Giving It All
Title: Giving It All
Pairing: Matsumiya, slight Ohba
Genre: AU, Romance
Disclaimer: I don't own them, but I want to
Summary: When rivalry turns into love, you have to give your best effort
Matsumoto Jun gave his whole in the tryouts for a place in the baseball team of his school, he had been practicing since before the classes started, focusing to make it and climb the latter of popularity thanks to their famous baseball team, but above all, he just simple loves the sport. When the results were posted he was beyond happy, and the results were seen quickly: the praises (and envy) of his classmates and the flirty girls that surrounded him now. But he knew this was just the start, he would have to fight to take a spot in the official team, having his school one of the best teams in the country the tournament they played was hard fought between the best schools. That was the main reason he choose this school.
As expected, practice every day was hard; they met before and after classes, and even on the weekends; he always gave his best but he knew he wasn’t ready yet to be in the official team. The tournament was starting soon and he was starting to feel frustrated. After practice one day, he went with some of his teammates to spy on other team, the one that beat them last year. He was really curious, not only because they were supposed to be strong but also because it was an elite school. They only one in the tournament, to be exact. A couple of years ago, their new principal, who was a big baseball fan and a former player, started to reform all the sports clubs, including the baseball team. Now, they were one of the best at that sport. Jun felt envy for those who could afford that school, he knew he had no chance to study there, it was really expensive and his chances of getting a scholarship were close to none.
All in all, he was there and they were lucky to not get caught at the entrance. As expected, the facilities were of the best, full equipment and well-kept fields to practice. They hide as they saw them batting, running and, Jun thought, they were really good but not so much difference from his senpais.
“Is he here?” a friend asked
“I don’t think so” another responded
“They must be hiding him” Jun just listened to their conversation.
“You think?”
The other nodded “They said he’s even better than that Aiba guy. I don’t see him here either, maybe they have some sort of private practice or something”
“Too bad, I wanted to see the new guy”
“Yeah, me too”
Jun was definitely interested but decided keep his questions for latter. After half an hour of lurking around they took their separated ways. In the train station, Jun took notice of a boy; he was slim, hair too long that covered his eyes, hunched back, but with a baseball ball in his left hand. He was doing some small tricks with the ball without letting it fall, it made Jun smile unwittingly. When his train came, they both boarded and Jun gazed on him from time to time and the other didn’t notice. When he reached his stop, he was surprised to see the boy getting off and walk ahead of him in the same direction of his house. He tried to not care but the true was that the boy had something that intrigued him. Just two blocks away from his house, the smaller boy turned right and continue. We must be neighbors. Jun didn’t remembered seeing him before. Weird.
He next day he found out what the deal was all about. Last year his school got beaten because they had a really good player, a boy called Aiba Masaki, but this year they had recruited a pitcher, some kind of prodigy that they’re keeping in secret until the matches start. When they mentioned that this famous pitcher was the same age of Jun, he got uncomfortable. And jealous. How was a kid his age that good that the school offered a full scholarship? He needed to see him and confirm the true. After practice he returned to that school, but this time he couldn’t get in. So, with no other option he returned home. Near his house was batting cage were he goes sometimes to vent. He started hitting the balls not too long ago when someone talked to him.
“You should lower your right hand a bit more” a pitchy voice was heard.
Jun turned around to find that the voice belonged to the boy from yesterday.
“If you lower your hand you’ll get more control of the bat” the boy advised him with a playful smile.
Jun felt affronted, how dare the midget to correct him if he didn’t even know him. He was a member of the baseball team for god’s sake. This boy who looks like some brat from middle school. Jun frowned and ignored him, but unconsciously his hand moved lower. The next ones, he had to admit, felt better, indeed he got more control of the bat.
“See?” the other told him in a smug tone.
Jun turned to glare “What I see is that you’re meddling where nobody calls you”
“Uff, what a temper! Are you like that always when someone tries to help you?”
“Oh, please; that wasn’t for me, you just wanted to feel superior” Jun left the cage to pick out his stuff “Guess what? I don’t need your help, so shove it” He threatened with his best fuck off face.
“You need all the help you can get princess!” the other called before turning around and flee in time to avoid Jun’s punch for calling him like that. Jun could have chased him of course, but something prevented him to do so. Maybe it was his back, the way it was all hunched like if it was carrying too much weight, or maybe if was the eyes, sad despite the teasing. Whatever it was, Jun knew better to start a fight.
After that day he didn’t see him again, he avoided the batting cage but he found himself looking for him in the train station and in the street on his way home. However, that ended when it was his first game. He didn’t get to start, so he sat on the bench with other replacements. They won, and despite he didn’t have to play he felt it as his victory and secretly wished he could play and prove his worth soon. After the game, his mates hurried to see the private school match that must be still on course, he went with them. When they got to the place, people were retiring; they weren’t that late so that seemed strange. When they asked if something happened that made stop the game, they learned that it was a really fast victory for the private school who showed off his stars in the beginning to seal the game and then used the remained to warm out the rest of the team. They fucking took it as some practice. A totally offence to the other team, who they did their best but it was too late, the game was already over.
