also afraid that if I go, Keishin will ask me to help coach them." He replied.

"Coaching isn't that bad you know." Matsuda said. "I help Nekomata and Naoki coach Nekoma's current team when I'm free."

Miura nodded in agreement. "I also help Shiratorizawa from time to time. Mostly because Washijo wanted me to train Wakatoshi more." He added.

"I guess it wouldn't hurt to watch..." Takashi finally said. "Everyone's dismissed. Don't forget to take care of any injuries that you may have — Fujita I'm talking to you — we have a match against USA's team next week. So rest well."

"Understood, Captain!"

Takashi walked up to Coach Hibarida. "Hey, coach. I was wondering if I can get a ticket for our game next week." He asked.

"Oh, for your fiancé, right?" Hibarida asked.

Takashi nodded as Hibarida handed him a ticket to their game.

He entered his and Tenma's apartment as he entered  their bedroom. He dropped his volleyball bag on the ground. He jumped onto the bed and hovered over his fiancé.

"Were you laying in bed all day?" Takashi asked.

"No. I got up and ate something then drew a bit." Tenma replied. "Are you doing anything later?"

"Ren is making me go to Karasuno's practice match that they have with Nekoma." Takashi answered. "But I would rather spend time with you."

"Go to the practice match, Kashi. You need to support your brother." Tenma informed. "I'll be fine."

Takashi chuckled. "I'm surprised you never have the urge to cheat on me with me being gone so much." He stated.

"I would never do that to you, Kashi. I'm in love with you and only you." Tenma said.

"Good to know." Takashi smiled. "Also, I have a ticket for you to come to my game next week. Managed to get you a good seat too."

"Who are your opponents?"

"The USA." Takashi responded. "They're really amazing from what I've heard. Coach has been pushing us to our limits and Miura and I have been doing my sadistic toss more so we can be in sync better."

"They have you as their captain. No doubt that you'll win." Tenma said.

Takashi looked at the time. "Ah, I better get going if I want to be there on time. I'll see you when I get back, Ten."

Takashi got dressed in a white tank top and black joggers. He searched the closet until he found his old black Karasuno volleyball jacket and placed it over his top. "It's been awhile since I've worn this. Surprised it still fits." He chuckled.

"Still look good in it as you did four years ago." Tenma teased as his fiancé threw a pillow at him.

"I love you!" Tenma shouted.

"I love you too!" Takashi shouted back as he left their apartment.

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Takashi met with Matsuda who was wearing his old red Nekoma volleyball jacket. "See you had the same idea, Taka." Matsuda commented, seeing his black Karasuno jacket.

"It's been awhile since Nekoma and Karasuno played together. Try not to get too nogalistic." Matsuda teased.

Takashi scoffed. "You're making it seem like we're old men." He said.

The two of them met up with their high school teams who were outside of the gym.

"Matsuda-san! Thanks for coming to support us!" Kuroo thanked him.

"Pleasure is all mine, Kuroo."

"Eh? Kageyama-san, you're here too?" Tanaka asked.

Takashi nodded. "Of course. I wouldn't miss it for anything." He responded. Tobio just rolled his eyes at his words.

"Then explain all the times you missed my junior high games, Nii-san? Why should this time be any different?" Tobio think to himself.

Ukai noticed Takashi. "Thanks for coming, Takashi. I know Japan has their first game coming up next week." He said.

"Huh? You have your first game already?" Daichi questioned.

"Who are you up against?" Sugawara asked.

"USA." Takashi responded. "They're a tough team. So everyone's been working hard. It's like I said, Keishin. I wouldn't miss this."

Takashi followed Ukai and the rest of Karasuno into the gym where the Nekoma players were. He did a quick scan of them, gasping as he saw their stats and numbers.

"Hmm? Something wrong, Takashi?" Ukai questioned.

"Their stats and numbers... They're really high. I only see these types of numbers with either National Teams or powerhouse schools." Takashi responded. "You might have some trouble."

"I see..." Ukai muttered.

Kuroo watched in amazement as he saw Takashi follow Ukai to Karasuno's side. "Kenma, do you know who that person is?" He asked the second-year.

"Who?" Kenma questioned.

Kuroo pointed to Takashi. "That's Kageyama Takashi. A well respected volleyball player. He's the captain and setter for Japan's National Team." He explained. "I wonder what he's doing here? Is he scouting?"

"It's unlikely, he wouldn't be scouting players during a practice match." Nekomata denied. "It seems he knows Ukai really well. Perhaps he invited him to watch."

"Oh? You guys talking about Taka?" Matsuda asked, coming up to the team.

"Eh? You know him, Matsuda-san?" Yamamoto questioned.

Matsuda nodded. "He's my captain and best friend. He graduated from Karasuno and his little brother is the current team's setter. That's why he's here." He replied, making the Nekoma team nod in understanding.

"And don't even think about it, Kuroo. Taka's engaged to his high school sweetheart. Don't be a Miura 2.0 and flirt with him." Matsuda warned Nekoma's captain.

"I wasn't gonna do such a thing, senpai. He's too old for me anyway." Kuroo stated.

Takashi placed his hands in his pockets as he sat down in between Ukai and Takeda. He could see Matsuda sitting next to Nekomata as he smirked at Takashi.

Both teams bowed to each other and the practice match began.

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Soon enough, the practice match had ended with Nekoma winning. Everyone was tired out due to Hinata's stamina that he had left. "Takashi, do you want to come with me to talk to Nekoma? Their coach will be talking to our team." Ukai said.

"Why not? I have a few pointers to give to them." Takashi stated, following Ukai, Takeda, and Kiyoko.

After Ukai praised them for their good work, he turned to Takashi. "Anything you wanna add, Takashi?" Ukai asked.

"Yes." Takashi replied as all eyes turned to him. "You, number 5. You have great observation skills. You must be the brain of Nekoma." He said, pointing to Kenma.

"How'd you know that just by looking at him?" Yamamoto asked.

"I have someone on my team who observes players well. He's our strategist actually." Takashi replied. "Which brings me to my next thing, I'm guessing you're the captain that Ren told me about?" Takashi asked, pointing to Kuroo next.

"That's me." Kuroo responded.

"I couldn't keep my eyes off of you for almost the whole match. Truly amazing. As a captain myself, you definitely have the ability to lead your team well." Takashi praised.

"Thank you. That means a lot coming from someone as famous as you." Kuroo said, looking away so Takashi won't see him blushing.

Karasuno eventually left Nekoma as Takashi and Ukai walked side by side. "Hey, Takashi. I want to ask you something." Ukai said.

"What is it?" Takashi questioned.

"Would you like to be an assistant coach? With the Inter-High coming up, we need to get stronger." Ukai answered. This made the rest of the team stop and turn. "Though, I completely understand if you're too busy. I know you have your own team to manage."

"Well—"

Suddenly, Nishinoya and Tanaka bowed. "Please help coach us, Kageyama-san!" The two second-years said in unison. Takashi was stunned. He thought back to what Matsuda and Miura said about coaching.

"Coaching isn't that bad you know. I help Nekomata and Naoki coach Nekoma's current team when I'm free."

"I also help Shiratorizawa from time to time. Mostly because Washijo wanted me to train Wakatoshi more."

Takashi sighed. "I suppose being the assistant coach wouldn't be so bad." He said as Ukai smiled.

"Yes!"

Takashi chuckled. "No matter where I go, I'll always be brought back to Karasuno, huh?"

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A/N: Another chapter done! Hope you enjoyed!

Word Count: 1570 words.