Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/ works/4295610. Rating: Explicit Archive Warning: Underage Category: M/M Fandom: ダイヤのA_|_Daiya_no_A_|_Ace_of_Diamond Relationship: Miyuki_Kazuya/Sawamura_Eijun Character: Miyuki_Kazuya, Sawamura_Eijun, Kuramochi_Youichi, Kominato_Haruichi, Furuya_Satoru, Okumura_Koushuu Additional Tags: Fingering, Oral_Fixation, misawa, miyusawa, an_idea_I_needed_to_get_out of_my_head, which_lead_to_this_long_thing_of_a_fic, graduated_Miyuki_and third_year_Eijun, there_is_a_bit_of_fluff_in_here_too Stats: Published: 2015-07-08 Words: 9715 ****** What Luck will Bring ****** by starrwinter Summary Third year Sawamura. Graduated/university Miyuki. We all have items we consider to be lucky, but what happens when Sawamura has the weekend off and decides to pay his old captain and catcher a visit at a game... Notes A work I just had to get out of my head before starting on my assigned Daiya Big Bang fic. This story just had to be written ;)         Swathed in blankets he groaned, fighting against the alarms stubborn pull in his left ear. He was far too comfortable this morning, slamming his left hand down on the blaring phone to snooze. Stretching out tired and sore limbs from the hard fought game the day before.   Eijun was still fighting in his mind; the pull to consciousness from blissful dreams. Back to last year’s Koshien wins. Of guarded eyes and smiles. United hearts and calls. A battery afraid of no one else, controlling the games as its puppet master. To fear daring calls is to fear the game of baseball itself, and neither was afraid of losing any longer. Only, of not giving their all.   Finally stretching out his legs under the covers, hearing satisfying joint popping from stasis, he was brought back to the present. A time without the third year senpai … or Kuramochi … or especially – Miyuki.   His flashbacks tugged even stronger towards the catcher. Eijun’s reason for the draw to Seido in the first place. The ‘strongest battery partners’ at least in his mind after the team’s victory the previous year. Miyuki’s personality partially rubbing off on the pitcher to the point where their pitching sequence thoughts became synchronized. They could read a shift of a foot, blink of an eye, dust from a hand sixty and a half feet away, and instantly have a plan for how to deal with them. But Miyuki was no longer here. A gaping hole left still being slowly filled by Okumura, with another still wide open in his heart.   Regrets were a sore and sticky subject. Hardly any on the baseball field (minus the third years missed chance at Koshien during his first year) but he had learned to let go. Fretting, regretting, remorse never looked well on anyone and it didn't help with the present. You could either deal with the emotions by pushing them down, sometimes so deep you feel swallowed, or fix them. Face the fear. Demons clawing at your skin until the yes answer of euphoria, or no of the deepest depression. But, Eijun would always battle back from the brink. From a heart slowly growing brighter with each new chip.   It still never got easier, and he had a hard time pushing past the heavy emotions.   They had won yesterday and with the thrill of victory came its own reward. A well worn and well loved t-shirt o f the brightest yellow. Reminding Eijun of nights spent relaxing after training camps, hard fought battles at the diamond and heart to heart baseball conversations (not all his own).    A treat of wearing the shirt after a hard won Seido victory, his own small prize. Sometimes he could even pick up the scent of endless blue skies, fresh cut grass of the diamond, sweat of victory from the players… a scent all Miyuki’s own.   For Eijun knew the shirt did not belong to him. In fact he was positive it had been a favorite of Miyuki's being so well worn and used, yet left in a corner of his room mysteriously the day Kuramochi and Miyuki had graduated as third years. A small irreplaceable chunk of them left behind as a steady – although not unwelcome reminder.   Eijun’s reward for a win – the treat of wearing his now favorite shirt to bed. Inhaling past scents in his mind to fuel his dreams. The comfort of the fabric lulling him to sleep with a soft caress on the skin. Of loud gaming nights, longer training camp days, and the memories of a well-known smirk, fire filled eyes and of even more brightly sparkling laughter.   He could not escape the pull even if he wanted to – and Eijun knew deep down the memories were rooted in his bones, in his skin; muscles permanently etched like transparent tattoos underneath the flesh.   With great effort he shed his night shirt, packing it carefully away into his wardrobe. Stealing one last inhale before hurrying towards practice, his team mates and baseball.   The only and best distraction he had left against the pulses on his temple. Soft touches, lingering shoulder leans, side-eyed looks and whispered teases.       ===============================================================================       They won, and won, and won again. Ace Furuya. Clean-up Haruichi. Captain Sawamura. Spring cherry blossoms falling to the cement, paving the way for the hot, sweltering, humid Tokyo summer. Pressing heat against the back of your neck, rivulets of sweat running downwards before evaporating from skin. Long days with the longest evenings of the year mixed in. Visions filled of only sights from the diamond both during the day, and in dreams at night.   However, everyone was exhausted. For one glorious weekend there was no practice or real games. No training camps from hell. Sawamura had a choice as captain and felt the need to rest far outweighed any gains from extra practice in the sweltering heat.   The coaches easily fell into agreement with the plan. They sensed how exhausted the team was after the last game as well as the players, and let everyone have the weekend off to recharge. Gaming night battle lines were drawn. Trips into town planned for the day, before relaxing in the dorms for a change at night or even some catching up on summer homework.   The perfect opportunity for Eijun to slip away early in the morning unseen on a sunny Saturday. He had a long trek ahead of him into the heart of Tokyo by train. He knew he would inevitably get lost at some point by himself, and wanted to make sure he arrived with plenty of time to spare.   He of course told Haruichi where he was venturing off to in case someone asked during the day. A match between Komazawa and Aoyama Gakuin universities in their division.   Kuramochi had been going on and on about it for the last couple weeks. Revenge between rival schools for their last hard fought, and slightly edged out loss. The threats of bodily harm steadily increasing the closer it was to game day, and the next time both of them met.    And then there was Miyuki…   ‘Kuramochi has been slowly escalating his threat levels this week. You two had better win the game today!’ Eijun tapped, a slow grin spreading over his face as he headed into the city by train.   