Ahahahahaha what do you mean it's been half a year.

Sorry *sweatdrop*

Now, enjoy!

~'0'~

Tenma's weekend begins with a letter.

It arrives early on Sunday morning, the small lightning bolt in the corner of the envelope making it stand out from the rest of the mail. The brunet is shifting through the different envelopes, on his way to the living room to give his father the post, when he notices it and it has him faltering for a few moments.

Especially when he sees it's directed to him.

Shaking it off, he quickly continues on his way and, after placing the other papers on the coffee table, sinks down on the couch with the letter in hand. With quick fingers he opens it, only pausing when Kichirou glances around the corner of the kitchen. ''What you got there, buddy?''

Tenma gives his father a fleeting smile. ''A letter from school,'' he answers and that's enough for the man to step out of the kitchen, slinging a dishcloth over his shoulder as he does so. His son is pulling the letter out of the envelope and Kichirou sits down next to him, keeping his curiosity at bay for now in order to give the younger brunet a bit of privacy.

Tenma, for his part, scans the contents of the letter carefully, the slight tremble in his hands making it just a bit harder than it should be – because really, there is only one thing this could be.

And he's right.

We are pleased to inform you of your acceptance into Raimon High School's second soccer team.

That's the sentence that really stands out.

He breathes out slowly, reading the letter once, then twice, to make sure he hasn't missed anything. Then he's thrusting it into his father's hands, silent.

It takes Kichirou a few minutes to read it and then he's lowering it in favour of glancing at the teen next to him. Tenma's face is mostly unreadable, so the man takes a moment to release a deep breath.

''Are you happy with this?''

The teen tenses for a second and then gives a shrug.

''I- I guess, I mean,'' he hesitates for a few moments, ''it's a start, right?''

Kichirou grins at that, ruffling his hair and ignoring the boy's sputtering protests.

~'0'~

Monday morning passes without much interest, the teachers slowly introducing the new students to the works of high school after a week of getting used to their new surroundings. The first classes pass easily, and so does lunch break, after which Tenma has a free period.

The brunet navigates through the halls of his new school, taking the by now familiar route to the library. He slips inside the double doors, taking a moment to enjoy the quiet before moving to the counter, where a few other students are gathered. ''Good morning everyone,'' he greets as he joins them, placing his bag by the wall.

''Ah, morning, Matsukaze,'' greets Katsuragi, giving him a slight wave. ''You're just on time for your shift. Do you remember who you would be working with?''

The brunet nods. ''Hirota-senpai, right?''

''Yup,'' responds the vice-president, before gesturing the boy in question over. ''Oi, Hirota, remember Matsukaze? He's new, so be nice.''

The teen, a third-year, Tenma would guess, rolls his eyes. ''Of course I will, I've been doing this for three years,'' he mutters, before shooting the brunet himself a friendly smile. ''Your nameplate is finished, it's on the coffee table. Just make sure it's visible on your uniform so students and teachers know you're part of the committee.''

Tenma nods and moves through the door in the wall behind the counter, which leads to a small lounge for the committee members when they're on break or if they want to catch up. Like Hirota said, a bunch of nameplates are scattered on the coffee table and the brunet quickly scans them until he finds the one with his name and class.

Just as he's pinning it on his uniform, he hears Katsuragi call his name. ''Hey, Matsukaze, I'm off! Have fun with your shift, 'kay? Just ask Hirota if you have questions and you should be fine!''

''Ah, alright! Thank you!'' he quickly calls back, exiting just in time for the vice-president to give him a wave before disappearing through the library doors. The brunet turns to Hirota, giving him a polite smile. ''Please take care of me,'' he adds quietly.

The older teen grins. ''No need to be so formal.'' He gestures to a cart laden with books with his thumb. ''Okay, so since this is your first shift, I'll go easy on you. See that cart there? If you could return those books to their correct spots, it'd be great. There's a list with everything you need and if you're confused by something, feel free to ask me,'' he tells the brunet. ''I've got some other things to do for you later, so just come back when you're done.''

The brunet nods. ''Ah, hai,'' he says, making his way to the cart and finding the list the older student was talking about. He scans the paper, taking note of every book that he has to return and where their rightful spot is, and then quickly gets to work.