That information made everyone more curious about the two stars of the team, specially the new one, the pitcher. They wasted no more time in questions and found their way to the locker rooms to get a glance of their adversary. They waited, along with some fans (mostly girls) until they started go to out, one by one. Girls screaming, boys praising, too much inflated egos, Jun could help to roll his eyes. A big scream took him by surprise and he turned to see a grinning tall boy waving to his fans, next to him a pale boy, way too familiar, was using him as a shield. Girls pushed him almost making him fall as he recognized the boy. The one from the batting cage. The one who intrigues him and annoys him all at the same time.
“Nino, Nino!” he heard them scream as they made their way to the silent boy.
“That’s him” Jun’s senpai muttered “But, he’s short!”
“Are you sure it’s him?” asked another
“Yeah, the one standing next to Aiba. They say he’s his only friend”
“His only friend?! But… he’s popular!”
“Yeah, but look” he signaled to the scene in from of them “he doesn’t care. My friend has a cousin that has a friend who studies here, and he told me that Ninomiya is very quiet, doesn’t make friends, even with all the girls around him. He’s just plain weird.”
That statement made Jun wondered about why the smaller guy would help him that day. Why would even talked to him.
“What a difference from Aiba” the others continued talking.
“Uhm, he’s the only one apparently get to him. See”
Jun turned his gaze to the first boy; yeah definitely he was the contraire of Ninomiya, but both stayed close, Aiba turning from time to time to smile brightly to the other, making him sighed in defeat as he apparently had to stay there but his face showing that he hated all of that. That just made Jun angrier, it was as he didn’t appreciate what he has, all the attention that Jun wanted for himself, the other has it so easily and he has that attitude. What a nerve! He should be grateful, studying in this school, being one of the stars of his team in that young age! What a waste!
As Jun was cursing in silence at the slim boy, he didn’t realize that the same boy had noticed his presence there and was walking in his direction. It was too late when he wanted to scape.
“So princess, did you come here to learn how to play?” Nino, as they call him, asked smugly to Jun, whose friends were staring at him with open eyes. The rest of the people gathered there seemed to catch up on the scene and drove their gazes to the pair.
“W-What- I didn’t-” Jun stuttered making the other laugh and some of the students gasp.
“I can’t hear you princess. Well, you’re late and-“
“Nino!” Aiba approached “do you know them?” he signaled to Jun and his friends, making Nino take notice of the rest.
He shook his head “I only know princess” he tilted his head in and adorable way.
Jun saw red, and he himself was all red, that name! That damn name! “I’M NOT PRINCESS! What’s wrong with you! My name is Matsumoto Jun, you little dwarf!”
Jun’s face expression and voice maybe enough to scare all the presents but not to do so to Nino.
“Potato, potato” Nino shrugged
Aiba cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention before Jun explodes “Nino, they are our competition. Well see them soon in a game for sure” he took Nino from the shoulder to get him way.
“Oh, I didn’t know princess was on a team” he turned to look again at Jun with a smile “I guess I’ll see you there” and just like that he was gone, followed by his fans.
Jun stood there, shocked with clenching fists and trembling frame. He was humiliated not only in from of strangers but, most importantly, in from of his senpais. Luckily, they had seemed to read the atmosphere and not ask much about how he knew the prodigy; but Jun knew it was only temporarily, they’ll soon start the questioning. After they bit goodbye, he left in a hurry and without too much control of his feet he ended up where everything started, in the batting cage. He took a turn and starting batted the ball as he imagined Nino’s face on them. It relieved some of his anger, but it wasn’t enough. He stayed for hours, with only one though in mind: to beat Ninomiya Kazunari.
The days after that, Jun practiced at all hours, even if that mean skipping meals and even classes, he was forcing himself and it was obvious enough that his coach gave him a warning. He was still pushing it but he was more discreet about it. By the third game of the season, he got to play a little and didn’t do bad but he wasn’t at the same level that his senpais either, increasing his frustration for the poor results he was gaining.
One of those days, at the batting cage he saw the prodigy again.
“Princess” called the other grinning.
Jun turned to glare at the intruder “Fuck off!”
“My, my, what a language!” Nino whistled
“What do you want?”
“Nothing, I was just passing by and wanted to say hi” Nino said nonchalant
“Are you freaking kidding me? We are not friends!”
“Oh, I know that” Nino batted his hand in dismissal
“Then leave. I don’t want you around”
“But you’re fun to be around princess” Nino lowered his voice.
“Stop calling me that!!!”