He hoped both of them were still fast asleep, catching up on needed recharge energy before the game. No such rules ever applied to Miyuki Kazuya.   ‘Hey, we’ll be fine. Well … at least I will be. I take no responsibility for Kuramochi’s actions if we lose. None!’   Eijun smiled even wider at the response. Already up, worried, very likely strategizing. Ever the life of the first string catcher… His thoughts wandering based on past experience.   ‘I know you… one cup of coffee this morning, and one prescription for a nap before your game due to lack from sleep from trying to read FAR too much into the other team’s roster!’ He texted back in a concerned rush.   Same old Miyuki. Eijun and some of their other team mates had taken to calling him the ‘zombie catcher’ due to his extreme lack of sleep and corresponding with his current caffeine levels on any given day before a match.   He always needed to be the most prepared. The one player everyone could count on in a clutch situation to have the strategy to get a stubborn batter out and back to the bench. But, secretly the pressure weighed him down so much.   Eijun clutched the phone even tighter in his hands, thinking back to the fights Miyuki, Zono and mediator Kuramochi had in their second year, as the new team slowly formed and transitioned around them.   They all lashed out in one way or another, stuck with the feelings of intense pressure to the team… the coaches… and most influentially, themselves. Miyuki being the captain meant he tended to take everything the hardest. Obviously because of his captain-ship, but deep down, because he still felt in his heart the largest part responsible for the third years crushing loss.   Eijun re-focused again as another chime from his phone brought his scattered thoughts back to the present.   ‘Quit worrying Bakamura. Only one so far this morning and Mochi already beat you to calling me last night with the sleep reminder and concerned friend guilt trip.’   Eijun could hear his taunting smirk even through texting on the phone. It was so perfectly ingrained into his memories, as his eyes slid closed and drifted back again to other times and games. Of late night talks and training…   He subconsciously pulled the shirt he was wearing to his face, breathing a deep inhale through his nose. The fabric was well worn, used and he would even say loved. A shirt of dazzling sunshine yellow, some would even say matching the brightness of Eijun’s smile he projected from the mound. The smile filled with strikeouts, exciting plays, a bit of heartache, but always supported with every ounce of emotion Eijun possessed at that time.   Quick flashes of dazzling brown eyes sixty and a half feet away just after striking a dangerous batter out. That grin plastered on a face Eijun knew so well, and missed far too much, too often lately.   Slowly he drifted back again. At least he could always hold the memories and pick through them at his leisure to remind himself of the happier times. Times of his most cherished battery partner (even if he might not know just how cherished).   Eijun tapped back, ‘Good. Glad to see someone is keeping you in line. Have fun winning today and don't drive the pitchers too crazy!’ He smiled again as the message was sent.   He knew deep down in his heart Miyuki would do just that – the opposite of his advice. Only this time, he would have the pleasure of viewing it first hand.   Eijun pocketed his phone leaving the train. Desperate for a bite to eat from a ramen shop Haruichi had recommended, and to stop his rapidly beating heart from exploding through his chest.   Only a few more hours…       ===============================================================================       Purchases safely in hand for himself, Haruichi, and even a little something tucked away for Furuya’s birthday, he headed towards the baseball stadium.   He even sneaked in a haircut, hiding the shorter fringe under his Seido cap. Another small dose of good luck for the players.   Eijun had also discovered another treasure hunting for a new manga to read at the bookstore during the early afternoon. Leafing through the newest baseball magazines, he stumbled upon one with articles written about the upcoming high school baseball summer season. Of Seido and their chances for a repeat performance, framed surprisingly with a picture of Eijun’s own face. The tale of a relatively unknown southpaw becoming (almost) as important and influential as Narumiya Mei.   It really was an amazing shot of him. Sweat trickling down his forehead, but looking relaxed. Vision no doubt focused on the catcher sixty and a half feet in front of him. From the captivated look and shine of his own eyes, Eijun could tell the photo was from last summer. Looking at a specific catcher that he could no longer gaze directly across from.    The article talked about high hopes for them again this season, but Eijun was still wishing for an extension of the last.   Shaking loose from his daydream, he realized his feet had already taken him to the stadium gates. To his two graduated senpai. It would be odd to again watch the game from the outside and not participate, but since it was them he could grant an exception. Eijun needed to start deciding his own path after graduation soon enough...   “Sawamura!”   Eijun looked around trying to find the source of the shouts to no avail. He shrugged entering into the stadium’s covered entrance, and the glittering diamond beyond.   He noticed frantic waving to his left, near the entrance to the players locker rooms and dugouts on the third base side of the stadium.    “Sawamura Eijun!” Was called again from the small group gathered, although no one Eijun recognized.   Curious, he went over to the crowd recognizing the Komazawa uniform and school shirts even at a distance.   “Southpaw pitcher extraordinaire! What are you doing at our game? Checking out the team for next year perhaps…”   He could tell straight away they were not part of the first string. Cheering horns in their hands and no numbers emblazoned on their backs, but they had certainly heard of him…   Brushing off any Mei comparisons running in his head, he responded, “Hardly. Just managed to get a weekend off and thought I needed to cheer up the senpai.”   He shuddered in thought back to Kuramochi’s text messages. “That and the fear of Kuramochi’s wrestling moves if you lose another game.”   Everyone laughed in agreement, although being a first year meant no other players (besides maybe Miyuki) to try any new moves out on.   “So the rumors were true,” said another of the group, chuckling away. “ We always thought Kuramochi was exaggerating, but if you're confirming he routinely bested you at wrestling…”   “He did not ‘best me’ at wrestling,” Eijun fumed back, face slowly growing redder by the second the more he thought of the elaborate moves sometimes used against him. “ He may have won a ‘few’ times…” Trailing off as the realization sunk in of just how many times he had been pinned to submission, “…but I did eventually start beating him!” 