It takes him a few minutes, but soon enough he has figured out the system and where everything goes, and then he quickly falls into the rhythm of placing the books in their rightful spots. It's not as boring as he feared, the silence of the library surprisingly calming. A few students come and go and he's asked for help a few times, which luckily go over well – he's pretty much memorized most of the library's lay-out – but otherwise, it's quiet.

Before he knows it, he has finished and Hirota is introducing him to the basic system with easy and quick tasks, running commentary almost all the time. His voice is low and soothing and Tenma's a little surprised when the bell rings, not having realized the period is over already.

When he waves goodbye to Hirota, he can't help the small smile curling on his lips.

He can't wait until his next shift.

~'0'~

It's at the end of the day that Tenma makes his way to the billboard outside the soccer club's hall. There's a crowd, but he already expected that. Still, it takes him a while to push to the front of the group.

When he does, his eyes immediately fall on the five lists hanging there. His eyes immediately search out the one belonging to the second team, quickly finding his name amongst the listed people. He scans the rest of the list after that and tension floods from him like water when he doesn't see any recognizable names. A quick look at the first team's list shows that everyone he doesn't particularly want to meet is there. Thank god for small mercies.

Then the brunet catches sight of the name listed as the second coach and he grimaces.

Tsurugi Yuuichi.

With a sigh, he pushes through the crowd again, making space for others to check out their new teams, and moves towards the entrance of the soccer building. It's just as crowded here and he ducks inside the building, into the main hall where he'd been only days before to sign up for the try-outs. Teenagers are scattered around, chatting and shouting and creating a wall of noise in general.

The brunet quickly moves to the information desk, where someone – not Fuyuko, but another woman – is working on a computer. ''Excuse me, ma'am?'' when she glances up, he gives her an apologetic smile. ''Sorry to disturb you, but which way is the second team's club room?''

She nods towards the sliding doors right from the information desk. ''Take that one, then it's the first one on the left.''

Tenma quickly thanks her and follows her instructions, quickly moving through the sliding doors and sighing in relief when the noise from outside is muted a bit. The door to the club room is wide open and voices, much calmer than the mess in the main hall, drift out.

The brunet takes a few calming breaths, before crossing the little distance separating him from his new team. He pauses in the doorway for a moment, taking in the room.

It's large and it reminds him a bit of Raimon Junior High's club room, although there are a few differences. There's a big screen on the left wall, couches placed in half circles in front of it – to discuss strategies, among other things, most likely. The other half of the room is decorated with beanbags and pillows, a small bar and mini fridge in one corner.

About a dozen teens are scattered around the 'relaxation' half of the room, all dressed in the bright blue version of the high school uniform. Tenma recognizes some of them from TV, but he can't quite remember their names.

He does, however, recognize Yuuichi.

The young man is talking animatedly with a few of the teenagers, gesturing wildly as he tells a story. Tenma watches him for a few moments, his voice caught in his throat, and then he quietly slips further into the room, a bit hesitant.

It's not needed, however, for one of the teens notices him and waves him over. ''Welcome, you must be one of the new players!'' says the boy, giving the brunet a friendly smile. His hair is a shade between red and purple and the bright orange band on his arm makes him easily identifiable. ''I'm the captain of the second team, Teruya Seitaro. It's very nice to meet you...''

''Matsukaze,'' supplies Tenma quietly, noticing the way Teruya's eyes widen slightly at that name. ''It's an honor to meet you too, senpai,'' he adds, hoping to distract the boy.

It works, for his bright smile quickly returns. ''That's the way to the locker room,'' he says, gesturing to a half-opened door. ''You can find a bunch of uniforms there, so just get one in your size and meet us here once you're done. Training will start when the entire team has gathered.''

Tenma nods, returning the teen's smile with a small one of his own, and quickly ducks into the changing room. The lockers are bright red and take up two of the walls, the other two obscured by benches. Light falls through the high, horizontal windows, reflecting of the light blue floor, and the brunet takes a moment to let the tension flow out of him as he stands there.

