A/N: Hello, readers! Welcome to the start of season two! Also, my dumbass came to a realization that Saeko and Akiteru weren't friends during their high school days. But for the sake of the plot, let's pretend they were, okay? Also, this chapter will have flashbacks of Takashi's time when he played for Karasuno. Enjoy the chapter!

TW: Anxiety attack (Not sure if I need a TW for this, but just in case).

edited on june 9th, 2021 @ 11:21am

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CHAPTER TEN - PAST FOES

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU'RE not gonna be able to come?"

Takashi was sitting in a local coffee shop with Akiteru. After meeting up with his old high school coach in giving him away (to which he said yes to), he had met up with his best friend.

"I don't know, Taka. I might be busy." Akiteru muttered.

"Teru, we haven't even set an official date yet. How the hell will you know if you're gonna be busy?" Takashi sighed.

"There's that old nickname again. He hasn't used it since high school." Akiteru thought. "I just can't, okay? You know how busy I am with work."

Takashi huffed in annoyance. "Teru, we've been friends since our first-year of high school. Then, we met Saeko soon after. I would like to have my best friend there. Stop being so damn selfish. I'm not Kei." He said.

Akiteru clenched his jaw at the mention of his younger brother. "You know why I did what I did back then. You have a little brother too, you told me you understood my situation." He informed.

"Yeah, but I would never lie to Tobio about my position and having him hate volleyball as a result. At least now I'm trying my best to fix my mistakes that I made. You're not even trying as much with Kei." Takashi shot back.

When Akiteru didn't answer, Takashi got up and left the coffee shop, throwing his drink on the way out.

"Shit... it's now or never. I don't care about the outcome anymore." Akiteru thinks to himself as he quickly rushed out of the coffee shop, following Takashi.

"You want to know why I don't want to attend your wedding?" Akiteru called out, making Takashi stop. "It's because I'm hopelessly in love with you, Kageyama Takashi. Have been since high school. I don't want to watch you marry someone else while I wished it was me you were getting married to instead. So yeah, call me selfish for not wanting to attend."

Takashi stayed silent for a moment as he turned around. "This was what you wanted to tell me back in high school, huh?" He questioned. Akiteru just nodded in reply.

"When did you realize you were in love with me?" Takashi asked.

"I don't know, to be quite honest." Akiteru replied honestly, stuffing his hands in his pockets. "Perhaps it was when you did everything in your power to make sure I became a regular on the team, or at least make it to the bench. You always stayed after practice to send tosses to me."

Takashi sighed to himself, knowing that his next move might jeopardize his relationship with both Tenma and Akiteru, depending on how both males react.

No matter what though, Takashi had to do it. He had to give Akiteru closure. It was the least he could do.

He turned around, pulled Akiteru close to him, and kissed him before quickly pulling away. "T-Taka, what—" Akiteru stuttered.

"I'm not a complete asshole, you know." Takashi interrupted. "Don't think nothing of it. The kiss was meaningless. I only did it to give you closure."

Takashi then walked away from him. Akiteru then realized something. "Hey, Taka! Text me when you and Udai set a date! I'll be there." He shouted.

"Yeah, I will, Teru." Takashi called back, finally glad that Akiteru had finally realized.

Akiteru wasn't in love with him.

He was in love with the idea of being with him.

Takashi opened the door to his and Tenma's shared apartment, closing the door behind him. He found Tenma in their bedroom, working on his manga as usual.

Takashi placed his work down on the ground and hugged him. "I'm sorry, Tenma..." He muttered, embracing him tighter.

Tenma blinked in confusion. "And what exactly are you sorry for, Kashi? Don't tell me you killed someone." He joked.

"I kissed Akiteru..."

Tenma stayed silent for a moment. "Well, at least you didn't kill someone." He finally said.

"That's all you have to say?"

"What kind of partner would I be if I just assumed you were cheating?" Tenma questioned. "Besides, I know you, Kashi. You don't do things without a reason."

"Akiteru was in love with me in high school. That's what he wanted to tell me back then." Takashi explained. "But when he told me, he didn't have that same look in his eyes like you did when you confessed to me."