'A few times in my second year,'  he kept to himself.   They were all still chortling with laughter when another piped up, “Just as lively as Miyuki said, although maybe not quite as loud as we were expected to believe…”   “He also stressed he was far more of an idiot too,” another flat out stated.   “What was the nickname he uses all the time…” They all started smirking at each other.   “Bakamura I think,” someone added in.   Eijun knew they were just trying in their own way to make him feel welcome, but they were fanning the fires of past feelings in the process. “Well if I'm such an idiot, how did Seido win Koshien then?” He preened, changing gears and puffing out his chest with pride.   “The team.”   “Miyuki,” said another.   “Gaaaaaaahhhh!” Sawamura howled in a bit of frustration. True, the entire team effort was how they had gained victory, but he had still played an important part in it.    “True… I guess… we did and always did win as a team…” Trailing off again to think back to last summer’s amazing games.   “It's okay, Sawamura. We're just messing with you and we heard you can take the teasing. As a fellow pitcher, I'm extremely impressed with the stories of how far you've improved so quickly. The article on Seido in the Asahi Shimbun was really well done too,” another in the group piped in.   “Well, since we know you have spirit and we need all the cheering power we can get today, sit with us! Even if you are wearing that ugly Seido cap…” The teasing softly continued.   He was ecstatic at finding a group to sit with during the game (even if the jesting continued), but it felt close to home. Familiar. Kuramochi and even Miyuki’s influence already embedding itself in their new team.   Eijun was overjoyed, and he made sure to cheer just as loudly as everyone expected.       ===============================================================================       Kazuya leaned out over the edge of the dugout taking in the tense atmosphere. It was bottom of the seventh and Komazawa was down by a run. Kuramochi was still lead off hitter in the line-up, but they had already cycled through several times and were back near the bottom of the order. Kuramochi saddled up next to him, shoulders stiff catching tension of his own.   “Isn't looking promising. We are at a disadvantage at this point in the line- up. Even with two more innings, this is going to put a lot of pressure on Taiga pitching.” Kuramochi’s face scrunched up even further, the tension from his shoulders quickly spreading.   Kazuya sighed in response. If only he was here. These were his moments. Pulling the team back from the brink of despair; injecting his own brand of optimism into even the grimmest of situations.   God I miss his smile… “Let's go, Komazawa, let's go!” The school cheering section kicked in before the next batter’s walk-up song began to play.   “I swear I could hear…”   Kazuya shook his head rapidly. No, that made no sense. What would he be doing here at the game? He had practice and matches of his own to worry about. Plus, he would have slipped up texting Kuramochi or himself earlier that day if he was going to show up at the game. The result of having no filter and being made up of all heart. You laid everything on the line and tip of the tongue. Or at least so Kazuya thought.   “…that you could hear Sawamura?” Kuramochi finished his thought.    They both turned in shock to one another. Disbelief clear on both their features. Then, a set of cunning grins spread over both their faces and the tension died as rapidly as it had appeared.   “What would Sawamoron do?” Kazuya met Kuramochi’s eyes already knowing the answer.   “Scream at the top of his lungs in the dugout even when told NOT too, but picking up the team with his spirit and energy while doing it anyways.” They both melted into a fit of laughter just remembering all the moments from Seido he turned around to their advantage.   Suddenly so out of character for Kazuya, he decided to just give in, shooing Kuramochi to the other end of the dugout as he needed to prepare to be on-deck anyways.   Kazuya gulped suddenly nervous. A blush started creeping from his cheeks to the tips of his ears just thinking about all the times he would hear Sawamura’s cheers. Swallowing, he pushed down the embarrassment, gulped down a lung of air and let out his loudest, “OSHI! OSHI! OSHI!”   Kuramochi quickly joining in on his booming volume aimed at the field. Grins spreading even wider thinking back to the idiot’s smile filling both their hearts, who had invaded so deep.   The chant grew in volume through the rest of the players in the dugout, to the school’s cheering section, to even just the regular fans and crowd.   And Kazuya could still swear he heard Sawamura shouting along with them, loudest of all.       ===============================================================================       “They won! They actually won!” Were the chants heard all around Eijun after the thrilling victory on the field.   Mysteriously in the bottom of the seventh a chant he was very familiar with had started from the dugout (he had a very strong hunch who had started it), and before long had filled the entire stadium with a renewed energy. The bottom of the batting line-up quickly managed to tie the game with Kuramochi launching a screaming shot over the opposing shortstop’s head, hitting the leading run in for the team.   It only went uphill from that point, with the batters connecting to one another, and the team's battery becoming refreshed from the sudden change in offense. They quickly struck out batters in the eighth and ninth innings, not even needing the bottom of the ninth.   ‘Guess I'm safe from a Kuramochi wrestling attack the next time I see him…’ He sighed.   He should sneak away from the team’s cheer squad before they joined the other players. It would be amazing to talk to both of them, but then to have to separate again…   Feet already leading him away from the group, Eijun had almost escaped before being pulled b ack into the celebration of the crowd.   “Where do you think you're going, Sawamura? We've already sent someone to grab Miyuki and Kuramochi, so don't even think of leaving before you congratulate them on a game well fought.” They smiled, menace secretly seeping through gleaming teeth.   Caught. No way to escape now, so might as well file away a few more memories.Eijun gave in without a fuss. He waited with the rest of the celebratory crowd filled with team mates, school mates, girlfriends (probably boyfriends too), alumni and the fans that supported the players at every game. He was thankful they had welcomed him so easily into the group. Almost like they were trying to win him over for next year…   Maybe, just maybe…He thought before being interrupted by two rushing bodies through the throng of people.   Eijun turned and was met by the most perfect sight. Miyuki’s dazzling chestnut eyes, just as fire filled and luminous as he remembered along with his trademark smirk beaming across the bodies separating them. Although there was something very different in his smile. Like the varnish had worn off exposing the lustrous beauty of the bare wood below. His grin was full of pure joy.   