Then he makes his way towards one of the benches and sits down, dropping his bag on the ground next to his feet. His new uniform is clenched in his hands and he stares at it, the familiar cobalt blue and canary yellow stealing his breath away. His fingers ghost over the small logo on the shirt, almost the exact same as junior high's.

The brunet shakes his head and forces the memories away, instead quickly starting to change into his new uniform. He's seen it already, in passing, but now he takes the time to admire it.

A cobalt blue shirt with a white collar, a bright yellow lightning bolt starting at the left shoulder and crossing to the right hip. The shorts are the same shade of yellow, blue lines going down the side, and the socks are yellow with blue trim. White shoes with sky blue highlights finish the look.

As Tenma pulls on the socks, he pauses midway and stares at the scar on his right leg. Rough and white, standing out sharply against his tanned skin with its jagged edges, reaching from his ankle to just below his knee. A soft sigh escapes his lips as he inspects it as he has done so many times before.

With a grimace, he shakes his head, as if he can physically force the reminder away. Then he finishes pulling up his sock, which, thankfully, covers the entire blemish.

Once he has tied his shoes, he stuffs his uniform in his bag and puts it in an empty locker. Adjusting the new uniform a little, he glances over his shoulder, only just capable of making out the bright yellow twelve on the back of his shirt.

That's going to take some getting used to. He has never played with a number other than eight.

Telling himself to stop lingering, he makes his way to the door that separates him from the club room and slips outside. He pauses there, inspecting his new team for the first time. Most of them are lounging on the couches and beanbags, obviously the third and second-years, while a few teens seem a little nervous and uncomfortable, clearly the new players.

Tenma joins two of his new teammates on one of the couches, both seemingly older students. The two girls shoot him welcoming smiles when they notice him and he returns the gesture, before focusing on Yuuichi, who seems to be answering questions from the new players now.

Before long, the last players trickle in and are directed towards the locker room. Once they have joined them, the room suddenly seems filled with people and Yuuichi – after doing a quick headcount – asks for their attention. ''Well, seems like everyone is here! It's great to meet all of you officially!''

There are some returned greetings, although Tenma stays silent, not wanting to stand out too much. Their coach doesn't seem to mind the careful reactions and instead smiles warmly. ''As some of you might already know, I'm Tsurugi Yuuichi. I'm 21 and this is my first year as single coach, although I was assistant trainer for three years before this, so I probably won't kill any of you on the first day,'' he grins and there is some laughter in response to the joke. ''Anyway, I usually play as forward when in a match, although midfielder is okay too. Now, enough about me! I'll show you the way to the second field so we can start our first warming up!''

~'0'~

Training is mostly the basics.

It's demanding, certainly, but they don't even get close to using hissatsu, Keshin or Souls. Not surprising, though – Yuuichi is probably just testing them, to see what he has to work with.

They go through various exercises, some of which Tenma recognizes as Kidou's – the man has a knack for making seemingly impossible practice regimen and the brunet can clearly recognize his influence here, even if he hasn't actually trained under the man in years. Stamina, speed, strength and agility are all tested and everyone more or less manages to keep up.

Tenma has to hand it to the Raimon soccer club – they certainly know how to create a team in terms of skill.

He allows himself to lose track of time as he goes through one physical exam after another. The burning of his muscles and the light sheen of sweat on his forehead dredge up long forgotten memories, of matches underneath the burning sun and morning training before school even started.

By the time the sky is turning darker, Yuuichi calls them to the bench. Once everyone has gathered there, the young man smiles warmly at them.

''Well, that was certainly impressive! Don't worry, we'll get to the real fun stuff soon,'' he tells them, winking as if revealing a big secrets. There are some grins at that. ''Also, apologies in advance if I don't remember your names correctly, that's going to take some getting used to.''

Laughs, this time. With that little speech, they move back to the club room and change into their school uniforms. Tenma takes a little longer when he pays extra attention to not let anyone see the scar on his leg, so some of his teammates are already saying goodbye by the time he's pulling on his blazer. Once he's finished stuffing all his belongings in his bag, there are only a few people left.

Slipping out of the changing room, he pauses for a few moments. Some of his new teammates are talking with Yuuichi where the coach is leaning against his desk, and from their easy-going attitude, it's obvious these players must know the elder Tsurugi from last year.