"And what look would that be?" Tenma questioned.

"The look that he was in love." Takashi answered. "I kissed him to make him realize that he wasn't in love with me, he was in love with the idea of being with me."

"I also mentioned Kei. I told him how I'm trying to fix my mistakes with Tobio. While he's not even trying." Takashi stated.

"There's only one thing I lied to him about though."

"What would that be?"

Takashi looked at Tenma. "I completely understand why he did what he did. Because if I didn't become a starter in our first-year, I probably would've lied to Tobio as well." He answered.

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Takashi placed his gym bag on one of the benches as he got dressed in his volleyball jersey. His teammates were already dressed, most of them heading out.

"You alright, Takashi? You seem like you're nervous." The black haired male looked up to see Matsuda looking at him worriedly.

"I'm fine, Ren." Takashi sighed. "A captain can't lose his composure."

Matsuda rubbed the bridge of his nose in frustration. "You're allowed to feel nervous, you know. Frankly, I don't blame you. Korea is one of the best national teams out there." He stated.

"I'm most definitely not nervous. Besides, if I show any signs of nervousness. Then the team will fall down too." Takashi informed, grabbing his jacket and heading out. Matsuda following right behind him.

The announcer had just finished introducing Korea's starting line up.

"Now, to introduce Japan's starting line up."

"#1, Kageyama Takashi."

"#2, Matsuda Ren."

"#3, Tomita Jun."

"#4, Fukuda Kouhei."

"#5, Miura Kenta."

"#6, Hashimoto Shouta."

"#7, Yamada Daisuke."

"#9, Ikeda Haruki."

"#10, Takahashi Kazuki."

"#11, Yoshida Ryouta."

"#12, Kimura Minoru."

"#13, Nishimura Naoto."

"#15, Sakamoto Chikao."

"Their manager, Harada Miki, and finally their coach, Hibarida Fuki."

Everyone clapped as the Japan team took off their jackets.

Meanwhile, Tobio was at practice, his eyes glued to his phone.

"Hey, Kageyama. What are you watching?" Hinata questioned, gaining everyone's attention.

"I'm watching Nii-san's match. They're going against Korea." Tobio answered.

"Oh, I wanna watch too!" Nishinoya shouted. Soon enough, everyone on the team (including Tsukishima) was surrounding Tobio's phone that Keishin had them take a long break.

At Aoba Johsai, Oikawa was looking at his phone as well. "Hey, Shittykawa! Get back to practice!" Iwaizumi shouted.

"Later, Iwa-chan. Taka-chan's game is on." Oikawa informed.

Iwaizumi and the rest of Aoba Johsai crowded around Oikawa's phone to watch the match.

TWEEEET!

"Captains." The referee said as Takashi and Korea's captain, Paek Jae-Sun, shook hands and went back to their teams.

Takashi began setting tosses to his teammates while Korea's setter, Cho Myung-Ki, was doing the same.

From the outside, you could tell that Takashi was calm despite going against one of the best national teams in the world.

"You have to be calm, Takashi. Don't make your team worry so much. If their captain is calm, then they'll be calm." Takashi told himself, sending a toss to Ikeda, who had spiked it. "Don't let their high stats scare you."

TWEEEET!

Both of the teams lined up to face one another. "Let's play!" Both teams shouted as they both bowed.

Tenma was sitting in the reserved section that was for the players families, friends, or spouses as normal when a familiar ginger sat down next to him.

"Oh, Nagata. I didn't know you were coming to watch." Tenma stated.

"I figured I would watch this match in person." Nagata said.

Korea was up to serve first. Korea's #3 served as Matsuda easily received it, sending it over to Takashi who got into setting position.

"Yoshida!" Takashi shouted, tossing for the blonde who jumped up to spike the ball.

Two blockers jumped up to block Yoshida, however, he managed to perform a straight, sending it down and gaining Japan their first point.

"Nice, Yoshida!" Takashi complimented.

"Thanks, Captain. But I don't think it'll work on them anymore." Yoshida sighed. Takashi knew Yoshida rarely did straights, since they could easily be blocked.