Unfiltered, unedited, unmasked and all directed at him. Eijun was so overwhelmed he for once, was at a loss of just what to say as the two surged towards each other through the crowd.   Miyuki decided for him, reaching for his shoulder and easily pulling him into the tightest hug he could ever remember.   The smell of him… Eijun was hit by just how much he missed this, missed him. The scent of endless clear blue skies, fresh cut diamond grass, and Miyuki. The scent he could never forget.   Reluctantly they pulled apart, somehow Eijun’s face ending up nuzzled in Miyuki’s hair and vice versa. Grin still firmly etched in place until he looked down and saw Eijun’s shirt. Then, he reached again with his right hand grabbing onto the well worn, well loved collar and rubbing it softly into his skin. Eyes glazed over lost in thought, until Kuramochi came bounding over to disrupt their happy reunion.   “Hyahahaha! So it was you after all Bakamura! Miyuki and I thought we were going crazy hearing your voice. Why else would we start that chant if we weren't already starting to lose our sanity.”   Eijun quickly snapped back, pulling away from his moment with Miyuki to defend his intelligence on the ball field.   “No one made you. In fact, you always told me to never scream it from the dugout,” he smirked himself, remembering all of Kuramochi’s past chops to the side of his head, “But it sure seemed to do wonders for the team. Your spirit came back as soon as the chant began to make its way around the field.”   Eijun knew he had his senpai caught. They were unable to refute today they had started the chant, or the clear affect it had in the team and the entire stadium.   “You have us this one time, Sawamura. You still have a long list to make up for…” Kuramochi’s hyena grin plastered smugly on his face.   Closing his eyes and laughing along with Kuramochi, his focus was drawn back to Miyuki as soon as they opened. To his surprisingly warm expression. Open. So unlike him, yet still him at the same time.   “Why didn't you tell us this morning you were coming, brat?” Kuramochi broke the mood, leaning forward to kick Eijun lightly for good measure.   He thought deeply about the question, the truth, and just how much he wanted and was willing to share with the two of them.   There was the easy, ‘Just scouting out the team on my weekend off,’ which both would laugh and joke at him for just how hard he would have to work to make it into the school.   The far too truthful, ‘I missed you two and just needed to see you playing baseball again,’ to tug on everyone's heart strings in painful ways.   And still the truth. The hardest and most painful possible answer to share.   Eijun caught himself. Sucking in a breath before weighing the affect of each option in his mind. Thankfully, Miyuki the ever-savior (even if his motives may not always be the best) stopping him from having to pick.   “Isn't it obvious, Kuramochi? He was concerned for his senpai and our nervousness before the game, not to mention at least missing us on the team… perhaps a little.” It's like Miyuki always knew when he needed just a little saving. He wasn't always one hundred percent the cunning and conniving tanuki everyone made him appear, although the that could come quite in handy.   “Nyahahaha! Well whatever the reason, we broke our losing streak so glad you could see us winning and kicking ass by the end!” Kuramochi’s words faded into the background once he noticed Miyuki’s gaze towards him.   Never before had it looked so open and warm, and Eijun was not yet ready to leave its embrace. He would have to think quickly on his feet if he wanted to make that wish happen.   “I've never actually been to this part of Tokyo before, so I wandered this afternoon picking up a few things before finding the stadium. It was nice to have a rare weekend off.” Eijun felt a silent conversation occurring over his head before looking up to see Kuramochi and Miyuki staring at each other. Whatever it was, the question was decided quickly with a shrug of shoulders and curl of a lip.   “Well that's settled then. You likely missed the best parts, and I bet have until tomorrow to be back at the school. You also need to eat some amazing Tokyo food.” It always came down to food and coffee with Miyuki. If only Eijun could cook, he could have won his heart a long time ago, but spending the night in Tokyo was not part of his plans.   "Woah! Until tomorrow? But I was planning on taking the train back this evening.” He blinked in a small amount of shock. He was unprepared, and just where would he stay on such short notice?   Miyuki easily read his mind. “You can stay with me. I have my own apartment not far from the university. I'll tour you around, then you can take the train back to the school tomorrow.”   It was very unlike him. Eijun wouldn't have thought they were close enough for Miyuki to just straight up and so suddenly, invite him to stay. He would have expected a larger fuss. Excuses of homework, strategy or game debrief meetings, but it appeared all of that could wait.   “Go you two. I'll cover for you at the meeting, Miyuki. I'll also make sure your things make it back to your locker.” Kuramochi winked.   Damn, no excuses. Just him, Miyuki and what promised to be the best bowl of ramen compared to the ‘slop,’ at least in Miyuki’s opinion, he ate earlier. As soon as the next train was caught to Miyuki’s along with a shower and change of clothes.   Damn, he was in far too deep…       ===============================================================================       After following Miyuki’s lead catching the unfamiliar train (and a few stares and points Miyuki’s way due to the uniform) they exited, coming off to a busy terminal. It was still stifling hot outside, Eijun’s shirt sticking to his back after sitting in the stands all afternoon.   Playing in a baseball uniform was bad enough, but at least in a game you were always moving. Mind always thinking about everything other than the heat.   Eijun wanted to avoid dirtying his (or Miyuki’s in a way) shirt with the grime of the day. He pulled the damp garment away from his back, letting the cool air soothe his heated skin. He switched to the front, fanning the yellow material over his damp ab muscles to bring even a bit of relief.   He looked up to catch Miyuki staring at him, mouth agape in an expression he had not seen before. Eijun knew his own face was flushed, sweat pooling around his forehead and the sticky spots on his body causing the shirt to darken. Once caught, Miyuki closed his mouth blinking owlishly a couple of times before seeming to snap back to the present.   Turning back to towards the exit, Miyuki lead Eijun out of the terminal. “My apartment isn't too far from here so we can grab a cold drink, and both shower by the looks of it and that shirt.”   