“Then how should I call you” Nino tilted his head as he asked
“Jun- Nothing. We ARE NOT friends”
“Ah, Jun-something was your name right?”
“Are you listen to me shorty?!”
“You can call me Nino, everyone does” Nino grinned happily.
“Agrh, I don’t care!” Jun was losing his patience again, grabbing the bat way too hard.
“Oh, come Jun-pon. We know you care. You want to beat me right?”
Jun was speechless, was he so transparent?
Nino sighed “But you can’t” and again Jun could see some sadness on his eyes
“Because I’m not good enough?” he grumbled
Nino shook his head “No. Because I’m better” he responded softly, almost as in an apology. “You shouldn’t push yourself too much princess, you could get hurt” he said with eyes full of concern and left quickly as the other times.
Jun had heard that before, from his parents, his teammates and his coach; but neither of them had the effect that Nino had. He didn’t understand it, but it was different, as if it made the words more real. Without realizing, he was already in his house, lying on his bed, body and mind tired and willing to rest. From then on he cut back hours of his private practice and returned to his normal schedule.
One month after, Jun was a regular on the games, but still wasn’t good enough. The two schools were scheduled to play against each other if they make it to the semifinals, so there was still time. During that period he got to know more of the smaller man, mostly gossips. He was recruited in some province with much effort, apparently at first he refused the offer as he liked his old school and didn’t want to move; but they offered him not only a full scholarship but also living expenses, a rent house for his family, and a job for his father in an ex-alumni’s company They introduced him to Aiba so he’ll tell his experience as a granted student and made them friends. During classes, he behaves as a normal student, a bit too lazy, not to focused in normal courses but very interested in music. No much friends and values his solitude, creating a mysterious aura around him that made everyone wants to approached him even more. Jun was definitely interested.
One night, when his mother sends Jun to buy some groceries, he saw the prodigy again. This time not in the best circumstances. He was passing by the old playground, were Jun used to play around when he was little, when he gazed the familiar hunched back sitting in a swing looking at his feet. Jun slowly approached him and without thinking too much he sat next to him, taking notice of the other’s teary face. Nino cleaned his face the best he could before looking up, he smiled sadly breaking Jun’s heart at the sight of the boy with the beautiful eyes, now all red and puffy . The taller student nervously took Nino’s hand and hold it tightly as a sign of support; he didn’t say a word, just turned his gaze to the sky and let him cry his heart out. They stayed there for who knows how long, shopping forgotten but feelings conveyed.
“It´s late princess, you should go home” Nino spoke after he calmed down a little.
“How about you?”
“I’ll go too”
“Then let’s go together” Jun stood up and tried to pulled Nino up.
“It’s okay” the prodigy took his hand from Jun’s grasp, the action plus the way Nino lower his face made Jun realized that something was off. He lowered his head to look properly at Nino’s face, in the darkness he hadn’t noticed before but now he could see it. At the other side there was a big bruise forming and it must be hurting like hell.
“Who did that?” Jun asked in a raged voice taking Nino’s face on his hands.
Nino just sighed and turned his face around “It’s nothing”
“It’s no nothing, Nino! It looks terrible!”
The smaller guy stood up “It’ nothing! I told you” he turned to leave and Jun followed him.
“Come on, I walked you home” he offered, controlling his anger at whoever dared to touch him.
Nino stopped in his tracks, hands trembling “No” he whispered
“Uhm?” Jun didn’t heard
“I don’t want to go home” he whispered again more clearly
It made Jun suspicious but he didn’t ask “You can go to my house”
Nino turned to look at him, considering Jun’s offer as the taller boy fidgeted in his place, face flushed in embarrassment. When Nino finally nodded, Jun quickly took his hand again and lead him to his house, all the way there avoiding the other’s stare.
Jun’s parents were a little worried by the delay of his son, but as he introduced to Nino, the smaller boy invented a story about being mugged that Jun didn’t buy at all. He stayed for dinner after Jun’s mother cured his face, winning easily his parents appreciation as he was charming and cute. Jun remembered all the rumors about Nino being grumpy and silent, the boy sitting in his table wasn’t like that at all.
As it was late Jun “proposed” he stayed for the night. Nino called his mother to inform her about it, and Jun took him to his room, where he prepared a futon for his “new friend”. He lent him clothes, too big for his small frame but that made him look more endearing. When the lights were turned off and Nino thought Jun was sleep, the tears started falling again and small sobs were heard in the room. Of course Jun was still awake but he kept quiet until it was too much to handle. He left the bed and crawled to where Nino was so he can hold him and soothed him to sleep, which he did, biting back his own tears that were threatening to fall too. They stayed in that position until they both felt sleep, too many emotions for one night.