Yamada was up to serve. "Give us a nice serve, Yamada-san!" Takahashi called out. The dark blue haired male could only nod in appreciation before tossing the ball up in the air, running up, and finally spiking it with his palm on the other side.

Korea's libero easily received it, making Yamada growl with frustration. "His receives are almost as good as Matsuda's. It kinda pisses me off." He thinks to himself.

The ball was up in the air again as it headed for Cho Myung-Ki, who put his hands up in the air. He shouted for Korea's ace, Jung Taemin as he jumped up in the air and spiked the ball.

Matsuda was barely able to receive it as Tomita quickly covered for him. Takashi tossed for Nishimura as the male spiked it, getting Japan another point.

Soon enough, Japan easily won the first set the score being 32-30. The team headed over to the coach.

"You okay, Ren?" Takashi asked his vice captain and best friend worriedly.

"I'm fine, Takashi. Just worn out." Matsuda breathed out in reply.

Takashi just nodded. "The first set seemed to easy. As expected from one of the top three worldwide teams, they were neck in neck with us. But something doesn't sit right with me." He mumbled.

"You're right about that one, Yama-chan. I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed." Miura agreed.

"What worries me is what they have up their sleeves. We still only have four sets to go." Kimura muttered.

"Don't worry, everyone. Just place your trust in me. I am the mastermind, after all." Takashi reminded them.

Meanwhile, on Korea's side, the Korean players were in a discussion. "geuleul neoh-eoyahandago saeng-gag haeyo, kochi. (I think we should put him in, coach)." Korea's captain, Paek Jae-Sun, said to Korea's coach, Ku Sang Kyu.

"hwagsilhae? (You sure?)" Ku Sang Kyu asked.

"ye. geuneun ilbon-ui jujang-eul aju jal algo issseubnida. naneun geuga godeunghaggyoeseo seolo daegyeolhaessdago eongeubhaessdago midneunda. (Yes. He knows Japan's captain very well. I believe he mentioned that they faced off against each other in high school)." Jae-Sun replied.

Ku Sang Kyu nodded. "aju jal. (Very well)." He agreed before turning to a dark purple haired male who was sleeping on the bench. "higasi, dangsin-i deul-eo wassseubnida. (Higashi, you're in)."

The dark purple haired male opened his eyes as he got up and smirked. "Kageyama Takashi. It seems fate has brought us together as opponents again." He thought.

The game soon resumed. Up in the stands, Nagata widened his eyes at a familiar male who was entering the court. "Udai, does that male on Korea's team seem familiar to you?" He questioned, making Tenma look over and narrowed his eyes.

"Higashi Benjiro... He was Sarukawa Tech's ace, right?" Tenma asked.

"Yeah. It makes sense why he would play for Korea. They have the same style as Sarukawa did. Which is targetting their opponents setter." Nagata responded. "He gave Kags a hard time when Karasuno went against them. He was on the verge of collapsing back then. I'm worried."

"I'm sure we have nothing to worry about." Tenma reassured the ginger.

"Do we? You know how Kags was back then."

"Kashi won't make the same mistake. We have to trust him."

On the court, Takashi almost gasped when he saw the dark purple haired male. "You... What the hell are you doing on Korea's team?" He thinks to himself, a flashback running through his head.

Karasuno was currently playing against Sarukawa Tech for the first round of nationals. They were on the third set. Karasuno had won the first set while Sarukawa won the second.

"Everything hurts." Takashi thought, trying to catch his breath. He was on the verge of passing out. He couldn't pass out. He needed to make sure Karasuno won.

"Hey, senpai. You okay?" A first-year wing spiker, Kato Kouhei, asked his senior.

"I'm fine, Kato. Don't worry about me, okay?" Takashi replied.

"If you say so." Kato said before getting back into position.

Takashi heard a chuckle from the other side of the court, glancing over to see Higashi Benjiro, Sarukawa Tech's ace.

"It's not good to lie, Emperor." Higashi told him as Takashi growled.

"Shut up, bastard. Karasuno's gonna make you cry. That's not a threat, it's a promise." He said. Higashi chuckled.