Now it was Eijun's turn to freeze, mouth open at Miyuki's acknowledgement of his own staring at the dampness covering Eijun's skin. “It's not that bad. Training in the full heat of summer is one hundred times worse than this.”   Miyuki turned again, his smirk curling and softening the sides of his lips in amusement. “True, but you weren't moving around today. Stillness is a lot like slow torture for you still?”   It remained. That look causing Eijun's heart to jump around in his rib cage, oddly enough turning his mouth dry but palms to sweat. Breathing to accelerate and deepen, and the feeling of adequate oxygen not even close to enough. He had missed that smirk so strongly. The curves invading his focus during the day, and dreams at night. Eijun felt lucky to again to see them in person even if it would end in heart ache and deep painful longing to see their visions again after tomorrow.   He surprised even himself with the answer to Miyuki’s question. “Being calm is still hard for me, but I’ve learned you can miss a lot of things with being too frantic. I compensate and slow down to stop missing and start appreciating the important details.”   Perhaps he had hinted too strongly, or showed too much feeling with his face as he saw several emotions flicker over Miyuki’s. Curling smirk evaporating through several transformations before morphing into his soft smile. The one Eijun had rarely seen, yet filed away in his memories prior for safe keeping.   He liked to think it was a smile created just for him. Chipped away from the teasing, mischievous, joking curl that Miyuki presented to everyone else. A masterpiece for Eijun’s eyes only to appreciate.   Miyuki broke their spell shifting his weight and began to move forward again, caught by the pull of the crowd surrounding him to the exit. Eijun swiftly catching up to walk by his side. His gaze looking forward, but thoughts caught in his peripheral vision of the fading sun seeming to glow within Miyuki’s eyes.       ===============================================================================       Miyuki really did live close to the station as a few blocks later they turned onto a close-knit, but quiet block of buildings. The sun slowly lowering in the horizon, but still appearing late in the skies mid summer heat.   They stopped at a plain apartment building, climbing the outside stairs to the second level before stopping outside number 218. Eijun blinked back his shock. ‘t’s just coincidence, stop trying to link everything together. It was probably the only open apartment in the building, and even Miyuki likely laughed at the numbers.  Hearing the jingle of keys, Eijun snapped his attention back to Miyuki who easily picked out the correct key to open the lock, sliding the door gently open. That smirk was making its presence known again. “I thought it was too much a funny coincidence to ignore,” Miyuki paused tapping at the numbers beside the door in succession with his hand before continuing, “So I just had to say yes to signing the lease.”   Eijun was a little breathless that Miyuki would admit to the number coincidence out loud. Wha… what does that mean... he was thinking about it too when he decided on the place. Why does he have to be so confusing, and... reading my mind!  Physically shaking the thoughts out of his head, he followed Miyuki inside noticing immediately the bare walls and simplicity of the kitchen and living room just off the main entrance. Plain. Orderly. Simple. In many ways like Miyuki, but again seeming mask his true thoughts and feelings. Eijun could however smell wonderful things from the kitchen area, and noticed a few sprinklings of small vases of flowers around the apartment, including radiant sunflowers settled close to the window. He knew Miyuki's hobby was cooking, so having this as one of the most used rooms would come as no surprise.   As he was peaking around the main rooms letting his gaze and thoughts wander, Miyuki's voice brought him back to the present. "The bathroom is just down the hall," he paused briefly pointing to the room in question. "Towels are inside, and do you need a chance of clothes at all?" The soft smile was back, welcoming into his home. Eijun would almost call it being a bit shy of the surroundings and his judgement.   "No, I should be fine with just a shower. Thanks for the offer, Miyuki!" And he quickly hurried towards the bathroom, venturing inside to shut the door with an audible click and lock, and slowly sliding down the back side of it.   Miyuki's eyes. Just the flashes he had seen today of rare expressions he barely remembered, or had never seen before consuming his thoughts and spiking his heart beat to a fevered pitch and pull. Closing his eyes, he tried to resist the stored images but they kept bubbling up to the surface, causing ripples of pleasure to simmer over his skin. Stomach tightening to the thrill of emotions he could pull from Miyuki that he had never known before.   As much as he wished he could hide away for a while, he needed to move and couldn't stay tucked away in his own thoughts forever. Noticing the clean towels on the shelf beside his head he grabbed two, shedding his clothing quickly to wrap one around his middle before heading into the showering area.    It was a small wash room with space for showering and tub for soaking. He located Miyuki's shower products already inside and stilled a moment to inspect the contents. Eijun opened each bottle one at a time, the smells awakening his past memories into tidal waves of emotions. It was just like inhaling the faded scent from the shirt, only in a much stronger form, energizing him with the multitude of pleasing flashes, and arousing him with the rest in so many other ways.   Pulling himself by force back to the present, he started the shower placing the towel to the side before adjusting it to the right almost scorching temperature and drenching his hair and body quickly under the spray. Shutting off the taps, he portioned out a palm full of Miyuki’s shampoo, more watery and clean smelling rather than spicy, fresh over earthy, and worked it into a lather in his messy locks. Working free all the grime and sweat from a long day of walking and cheering on the team.   Eijun again quickly rinsed before taking a bit of conditioner in his left, the creamy texture feeling soothing against his callused fingers as he worked it more into the ends of his hair. Miyuki had body wash, but that felt a bit too personal before he found a bar of soap tucked away and worked it into a foamy lather to cover his skin. Interest piqued, he still picked up the bottle of body wash, enveloping himself in the scent of Miyuki again. His eyes fluttered closed, heart started to pound more wildly thinking again of a striking set of eyes, and other regions began to swell and harden in response to his swirling thoughts and emotions.   Dragging himself back again, he turned on the taps for one last rinse to remove any remnants of the conditioner and soap from his steaming skin, water running in hot rivulets from his nape to tips of his toes against the cool tile floor.   