When Jun woke up he was in the futon alone, the clothes Nino wore were already folded on the bed, alone with a small thank you note. After reading it, Jun lay again and started wonder about all the implications of their actions. He was afraid, not only because of Nino’s welfare but also for himself. The small boy awakens in him frustrations and desires that are not considered normal. At least not for a boy. Jun sighed. Whatever it was, it makes Jun crave for more, makes him miss Nino. More than he should.
The following days he didn’t see Nino at all, he was beginning to get worry until he saw in his way home a familiar face. The tall boy, Nino’s friend, was walking around the neighborhood with a paper in his hands. He followed the languid boy until he saw him stop in front of a house, before the other could knock Jun was already standing next to him. Aiba recognized Jun and told him that Nino had missed school for two days already because he was sick, so he came to visit.
“How do you know Nino?” Aiba asked
“We’re neighbors” Jun didn’t want to tell him much and that part was true.
“Uhm, but why are you so concern?” Aiba asked in distrust making Jun frowned at the overprotection he displayed for the prodigy.
“We are… friends”
Aiba still looked skeptical but he accepted the answer. They knocked and a fragile looking woman appeared. Nino’s mom must have been really beautiful in her younger years but now he looked worn out, it was really a pity, Jun thought. She took them to Nino’s room a little reluctantly, after much prodding from Aiba and his puppy teary eyes.
It was a surprise to find nothing there that were leagued to baseball except for the used ball that Nino always carries with him, that is now displayed on his bedside table. The excuse in school was that he had a fever but there were no signs of that, Jun noticed.
“Nino!” Aiba launched himself on top of Nino to hug the sick boy, making Jun uncomfortable.
“Aiba get up! You’re hurting me!” Nino pushed the taller boy and looked directly at Jun’s eyes not believing he was there.
“Princess…” Nino whispered and Aiba turned to look at Jun too.
Jun cleared his throat “This guy was lost” he signaled to Aiba.
“I was not!” the other pouted, making Nino laughed at his face and Jun feel jealous at the way Aiba could make Nino laugh like that. So bright.
“Knowing Aiba, I can totally imagine that” he teased “Thank you princess” Nino smiled at Jun making him blush slightly.
“I told you not to call me that!” he yelled to cover his embarrassment.
“Ah, I remember. Don’t worry Jun-pon” Nino grinned.
Jun sighed in defeat as Aiba continue studying the interaction between the pair with not so amicable eyes “I didn’t know you were close?” he asked.
“We’re not!” Jun responded a little too fast making Nino flinched at the tone.
Before Jun could apologize Aiba stood between the two, in a protective mode “Then you can leave” he said, not liking one bit the way Jun yelled at his friend “Thank you for the help” he bowed and then took his place next to Nino, holding his hand as Jun hold it some nights ago.
“Jun-” Nino spoke softly.
“I hope you get better. Good bye” Jun left the room as fast as he could and was already at the genkan when Nino’s mom called him.
“You’re Matsumoto Jun, right?”
“Yes, ma’am”
“I just wanted to thank you for the other day” she said lowering his gaze “I’m sorry to put you in that situation”
“There’s nothing to worry about, Nino- he-”
“I’m glad he has a friend around here. At school I’m not so worry but here…” she trailed off
“It’s okay ma’am”
Nino’s mom gave him a hug and he saw it, a bruise in her left arm, must be recent. Everything was making sense now. The problem was at home; Nino was an only child so that left…
“He came well that morning. Thank you so much” she bowed profusely “If it’s not too much can’t I ask you for something”
“Y-yes ma’am”
“Can’t I ask you to take care of him, whenever he needs you can you be there? I know it’s too much but he doesn’t have many friends, he can’t be so lonely sometimes. He wasn’t like that before, he’s a good kid and he really likes you. I can tell”
Jun’s heart swelled at her words, he could only nod eagerly “I promise” he said without doubt.
That night, he thought about Nino. All the things he once wished for himself, that he imagined Nino had were just an illusion, a façade in the prodigy’s life. The true was that his life was not easier because he has fame and talent, life just doesn’t work that way. Now Jun know how great he has it, with good friends and loving parents. But Nino… Jun didn’t make that promise just to get out of that situation, the moment those words left his mouth he knew he meant it. He wanted to protect Nino, with everything he has. For that he has to be close, even if that means going through awkward moments and uncontrollable heartbeats.
Every chance Jun got, he would look for him, not in a stalker kind of way but in a “let’s be friends” way. It was now costume for them to expend time in the batting cage, where mostly only Jun would practice; in the arcades, where Nino would dragged him every time he got a chance; and to baseball games, where Jun’s father would take them gladly. The prodigy was now his friend and even if he still teases him, and Jun would get mad, they still hung out together. Aiba too was with them sometimes, bringing energy and more laughs, but he was always a little too close to Nino for Jun’s comfort.