"Sure, you might have a few good players. Especially that ace of yours that lacks height." Higashi said. "But without him, you're nothing. He's the one who brings out the best in you."

Takashi could only watch as Higashi walk away back to his team.

To say that the audience was shocked when they saw a Japanese born player on Korea's team was an understatement.

"Hey, Emperor. Long time no see. How long has it been? Around four years since we've faced off against each other at nationals?" Higashi said in Japanese, making Takashi come back to reality.

"Not long enough. Your face still pisses me off, Higashi." Takashi answered.

Higashi snickered. "Good to know. Say, where's that partner of yours?" He questioned.

Takashi narrowed his eyes. "Ten doesn't play volleyball anymore." He responded.

"Oh? Well, that wasn't what I was expecting. The great Little Giant quitting volleyball? What a shame. Though, I suppose it'll only prove my theory right. You're nothing without him." Higashi stated.

Takashi just walked away. "Yo, captain. You good?" Miura asked.

"I'm fine, Kenta. Don't worry about me, all right?" Takashi told him. "Make them cry."

"Sure, Yama-chan..." Miura mumbled. "He used my given name. He most definitely isn't okay." The red head added in his head, concerned about his team captain.

The whistle blew as Miura did his jump serve. Higashi easily received it, sending it over to Cho Myung-Ki, who tossed it for Korea's #8, who gained a point for Korea since Matsuda was late on receiving the ball.

"Shake it off, Ren! You'll get the next one!" Takashi called out to him as the black haired male just nodded in appreciation.

The ball was in the air once more as it headed for Takashi, who tossed it up in the air once while Miura was running towards the net. When he tossed it a second time, the red headed ace jumped up.

"geuleul mag-a! (Block him!)" Higashi shouted in Korean before him and Jung Taemin jumped up as well, sucessfully stopping the attack and blocking them. Korea received a point as Matsuda was late on receiving it. Japan could only stare in shock.

"They stopped his Emperor toss!" Hinata exclaimed as Karasuno watched the match.

"Korea's #6 played against Nii-san back in high school. He knows about his toss." Tobio explained. "His toss is powerful, but not invincible. Think of it like our quick attack, but more advanced."

"They... stopped it?" Iwaizumi mumbled. Aoba Johsai was also in shock as well.

"Mmm. It isn't invincible Iwa-chan. Taka-chan knows this." Oikawa said.

Takashi breathed heavily. "That's the first time my toss was blocked..." He noted in his head.

"Man, that was hard to watch." Takashi looked next to him to see his eighteen year old self in his black and orange Karasuno jersey that was emblazoned with the number nine. "If that was Ten, it wouldn't have been blocked. You've downgraded, Takashi."

"Shut up." Takashi mumbled.

"I'm sorry, Yama-chan." Miura apologized.

"Don't mind, don't mind." Takashi reassured him. "That attack is powerful but it's not invincible. It was bound to happen."

After that, Korea did everything in their power to make sure they wore out Takashi, and they were succeeding. Takashi watched as the ball was about to go out of bounds.

"Ten!" Takashi called out, tossing towards Karasuno's ace from the back row.

"Kenta!" Takashi shouted, tossing the ball towards the red headed ace as Miura jumped up and spiked the ball, gaining Japan a point.

Korea ended up taking the second set as both teams went off the court. Takashi breathed heavily as he leaned onto Matsuda for support.

"Kageyama, you're on the bench. Uchida, you're subbing in for him." Hibarida informed.

"Okamoto, you're subbing in for Kageyama."

"Oh no. Looks like you're getting benched again, Takashi. Just like back in high school, huh?" His eighteen year old self taunted him.

This grabbed Takashi's attention. In a flash, he straightened up. "Coach, I'm fine! I can still play!" He said.

"Kageyama, you're an important player to us, I can't risk anything happening." Hibarida told him.

"Oi, Yama-chan. Let Uchida-chan take over for a while. Coach is right." Miura said.

"I got to keep up Japan's reputation, Kenta! If the captain of the national team has to be benched, it'll look bad for Japan. It'll make us weak! I can't have that happen." Takashi argued. His team looked at him worriedly.