He shut off the shower before leaning back on the washing stool to steal a glance at the welcoming tub. Eijun would love a deep soak for his tired muscles, but was worried about using too much hot water before Miyuki’s turn to bathe.    Right, Miyuki’s turn to be lathered in a layer of the same scents as Eijun had just used. Washing away the layers of grime and game day sweat worked into his fatigued muscles.   Stop thinking of his muscles, Eijun. The way his broad shoulders lead into the perfect set of jutting collarbones, joining a muscular torso with just the perfect set of abs for his frame, anchored by a powerful set of athletic legs meant for twisting, turning and running… These kind of thoughts consistently threw him into all types of trouble, and looking down there was a new problem quickly forming that would be tough to ignore. He would not be able to just will it away, especially being so close to the sights, smells, sounds and touches of his crushing problem, so taking care of it now while he had a moment of privacy was the best option.   Eijun spread his legs a little wider, flushed already from the temperature of the water and humidity surrounding him in the room. Languidly, he trailed his left hand down the length of his body, moving towards its goal in the apex of his splayed thighs.    Encircling his velvet hardness with his hand, he bit back a moan at just how good it felt to be releasing the built up tension. Miyuki just in the next room where any slip of his voice could send him snooping to his current predicament, and that turned him on even more.   Beading wetness already at the tip, he spread the pearly fluid around the head, curling his left hand in perfect friction around his swollen cock.   He was surrounded in his senses by Miyuki, imagining his hand instead rolling over heated flesh, bucking up into the roll of his curving fingers. Earning Eijun’s repressed sobs and wails through the perfect slide up and down his cock. Skim of his fingers over shivering skin, and imagining the slow burn filling his gut with every caress and pressing against his balls urging his need to come ever further along.   Visions of Miyuki like this always lead to the thought of him pulling his hand away, leaning backwards to just stare at Eijun’s pliant body on display. The way his eyes would shift, avidly watching Eijun’s every movement, the promise of filthy, suggestive teasing coming his way in just the glint of his heady stare. Miyuki slowly shifting his gaze downwards, before following with his body. Hands brushing against his muscled legs, tongue tasting the salty, soft skin of his inner thighs before sucking marks onto the sensitive flesh. Driving him crazy with desire until he finally cried out in pleasure, earning his reward of Miyuki’s lewd mouth traveling to just the desired location. Lapping up his excitement, swallowing down hardness before sucking with perfect pressure around his cock.   Eijun was so close, already lost in the scent of Miyuki filling the room and his visions of how he wanted to be ravished behind fluttering lids. He needed an extra push to bring him over the edge, quickly pulling two fingers of his right hand into his mouth, coating them with saliva until sopping wet before moving his index finger to his tight hole.   He pushed in slowly, feeling the slight burn melt away until it was comfortable and he could again speed up the rhythm of his strokes with his left. He added the second finger, stretching and adjusting to the additional width while maintaining a steady rhythm on his cock.   So close… ’Thoughts drifting to a set of eyes caught sixty and a half feet away, throwing pretty sparks and igniting a fire after their victory. Of morning and moonlit runs, training ever harder for the next and always threat of a last game.    He imagined them morphing into soft, pretty words spoken at the nape of his neck, catching at the tips of his ears. Tongue wickedly reaching out to lick his sensitive spots, mouth trailing down to his neck and biting down to draw out moans of pleasure. The last thought causing him to come undone, hips stuttering into his hand. Skin ripping with the pleasure of curled fingers hitting his prostate, and one word spoken in Miyuki’s softest whisper pushing him over the edge.   Eijun.      ===============================================================================       Coming back from his high, he quickly cleaned up his mess rinsing (again) before hastily towel drying his hair and body, wrapping himself back in his street clothes and comforting shirt. Slinging a towel around his shoulders, he exited the bathroom watching a few wisps of steam escaping through the opened door.   Treading back down the hallway, Eijun found Miyuki hard at work in the living room with what appeared to be either home work or game strategies at the low table. His focus shot up seeing him enter into the room and take a seat at the opposite end of the table.   Miyuki yawned and stretched his long arms languidly above his head, scuffing a hand through his tousled hair.   “I thought you might have actually drown in there. Leave your senpai any hot water?”   Eijun's nose scrunched up in defiance, “Of course I did! Didn't even have a soak because I wanted to make sure you had enough for one! You played a game today and need it far more.”   He watched as Miyuki’s face shifted again back to something softer. He leaned forward on his elbows to whisper, “You could have just ran one and left the water in you know, Sawamura.”   The missed traces of any added moron or idiot tones caught him off guard. Best to keep up the volume to prevent any inklings on Miyuki’s part.   “It would have been far too cold by the time I got out, plus I wasn’t the one running around in the field all day. Walking and getting lost hardly accounts for the same amount of exercise.” He closed his eyes, half-shouting in reply.    Opening them again, he watched as Miyuki titled his head to the side. Staring at him once again with his warm, deep eyes almost as if he was searching for something. Eijun met his gaze, which slowly drifted down to his shirt, before Miyuki broke the spell again stretching and standing to go take his own shower.   “I'll be back out in a few minutes. There are some drinks in the fridge, so feel free to grab one and I do have a few manga,” he stopped briefly pointing them out, “under the television to keep you occupied.”   Messing up Eijun’s wet hair on the way by, and earning a fiery scowl and squirming set of limbs trying to pry off Miyuki’s hand until he continued on his way. Briefly stopping in his bed room at the end of the hall for a clean set of clothes, before entering the bathroom, softly closing the door behind him.   Eijun let go of the frustration held in his lungs through a long exhale, before uncrossing his legs and pushing himself up towards the kitchen. Rummaging through the fridge's contents, he passed up Miyuki’s favorite canned coffee for a chilly bottle of water, and settled back in the living room to wait for his host’s return.   