Of course, Jun still practices very hard and with Nino’s tips he was getting better. At that step he’ll be a starting player the next year. Through all the things he found out about Nino, what surprised him the most was that he barely practices with his team, or at all. He convinced his coach to let him and Aiba have private practices, but most of the time they would end up eating hamburgers somewhere or playing Nintendo at Aiba’s house. Of course a friendly boy like Aiba always made time to play with his teammates, that’s why he was more popular than Nino.
About his father, Jun couldn’t make the prodigy talk. Every time he got close to the subject, Nino’s vacant expression will make him stop prodding. But he got some information from Nino’s mom: Nino’s father was who made him play since he was a child and they got along very well until he was fired from his job and started drinking. When Nino got that offer, he hoped that everything would return to how things were but it didn’t happen that way, the relationship between the two was still tense, they only hided better. When he got home drunk he would get more violent and his wife or the prodigy would pay the price.
Month passed and it was time for their teams to face each other. Jun was extremely nervous, he wanted above all to make a big impression, his desire to beat the prodigy long forgotten, he just wanted to show Nino how good he can play. When the teams entered the field, the second Jun saw the smaller boy in his baseball uniform standing so close, he knew he was lost. How could he concentrate with Nino dressed in such tight pants that showed his package, Jun gulped and shook his head to stop the dirty thoughts of a naked Nino under him. Yes, he was in love with the boy. No way to deny it now, he desired him and wanted him all for himself; but most of all he wanted to protect him, from everything and everyone. May look like some kind of hero complex, but it was love.
All in all it was a good game, Jun’s team put on a fight but Aiba and Nino’s team was superior and they won. Jun got to play, and he did his best, pushing all the emotions for the pitcher aside to impress him. He hopes he did. When the game was over and they were all showered, Jun walked alone to his house, not waiting for Nino because he assumed that his team would be celebrating; but when he reached there he found a smiling Nino sitting in the stairs of his front door.
“Nino, What are you doing here?”
“Um, I wanted to make sure princess wasn’t crying” the prodigy teased.
“Stupid, why would I?” Jun turned his face fake-affronted.
“That’s good then” he stood up “Do you want to go for a walk?”
Jun couldn’t deny anything to the smaller boy, so he just nodded and followed him. They walked to the playground where Jun found him that night and automatically sat on the swings. After some minutes of confortable silence Nino spoke.
“My parents are separating”
“W-what? W-when?” Jun stuttered in his surprise.
“My mom told me a few days ago. He already left the house”
Jun just nodded, not knowing what he should say, he was sad because of the look on Nino’s face but he also felt relief.
“I really thought things would get better here” Nino exhaled “Maybe… maybe what’s broken can never get fix again”
Jun reached for his hand, just like that night “Some people can and others don’t. The important thing is to try. Always try with your best” Jun took a big breath “It kind of reminds me of you” he turned to look the questioning face of the prodigy “When I heard about you I was so jealous, I envied you without really knowing you. I forced myself to practice more so I could beat you, I almost lost myself on the way but someone helped me out. I know now I could never beat you but I’m glad I tried, I know my limits better now. I have no regrets because I pulled all my effort into it” he paused “People are not perfect Nino, not even our parents, though they try to be. Sometimes they got lost too, and you can only hope that they’ll find their way again”
“Do you think they could get together again?”
“I don’t know about that, nobody does. But I hope they can be the parents you want them to be even if they are apart”
Nino thought for a moment about all that Jun had said “At the end, princess is an optimist” he smiled lightly.
“Maybe” Jun smiled too “Who knows what the future brings us” he stated looking at the sky as if could give them the answers.
The smaller boy grinned looking at the hopeful face of his friend, then turned to gaze at the sky too “Yeah, who knows?”
Nino’s school won the National Tournament that year and Jun celebrated with him and Aiba after the final game. For vacations Nino and his mom returned to his hometown crushing Jun’s hopes of expending all the time together. During that time the friends stayed in contact only by phone and e-mails. It wasn’t enough for Jun.
When school started again, Nino continued with the scholarship. His mother started working part-time and his father visited regularly, it looked like an amicable break-up but still made Nino uncomfortable. On those days, Jun was always around to give the prodigy some kind of support in case he needed him. Aiba was a friendlier to Jun, but still kept the protectiveness around Nino. For Jun, the feelings for the prodigy were growing stronger, but he forced himself to control them and not ruin their friendship. Jun would never forgive himself if he does something to scare Nino away, he can’t live without Nino, and so cold showers and masturbation were his only outlets. He gladly scared girls away from his friend, not noticing that some were around for him.
Only a couple of months after classes started, Nino’s parents decided to live together again, to give theirselves another chance. Nino was still in a defensive mode, even if he was hopeful deep inside, but with a little push from his mom and Jun he was starting to accept his father’s presence again in the house.