The brunet hesitates, because, well, it's not like he actually wants to talk to his new coach.

On the other hand, procrastinating this situation isn't very welcome either.

With a sigh, then, Tenma moves towards the trophy case at one side of the room. He inspects it silently, mostly to have something to do while he waits instead of standing around awkwardly. There are several pictures from teams from previous years, together with prizes won in tournaments and the like.

By the time he's seen most of the trophies and photos, his new teammates are saying goodbye to Yuuichi and the changing room has emptied out. Tenma doesn't turn around as the older students are leaving, taking as much time as he can to avoid whatever will happen next.

But Yuuichi doesn't seem to agree with that notion.

''Pretty impressive, huh?'' he asks and Tenma closes his eyes, just for a second, before nodding slightly. He forces his expression to be a blank canvas and then he turns around, trying not to fidget. Yuuichi smiles easily at him. ''Is there anything I can help you with?''

The teenager moves to say something and then pauses.

His mouth closes, slowly, and his hand involuntarily rises up to clutch at the strap of his bag. He looks away from his former friend and instead glances at the ground, letting his hair shade his gaze.

Funny.

He'd imagined, many times, what he'd say if he ever got the chance to go back.

Yet now...

Now I'm completely speechless.

Isn't it just ironic?

He tightens his grip on his bag until his knuckles turn white, forcing himself to shrug even though his shoulders feel too tense to make the movement seem natural. There's a sudden rustle of clothes and then Yuuichi is in front of him, a worried frown on his face. ''Hey, is everything okay?'' he asks and reaches out to place a hand on his shoulder.

Tenma lets him.

Finally, he manages to drag his eyes up to meet his coach's concerned gaze and he doesn't know where the words come from when he says, ''maybe you should've asked that three years ago.''

Yuuichi stills, confusion lacing his expression.

''I'm sorry, I don't understand?''

The brunet steps back, then, the elder's hand slipping from his shoulder. The coach frowns at the obvious gesture, but doesn't move closer again. The teen shakes his head and smiles bitterly. ''You haven't checked the list of players yet, have you, coach?'' he asks instead of clarifying it, the word feeling weird in his mouth.

''I... haven't,'' confirms Yuuichi slowly. ''What does that have to do with anything, though? What's wrong?''

Tenma merely stays silent.

Seeing as the teen isn't planning on answering, the elder Tsurugi brother pauses for a moment and then swiftly moves back to his desk. Papers are scattered over the surface and he searches through them until he apparently finds what he's looking for. Pulling the clipboard out of the mess, brown eyes scan the list quickly, lips moving slightly as he whispers the names silently.

The brunet can see the exact moment he realizes it.

The clipboard clatters on the desk when the young man drops it, his fingers trembling just the slightest bit. For a few seconds, the scene is frozen like that. Then Yuuichi looks up, pale-faced and with wide, disbelieving eyes.

''T-Tenma... kun?''

His only answer is a dull half-smile, but it's enough.

Yuuichi takes a shuddering breath, one hand rising up to cover his mouth while the other searches for support on the desk. He lowers himself into his chair, eyes following every movement the brunet makes almost desperately.

Said brunet hugs himself, avoiding the gaze locked onto him. Instead he glances at the trophy case again, trying to find something to break this horrible silence. ''Seems like things have changed around here, right?'' he says flatly and on the inside he winces.

So does Yuuichi, and he doesn't bother to hide it.

''Tenma-kun...'' he says, having recovered his composure a bit. ''When... when did you come back?''

There's a slight pause before he gets an answer. ''About two weeks ago,'' mutters the brunet, then, leaning against the back of one of the couches.

The heavy silence returns, neither of the two knowing what to do now. For a long while, both of them stay quiet, but then Yuuichi sighs and leans his head in his hands. A flash of guilt shoots through the brunet at the sight, but he doesn't dare say anything.

I'm not going to apologize for this, he thinks, pushing the unwanted emotion away, because I haven't done anything wrong here.

The next question isn't entirely unexpected.

Doesn't mean it doesn't cause the teen's eyes to burn.

''Does- does your team know you're back?''