Curiosity slowly increasing the longer he sat fidgeting at the low table, tapping out random beats with his fingertips on the wood and along his folded legs, he inched over to Miyuki’s still open notebook.   It did appear to be homework, something he was far from interested in reading, so he took Miyuki’s other suggestion of perusing his manga collection kept neat and orderly alphabetically under the television. Although his attention immediately shifted to a book that didn't seem to belong with the other titles.   He pulled out the worn, stained, leather covered book and starting to leaf through the contents. Starting out with scattered sports statistics for the old Seido players, training menu notes, reminders of things to work on in practice to… sketches. The curl of a ball leaving a pitchers hand from the mound, a sight only a catcher would be able to see from that angle.   Moments precisely captured in pencil, pen and ink wash. Some well defined and full of extraordinary details, others blocks of solid black lines dancing in the motion of baseball’s waltz. Then he noticed the number, normally a crisply defined 1 change to the double digits. From 20, to 18. He could recognize the odd angle of a certain left shoulder directing a powerful pitch towards the plate, courage reflected back within golden eyes.  One particular page sketched from a slightly skewed view. The view point of the grand stands, and perhaps from the short time Miyuki had been injured after the fall tournament of Eijun's first year. Words caught in the ebb and flow of gold swirls near the middle, ‘Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.  -  James M. Barrie’   Eijun leafed through the remainder of the pages, some including familiar features of Haruichi, Furuya, and even Kuramochi but the pitcher studies, the ones that appeared to be based on him were the most radiant. Drawing his attention to the subtle balance of the ball flung forward from nimble fingers.   He clutched his chest, the thudding almost painful with how much ache he could feel swelling in his heart. The pages littered with eyes, fields and flowers of blended gold.   Eijun heard the bath room door rustle open, and quickly flung himself back in front of the bookshelf to return the journal to its rightful spot. Selecting instead a manga to read in its place, before scurrying back to his side of the table. Breaths reduced to short gasps of air trying to allow his racing heart to slow down.   Burying his attention into the pages, he attempted to focus on the story but just kept re-reading the same dialogue over and over again. Something about a storm suddenly breaking out, and the main character's crush offering her his jacket as protection from the sudden rush of wind and rain…   He could hear Miyuki’s light footsteps return to the room, turning off into the kitchen before opening the fridge to acquire his own drink. The soft hiss of the can’s tab being popped open, and Eijun’s attention snapping just as quickly to Miyuki paused half way between the kitchen and living room.   As expected, a can of his favorite coffee drink resting lightly against his lips, but there was also something unexpected. Something Eijun thought he had lost so many months ago. The familiar red of the shirt Miyuki was wearing, now even more worn and well used, even loved. Something he remembered the feeling of extremely well.   Gazes swiftly meeting across the room, heart almost appearing to stop mid- beat as Eijun took in a sharp intake of air; moving not of his own accord, until his feet lead him directly in front of Miyuki. Reaching out to latch both hands onto the red fabric. Rubbing it between his fingers nervously before meeting Miyuki’s smouldering gaze. His wet hair dripping random patterns onto broad shoulders.   Leaving patterns on Eijun’s favorite, lost shirt.   The remaining pieces of the puzzle clicked into place that his own garment he was currently wearing was not left behind by accident, but as payment for taking something of Eijun’s own. Smoky chestnut met burnished gold in understanding, and the familiar welcome of a smile played home on Miyuki’s lips. A grin that needed covering.   Eijun tangled his hands even further into the shirt, urging movement from the be-speckled catcher filling his vision. One leaning forward while the other down, until their lips collided into a sweet kiss, turning more heated with each swipe across lips and furl of tongue.   He pulled Miyuki back demanding he follow him into the living room, gently divesting him of his opened can onto the low table, before falling back onto the nearby sofa. The motion causing Miyuki to fall on top of Eijun, and a shameless growl to escape his lips.   Miyuki was greedy in his kissing just as in his calls, nibbling every patch of Eijun’s lips he could reach before soothing the sting with a wicked tongue. Eijun probing his closed mouth for entrance, the elation of getting exactly what he wanted suddenly hitting him hard. No longer yearnings and caught in daydreams that were unable to come true, he was living them.   Finally allowing Eijun in, Miyuki grumbled low in his throat, tongues clashing and the distinct lingering taste of the bitter coffee shared between both of them. Breaking apart for a much needed catch of breath, Eijun found himself caught again in the firm trap of Miyuki's eyes.   "How long?" Eijun inquired gently.   "Long enough."   Eijun's shirt had hiked up slightly, exposing the toned muscles of his stomach drawing Miyuki's keen interest. Checking with a quick glance in his direction, he nodded and Miyuki continued on hooking his fingers in Eijun's shirt and pulling sharply upwards, messing up his hair even further before depositing it somewhere behind the couch.   Ravenous. Insatiable. Predatory. All appropriate words to describe the flickering emotions behind Miyuki's eyes as his fingers danced across Eijun's exposed skin. Changing pressure from the barest of drags across a hip bone, to firm massaging strokes until reaching his collarbones. Fingers replaced again with Miyuki's fiery smirk, grazing along his neck until reaching the juncture of his jaw. Raining pecks along his jawline until finding Eijun's mouth again, kissing him breathless in the process.   Miyuki's hands flirted with the edge of his jeans, causing him to shift and squirm under his skillful ministrations. Want clearly pulsing through all the places Miyuki was connected to Eijun's body.   He is so enticing... how could I resist for so long... why did I let fear get in the way of this?  They had both been at fault. Both ignoring what they obviously felt for another, scared in the face of rejection. Luckily, Miyuki had been smart enough to plant his own clue of hidden desires for Eijun to find. To curl, and cling and build within each of their hearts once separated for far too long from one another. Sick of hiding behind false walls, thin excuses and longing for each other.   