Senior year meant more pressure for the boys, the questions of what they’ll do after school constancy in their lives, especially in Jun’s, as people assumed that Aiba and Nino will take the path to become professional players. The true was that both boys have other plans for their lives. Aiba was inclined to science so he begun searching for colleges. Nino still loves music and wanted to explore that option too. When the boys confided his dreams to a very stressed out Jun, it all ended in a big argument. The first one between Jun and Nino. Jun couldn’t believe that they wanted to quit baseball being so talented, he felt frustrated with both of them as he himself has to study harder to get a chance of getting into a college while he kept the long hours of practice with his team. In the escalated argument he even called Nino and ungrateful brat, making the other stop the yelling and rush out the door with tearful eyes.
After Jun calmed down, Aiba, who was still there, was the first to talk “You hurt him, you know” Jun covered his face with his hands, hating himself for his words. “I thought you could understand him better than anybody… better than me” Aiba told in a disappointed tone that made Jun lift up his head to stare at his saddened friend.
Hours later, Jun found Nino in their place. He stood behind him and started to push him in the swings. It was the first time he did something like that. And Nino let him. “I’m sorry” he said after a minute “You are free of have your dreams, it just shocked me a little”
“Why?” Nino murmured.
“I don’t know. Maybe because I thought we were similar and if I were you I would definitely choose baseball”
“You are putting your dreams on me, Jun”
“I know, I’m sorry” he sighed “Maybe I’m just too stressed with school and the team, it’s just too much”
“We’re both seniors Jun, I know what it’s like”
“It’s not the same! You don’t have to practice that much to be a starter in the team and you barely pay attention to your classes” Jun raised his voice again.
Nino stood up to glare at his friend “So you think I have it easy? It’s that it?”
Jun cursed his slip of tongue “Nino, I… I don’t-” before he could finish Nino was already on his way home. Jun just stayed there, he thought it was better to give Nino some time to cool off and then he’ll apologize again. He didn’t know what was wrong with him, indeed school had been stressful, but it was more than that. The whole situation was beginning to be too much. Girls flirting around both of them, his friends making fun because he has no girlfriend, Nino being so damn sexy and enticing. Too much.
The next days Nino avoided him and Jun had to recur to Aiba to get a chance to get close. After some begging and promises of free lunches he convinced the taller boy of “fateful” encounter in Aiba’s house. This time Jun apologized with any mishap and Nino forgave him. Later the three friends were making plans to improve their grades and prepare for the admission exams. Jun’s parents had already hired a tutor to help him out, but his friends didn’t have enough money to spare. Aiba came with the idea of ask help from the school, it was a long shot but it didn’t hurt to try. After they met up with the principal, the only solution they could find was to ask some of the best students of the school to tutor them.
After all was settled, they could see each other as often as before, text messages were replacing real conversations, but in the weekends they always made time to meet and hung out. It was in one of those weekends that he started noticing the differences. At first he didn’t pay too much attention when they talked about their tutors, but now… well. Aiba has as a tutor a boy named Ohno Satoshi who, according to Nino, resembles a burned piece of bread. Aiba was very fond of the boy and started spending his free time in his art study. Jun’s concern was Nino’s tutor, a guy named Sho Sakurai, the best student of the school and now a regular name in Nino’s conversations. Jun hated that. Behind all the jokes the prodigy made about his tutor, he could see the appreciation and admiration there. The only thing that served as a comfort was the image Jun had about the boy: a scrawny nerd with big glasses, no sense of humor and sloppy shoulders.
Big was his surprise when he met him. It wasn’t planned, not at all. Jun was a regular in Nino’s games when he didn’t have one of his own; that’s when he saw him. After the game, he was waiting for his friends outside, Aiba came first but he apologized quickly and left to his tutor’s house. When Nino appeared, before Jun could speak a word, an unknown boy appeared from nowhere and hugged Nino congratulated him for the victory. Jun felt his blood boil at the scene. The boy in question turned out to be the famous tutor; no scrawny nerdy appearance, no glasses, yes sloppy shoulders. A menace to Jun.
After introductions were made they left for some drinks; the tutor wasn’t a sports fan but he came only for Nino, that statement made Nino blush and Jun curse. During the conversation Jun learned several things about the tutor: he was from a very wealthy family, he likes to study, he isn’t good at sports and he likes Nino way too much. When they parted Jun was in a terrible mood; the shared smiles, Nino calls of “Sho-chan” and the way Sakurai looked adoringly at Nino like he was the cutest thing on earth… Ugrhr… Of course Nino was damn cute! But that doesn’t have anything to do with Sakurai Sho! They didn’t talk much on their way home and when Nino was about to enter his house he stopped and turned to look at Jun, his eyes pleading for a word; however, the taller boy just ignored the request and left in silence, missing the sad gaze the other was giving him.