The truth was, Takashi's legs felt weak. He didn't know how long he could keep this up. They still had three more sets.

"But Yama-chan—"

"I got this, Tenma! Stop worrying about me, all right?!"

Miura flinched at the mention of his captain's fiancé. It reminded him of so many past memories of Takashi always comparing him to Tenma back when they first started on Japan's National Team. Takashi blinked when he realized his mistake.

"Miura..."

"I don't wanna hear it." Miura interrupted him before walking away to get water.

Hibarida sighed. "All right, Kageyama. But the first sign I see you in distress, I'm pulling you out with no questions asked, understand?" He questioned.

"Understood, coach!"

Matsuda looked at his best friend with worry written on his face. "Stubborn idiot. You just won't listen..." He thought.

Both teams went back on the court as the game resumed. Higashi served the ball as Takashi received it.

"Ren!" Takashi called out to Japan's libero as Matsuda started running up, stopping at the white line and jumping over it.

"That's the same move Seijoh's libero did!" Tanaka gasped out in shock.

"So Coach Takashi was right about him knowing it..." Nishinoya mumbled.

Keishin smirked. "I'm not surprised. He did graduate from Nekoma after all." He added.

"Huh?! He knows that move too?!" Watari exclaimed.

"I read up on Japan's libero. Matsuda Ren. He graduated from Nekoma." Iwaizumi explained.

"Nekoma? Isn't that a school in Tokyo?" Hanamaki questioned.

"Yeah. They went to the spring nationals every year. I read that they're also Karasuno's destined rival. As the two teams have gone up against each other in the past." Iwaizumi replied.

Takashi ran up as Matsuda tossed to him. However, he heard a loud pop in his knee as his hand missed the volleyball, making it fall to the ground as Korea gained a point.

Takashi collapsed onto the court.

"Takashi!"

"Yama-chan!"

"Captain!"

Takashi could hear the shouts of concern from Matsuda, Miura, and his teammates as he groaned in pain, not being able to get up.

TWEEEET!

"Harada, get Nakagawa. Tell him it's urgent." Hibarida ordered. Japan's manager nodded as she got up from the bench to fetch the athletic trainer.

Karasuno could only look worriedly at Tobio's phone screen. "He'll be okay, right?" Hinata asked.

"Yeah. He's got to be." Nishinoya replied.

They all saw Tobio clench his phone. "That dumbass! He doesn't know when to rest! I'm gonna hit him the next time I see him!" He shouted.

Tsukishima snorted. "Kinda like you, King?" He said.

"What'd you say, bastard?!"

"Calm down, you two." Daichi ordered.

At Aoba Johsai, they also looked worried. "Taka-chan..." Oikawa mumbled, worried about his former mentor.

"He'll be fine, Shittykawa. Don't worry." Iwaizumi tried to reassure him.

Nakagawa Takuya, Japan's athletic trainer, appeared with Harada right next to him as he quickly rushed over to Takashi.

"Out of the way, move it. Give him space." Nakagawa demanded before kneeling down. "Kageyama, can you stand?"

"No."

"Okay. Matsuda, Miura, I need you to support him and carry him to my office."

Matsuda and Miura helped him off the court as Takashi winced in pain.

"The mighty Emperor has fallen." Takashi heard Higashi mumble. He grit his teeth as he could imagine the smug look on his face.

Tenma could only watch as his fiancé was being helped off the court. He stood up and headed towards the athletic trainer's office, Nagata right on his heels.

(A/N: Some stupid complicated medical stuff is coming up. I've never gotten a serious injury in a sport before so I apologize if I get shit wrong. Most of this is through my research).

Once in the athletic trainer office, Matsuda and Miura set Takashi down on the bed that was located in the office as Nakagawa checked on him.

"Kageyama, I'm gonna need you to tell me if this hurts." Nakagawa said before pressing his knee.

"Ah!" Takashi winced in pain.

"What's wrong, Nakagawa?" Hibarida asked.

"He's torn a ligament. More specifically, his ACL." Nakagawa responded, wrapping up his right knee. "It's not slight either. It's a complete tear."

"Will I be able to play volleyball again, Nakagawa-san?" Takashi questioned.