He wanted to feel the soft press of Miyuki’s skin against his own so badly. “You too,” he rasped out before reaching forward, trailing callused fingers under the red shirt, and pulling desperately until Miyuki was free of its confinement, the soft sound of it thudding somewhere in the room on the floor.   Eijun was so hard. Hard again even after coming not long before to visions of the striking catcher poised above him, eagerness clearly showing through the curve of his smirk.   He was exquisite. All broad shoulders and perfectly placed muscle, making Eijun give into his own craving to touch, lightly raking his fingers down Miyuki’s back to join their lower halves together.   “Fuck! You are so hard…” Miyuki growled out, grinding his own hardness against Eijun.    He was burning, his skin on fire as he thrust up to meet Miyuki, rolls of pleasure spreading throughout his body.   “Miyuki… Kazuya please.”   Kazuya stopped, his eyes finding Eijun’s once more before melting in his gaze. Fingers finding the soft curve of his lips pressing gently, before rubbing back and forth. Like he almost couldn’t believe the his name had left Eijun’s lips.   Grazing his fingers from Eijun’s lips, slowly over his body to rest again at the hem of his pants. “Can I?”   There was no delay in Eijun’s response, just rapid nods before Kazuya tugged them down his thighs. His hard, aching cock finally free and begging to be touched.   Kazuya wasted no time shifting his weight further down Eijun’s body, mouth tantalizingly close to his cock, but still oh so far. Kazuya grabbed the base with his right hand, steadying it before leaning in to swipe his skillful tongue over the head, swirling around the crown while making the wettest of sounds.   His eyes found Eijun’s, gaze burning through the messy fringe of his bangs wetly plastered to his forehead. Kazuya looked irresistible like this, and Eijun was a man starved.   “Fuck… Kazuya,” he managed to pull from Eijun’s lips as he slid quickly down the length of his cock, easily swallowing and taking him in his hot, fiendish mouth. Eyes throwing pretty sparks of promises Eijun’s way.   Tongue cushioning around teeth, velvet softness contrasting the hardness as he slid up and down Eijun’s throbbing arousal. I'm not going to last much longer. Digging his fingers firmly into Kazuya’s soft locks, he massaged at the scalp. Starting to pull harder in time with Kazuya’s quickening pace with his mouth. He was right at the edge, when Kazuya popped off with the lewdest of sounds, saliva stringing and sticking to his chin.   “I want us to come together…” He purred, pushing himself up frantically, almost falling in his haste from the sofa. Eijun watched him sprint to the hall, doing nothing of his own but trying to calm his rapid heart beat and lessen his shortness of breath, before Kazuya was back with a bottle in hand.   Eijun threw a curved smirk of his own Kazuya’s way. Glasses askew on his handsome face, half-dried hair molded into a cowlick on the back of his head, and red wet lips giving away just where they had been a minute prior.   He is radiant like this. Sitting up, he hungrily lunged towards Kazuya’s torso taking a firm hold of his ass with both hands to knead and massage his sculpted muscles, eliciting a tremble from above. His mouth was at the perfect height to press forward, blowing heated breath through Kazuya’s sweatpants and against his swollen cock.   Eijun could feel him squirming under his hands and devilish mouth, as he sucked Kazuya through the soft material. Eyes drifting upwards to throw pretty sparks of his own through bangs, before grasping hard into the firm flesh of Kazuya’s ass.   He massaged greedily before pulling his mouth back to bite at the cuff of Kazuya’s pants, dragging them down with his teeth, deliberately slowly over his enlarged cock. Stopping at mid-thigh to throw another challenging look Kazuya’s way.    Kazuya was having none of it.   Encircling Eijun’s wrists with his own he pulled him up, before settling them both down again on the couch. Panting heavy and both aching for release. Keeping Eijun’s hands firmly grasped in his left, he popped open the bottle with his right spreading a coating of lube over his long fingers.  Finding Eijun first, he wrapped around his cock coating it with the lubrication before moving on to his own. Shifting so Eijun’s thighs were resting atop his own, he moved them closer together so he could easily grasp them both in the circle of his hand, starting from the base and working up to the tips of their leaking cocks.   Eijun was relishing in the feel of Kazuya’s skin against his, spiralling ever closer to his release at the other’s hands. Control firmly handed over to the other, driving him insane in the shared lust.   Miyuki’s mouth found Eijun’s again, latching onto his swollen lower lip and sucking against it to match the pace of his fisted hand. Swallowing down their shared moans as they each came closer to release.   Eijun pulled back with a wet smack, tugging gently at Kazuya’s hand surrounding his wrists. He read the message loud and clear releasing him, and Eijun placed his left hand firmly over Kazuya’s right, finding a shared rhythm that quickly increased to matched to their hurried breathing.   Eijun pulled Kazuya’s head back towards him with his right, purring into his ear, “Kazuya.”   He heard the heavy intake of breath, as Kazuya’s left hand moved to Eijun’s neck shifting them once again for him to settle at Eijun’s ear.   “You look so much more mesmerizing like this than I could ever imagine… come with me… Eijun.”   And Eijun came, at exactly the same moment as Kazuya. The words he had so desperately wanted to hear falling like the sweetest prayer from Kazuya’s lips. Hands, stomachs and entwined legs coated with their sticky essence, they both fell back exhausted into each other’s arms.   Murmured whispers of confessions playing over each other's lips with the repeating of each other's names kissed into the other’s skin.   Eijun however just couldn’t help chuckling aloud once his senses returned.   “What's so funny in that idiot brain of yours, Ei-jun?” Kazuya drew out the syllables in his most playful manner.   “I was just thinking, I always wore your shirt after winning a game and it appears you may have done the same thing with mine.”   Kazuya nodded in agreement before Eijun continued, “But I guess they helped tonight in other ways as well.”   “How so?” Kazuya lifted one eyebrow in question.   “Well… I guess they were lucky not only in baseball. Tonight we both wore them, and we definitely got lucky.”   A rumble started in the pit of Kazuya’s stomach, before he couldn't take it anymore and let the feeling consume him, carrying Eijun right along in its powerful wake until they were both reduced to a shaking ball of wrapped limbs, ticklish hands and braying laughter.   “Well, guess we had better trade again before you leave tomorrow, so we’ll be sure to get lucky again.”       And they did, many times over. Please drop_by_the_archive_and_comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!