The next weeks were insufferable for Jun, now Sakurai was in all the games and that made Jun excused himself and leave his friends to mop alone at home. Nino always tried to persuade him to stay but Jun refused him each time, little by little the time they spend together was close to nothing. The prodigy kept trying, but no teasing from Nino could get Jun to smile at him in the same way. For a moment Jun considered confessing to the other boy, but he always refrain himself of doing so.
One Saturday morning, he missed Nino’s game. He could have been there but he opted not to go, that afternoon Nino called him several times, but he refused all the calls, instead he spend his whole day with his school friends. When he returned home that night his parents were waiting for him. Just one look at them and he knew something was wrong. Terrible wrong. Nino.
Jun was brought to the hospital by his parents, still not believing what had happened. Nino came home to find his mom beaten up badly, his father was still there and they started a fight, when the screams made the neighbors come out to help, the man ran away. The ambulance took mother and son to the hospital, both were hurt but it was Nino’s mom who got the worst part. Jun recalled missed calls and the guilt was strangling him. Jun’s parents approached the prodigy when they saw him sitting on the hallway, bandages in different places of his body, they offered their support and let him have his space, as they waited for news from his mother condition in a corner apart. All the time Jun just stood there still not comprehending the whole situation, it took a look from Nino to make him react.
“Nino” Jun got close seeing Nino’s teary face and beaten state, but that only seemed to scare the smaller boy. He took another step “Nino” he repeated with his arm lifted wanting to comfort his friend.
“What do you want?” was the cold reply.
“Nino? I-”
“Just leave” Nino ordered turning away. That’s when he noticed the two boys around the small boy. Aiba and Sakurai.
“Nino, Jun-kun is just worried” Aiba tried to calm him in a soothing voice.
“I don’t need him. He can leave. I don’t want him here” were Nino’s spiteful words as he hide his face in Sho’s chest.
“Nino” Jun muttered and Aiba, who was soothing Nino’s back, turned to look at him shaking his head. Jun tried again to get close and this time was Sakurai who talked “You should go Matsumoto-kun. Nino doesn’t need this right now” Oh, how Jun wanted to punch the other guy but he controlled himself and left. However, he didn’t return home, after his parents left, he stayed in the cafeteria and send a text to Aiba to meet him later.
It was almost dawn when they met, and the first thing Aiba did was to punch Jun in the face.
“What-”
“Where were you?!” Aiba yelled at him “He called you, didn’t he?! You were the first person he called! He needed someone! He needed YOU! Where the hell were you?!” Aiba started crying and Jun could only hide his face in shame.
“I’m sorry” he whispered from his spot in the floor, tears already falling.
Aiba took a big breath to calm himself “I trusted you Jun-kun! I thought you’ll always be there for him, I thought you loved him!”
Jun let more tears fall, not surprised for the other’s knowledge “I do love him” he spoke lifting his head to look at the taller boy.
“It doesn’t look that way, doesn’t it?” Aiba sat down “You have been treated like crap all this time, making him beg for your attention, and now…now… he’s all broken, Matsujun. His life is broken. His mom is there lying in a bed, his father is hiding who the hell knows where and… his hand…” Jun opened his eyes big “He twisted his hand, Jun-kun. You know what that means, right?”
“Nino” he gasped; of course he knew how important the control of the hand is to a pitcher. He stood up quickly with the only desire to look for the other boy.
“It’s late now Jun-kun, he just left” Aiba said.
“What do you mean?”
“The doctor said he should get some rest ‘cause his mom won’t wake up anytime soon. He didn’t want to, but we convinced him to get some sleep so he doesn’t scare his mom. He accepted it almost by force” Aiba smiled sadly.
“He went home alone?”
Aiba shook his head “Sho-kun took him to his house, it’s closer and his parents were fine with it. They should return in the afternoon, you should go home too” Aiba stood up and starting walking away, leaving Jun alone to his guilt.
Jun stayed there for almost an hour before he was able to stop crying and return to his house. His parents didn’t ask any questions about Nino’s cold treatment, they just informed him what he already knew about Nino’s mom. Jun stayed in his room for the rest of the day, without food, he was just punishing himself for the way he had hurt the person the loves the most. The following days all the information he gathered came from them, Nino’s mom had woken up but she had to stay in the hospital for at least two weeks before being discharge. His father had been capture and would face trial soon enough. Nino continues living with the Sakurai´s, witch Jun’s parents had meet at the hospital, and they had taken a liking for the prodigy, caring for him as another son. The school will keep Nino’s scholarship until the end of the year whatever his results are, but they’ll have to leave the house as soon as the school year is over.