Tenma digs his nails in his arms and has to swallow. His breathing is just a tiny bit shaky and he pretends not to notice it, even though his fingers are trembling.

Knowing his voice will most likely break if he says something now, he instead scrambles desperately for something, anything that will help him keep control of this situation.

This was a mistake. He never should've done this, he never should've come back- if only he'd stayed far, far away here, if only he wasn't so damn desperate to prove something. I can't do this. Oh god, I can't do this-

And Yuuichi is still looking at him, expression soft and wondering and pained.

There's a sudden, sharp intake of breath and then Tenma's speaking, pushing the words out as if they're venom in his mouth, and they might as well be if one hears the tone he uses.

''What team?'' he spats.

The coach reels back as if slapped, mouth agape as he repeats the words soundlessly. Stunned brown eyes bore into his own, as if they can't quite believe what he just said. ''Wha- what team?'' repeats Yuuichi, finding his voice again. ''The first team, your team.''

He puts the emphasis on 'your' as if it explains anything.

Tenma smiles, but there's no humor in it.

''Well excuse me, coach,'' he says and the young man in front of him can't completely hide his flinch at the title, ''but I do believe I'm part of the second team. Do correct me if I'm wrong, though.''

Yuuichi looks like he'd rather this be a nightmare than reality.

Before he can say anything, though, the teen continues. ''And the only friends I have here,'' he adds, and the sudden quiet is a complete turnaround from his previous frigidity, ''aren't even in the soccer club.''

And then there's pity reflecting in those familiar brown eyes.

Tenma freezes and suddenly it feels like the room has frosted over.

No.

No, no, no.

He can take anger. He can take hatred, disgust, apathy, no matter how much it would hurt.

But he can't take pity.

Anything, anything but that.

A shaky breath escapes his lips and to his horror, it's like a mix between a sob and a whimper. He stumbles back, catching himself on the back of the couch for support. Yuuichi stands up, alarmed, in response, and has only taken a few steps around his desk when the brunet shakes his head. The young man stills, even though he looks like he wants to do nothing more than go to the teen's side.

''Tenma-kun...''

''Don't!'' snaps the brunet, standing up straight and wiping at his eyes for tears that aren't there. The coach hesitates, watches him without being sure what to do, and still there's that damn pity. ''Just... don't, Yuuichi-san.''

It only dawns on him that's the first time in years he's called the other by his name when Yuuichi's gaze flashes with surprise before softening.

Tenma doesn't give him the chance to say anything, instead crossing his arms again and hugging himself. He averts his gaze to the side. ''I just... wanted to let you know I was here,'' he says, then, and doesn't dare look at the other. ''Tell- tell Raimon I'm here for all I care, but just... just don't expect me to play nice again.''

His fingers are digging into his arms with such force his knuckles are turning white as he waits for Yuuichi's answer.

It comes in the form of a soft sigh and he can't help but look up.

Brown eyes stare back sadly and the brunet somehow gets the feeling the coach can see straight through him.

And the words that follow only convince him of that idea.

''You do care,'' says the young man quietly, ''otherwise you wouldn't say that.''

Tenma doesn't say anything, but the tension lining his shoulders is answer enough.

There's another, slighter pause, and then Yuuichi moves back to his desk, starting to straighten up the many papers scattered over the surface. ''I won't tell anyone you're here,'' he mutters and Tenma's head whips up, eyes wide – the coach spoke so softly he is sure he heard it wrong – but his only response is a slight, sad smile, ''because that's all up to you. I understand you don't trust me, or anyone here, but... just know that I'm your coach and, if you'll give me another chance, your friend. If there's anything I can help you with, you only have to ask.''

The brunet breathes in sharply through his mouth, but Yuuichi doesn't say anything else, just watches him silently.

There's something in his gaze that causes Tenma's skin to crawl.

Pity, he tells himself, it must be more pity. Because really, that's the only thing that'd make him feel this small and he hates it.

And that's why it has the brunet turning on his heel stiffly to make his escape from the clubroom without even bothering to say goodbye.

To be continued...

~'0'~

Did I ever bother to mention Tenma is an unreliable narrator? Because he totally is. Just warning you guys.

- Yara Meijer