"If you get the surgery, yes. But the surgery costs about $20,000 to $50,000. Recovery then takes about eight to twelve months before you could return to volleyball." Nakagawa explained.

"If you don't get the surgery, your knee will become more unstable and may give out often." Nakagawa finished.

"Shit..." Takashi muttered.

"If money's an issue, I can pay for it, Yama-chan." Miura offered.

"I can't ask that of you, Miura."

"I have the money. My parents were wealthy, remember?" Miura stated. "I know you and Udai-chan's money is going towards your wedding. Besides, you're my partner. I kinda need you on the court."

"Thanks, Miura. I appreciate it."

"We better get back to the match." Hibarida said as Matsuda and Miura nodded.

"Make them cry, Miura." Takashi told the red head.

"You bet I will, Yama-chan." Miura responded as him, Matsuda, and Hibarida left. Nakagawa followed them out, needing to be on the sidelines just in case any more casualties happened.

Takashi then heard a chuckle. "You had to go injure yourself, Takashi. You've grown pathetic, you know? This never would've happened back in high school. You were feared." His eighteen year old self continued to taunt him but then stopped.

"Oh, right. That was back when Ten was playing."

"Shut your mouth." Takashi growled, clenching his fists together.

"Admit it, Takashi! You were at your best with Ten! He wasn't just your life partner, he was your partner in volleyball too! Didn't you call Miura his name? No one could replace Ten. Not in a million years."

"Ten hasn't played volleyball in four years."

"You should've tried harder when he told you he wanted to stop playing. You should've convinced him. You know damn well he inspired so many players. Including Hinata."

"I couldn't!" Takashi yelled at his younger self. "No matter how much I wanted him on the court with me, I couldn't convince him to stay in the sport. It was his decision."

At that moment, Tenma and Nagata entered the athletic office. "Kashi, are you okay? When you collapsed onto the court I—" Tenma began.

"Ten, I'm fine." Takashi interrupted.

Tenma sighed but decided to let the topic go. He knew Takashi was in pain. But he didn't want to get in an argument with him.

That was the last thing he needed.

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Japan had lost.

They tried their best to overcome Korea, but without their captain, it wasn't enough.

Takashi was watching one of Karasuno's matches back in their glory days. The time they were standing on the national stage.

He watched as Kobayashi received the ball as it went flying towards his younger self.

"Ten!"

Takashi watched as a younger version of his fiancé ran up to the net and jumped high as Takashi sent the toss to him. He spiked it past the two blockers and successfully gained a point.

"There you have it! Another great attack by the Emperor and Little Giant! Say, Arima-san, Karasuno's most powerful duo are third-years, correct?"

"That's correct, Shiba-san. Between Kageyama's clean and accurate tosses and Udai's agility, they make quite the team."

"Well, I cant wait until they dominate the court in the future."

"We lost that match." Tenma's voice interrupted Takashi's thoughts. Tenma handed him his iced tea as he sat down next to him.

"We were against Nekoma. It was expected." Takashi reminded him. "Ten, do you ever miss it? Playing volleyball?"

"I told you why I stopped, Kashi."

"I know." Takashi said. "I accidently called Miura your name on the court during the match. I know it was most likely due to me being panicked and stressed out. But he took it hard."

"You're not just my partner in life, Ten. You were my partner in volleyball too."

Tenma sighed. "Hey, how about we play volleyball using our apartment complex's net?" He suggested.

"You'd really do that?"

"I can't promise you I won't be as great as I was back in high school, but it'll take your mind off things. You just have to promise me you'll take it easy. You're injured." Tenma replied.

Once they were at the net, Tenma tossed the ball up in the air as Takashi got into setting position. Tenma ran up to the net and jumped up, Takashi tossed the ball towards him and Tenma spiked it, the volleyball hitting the ground on the other side, making Takashi smile.

"What do you know? Even after four years, he still has the talent. I guess it never really leaves your system." Takashi thought. His mind wandered off to his younger brother and Hinata.

"Those two idiots better cherish their three years in high school while they can. Because someday, they might not be a team anymore..."

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

Word Count: 4465 words.