Without his parent’s knowledge, Jun had been skipping classes and baseball’s practices to hang out around the hospital, to check from the distance on the prodigy and his mom. He always asked the nurses about the woman’s condition, being careful not to be seen by Nino. He saw him from afar, almost every day, walking in the hallway in his way to visit his mom. Most of the times he was with Aiba, Sakurai or a new guy Jun didn’t know; but sometimes he was alone, and those were the moments he looked like breaking apart.
One afternoon he saw Nino left early his mother’s room and gathering all his strength, he knocked at the door.
“Oh, Jun-kun, come in”
Jun eyes were tearing at the sight of the fragile woman in that state “I’m sorry, I should have come before” he stood in front of the bed.
“It’s okay dear, come sit down” she showed him the chair but instead he kneeled with his forehead touching the floor asking for forgiveness, surprising the patient. “What’s wrong Jun-kun? Please stand up”
Jun stayed in his place, only lifting his head to speak “I broke the promise. I couldn’t protect him, I couldn’t do anything. I just hurt him” Jun cried.
The woman sighed “Stand up Jun-kun” the boy did that and took the offered hand “It was selfish of me to made you promise that”
“No, it was not!” he quickly answered “I wanted to!”
“And you did, for so long; but there are things we aren’t under our control. You did so much, thanks to you he didn’t turn out into a bitter boy, he had friends he started to love baseball again. He was happy. I know that with the help of everyone he’ll be happy again. With your help. He needs you, you know?”
“But-”
“No buts Jun-kun. Nino misses you and I know you do too. I don’t know what happened between you two but I know he cares deeply for you. He can’t hide that from me, he misses you terribly”
“I miss him to” murmured Jun “but I made a mistake”
“He’ll forgive you” she assured him
“I don’t deserv-“
“Had you tried?”
“What?”
“Had you tried asking? Had you tried to get close again?”
Jun shook his head, ashamed.
“Then what’re you doing here? You have to fight for what you want. Go to him!”
“Wha-“
“I’m fine Jun-kun. I‘ll be happy as soon as I see my boy happy. Hurry up, I’m sure he also wants to see you, if not he wouldn’t be standing behind the door listen to our conversation”
Jun turned around as the woman signaled the door, he rushed out of there and followed Nino to the rooftop. Once there, they were finally alone.
“I’m sorry Nino. I’m so sorry” Jun started apologizing.
The prodigy had his gaze on the floor “I needed you Jun, so much. And all the time you just pushed me away. You ignored me when I needed you the most. I thought… I thought you’ll never let me down. I thought I could always count on you”
“You can!” Jun stepped forward grabbing the smaller boy’s shoulders “You still can! I made a mistake, please forgive me Nino. I miss you so much” Jun begged.
“Then why did-“
“I was jealous” Jun finally admitted crying “I was so jealous of you and Sakurai-kun. It’s not excuse I know, but it’s the true, I don’t want to lie anymore”
“Wha- what are you saying Jun?” Nino stuttered looking at his friend his own tears forming “Jealous of what? We were still friends, you were still my best friend”
“But you are so much more than that to me, Nino. To me, you’re precious and I felt like I was losing, like I was losing you”
“Jun” Nino exhaled, a smile forming on his lips.
“I love you Nino. I know I shouldn’t, but I do. I was-” a soft kiss on the lips cut his trail of words. Jun stared at Nino, still not sure if that kiss was just his imagination.
“Since when?” Nino asked shyly.
Jun breathed out “I don’t know. Since the first time I saw you? No, maybe from before I was born. It’s only you Nino, it can only be you” Jun rested his head on his friend shoulder, all the weight of his hidden feelings finally out. The missed meals and the restless night were finally showing up, he fall to the floor awaken but weak.
“Jun” Nino called worryingly, kneeling and holding him.
“Nino, do you forgive me?” Jun asked still a little scared, their faces close to each other.
The prodigy nodded and in the moment Jun leaned to kiss those lips that had been tormenting him all these time. It was a sweet kiss, full of secrets and love. They pulled apart with bright smiles. Jun wanted to taste more so he started kissing his neck, his sole purpose to leave a mark that tells the world that Nino is his “I love you too” Nino whispered “in case you were still wondering” he grinned at Jun, who had to stop his masterpiece to kiss the smaller boy again, this time more passionately.
They continued the make out session for a few more minutes until Nino forced Jun to stop so he could get some food and rest.
“You’d have to make amends, you know?” Nino told him on their way to the cafeteria.
“Whatever you want” Jun grinned happily.
“Whatever? Princess is in such a good mood today”
“I am” Jun stated confidently.
They both laughed, the first real laugh in such a long time.
When Nino’s mom left the hospital and they lived together again, Jun could sleep better knowing that his boyfriend wasn’t living with Sakurai anymore. No matter how any times Nino told him not to be jealous of his tutor, he just couldn’t help it. It took many a lot of teasing from his friends, which now included Ohno Satoshi, so he could finally relax in from of the older boy. It turned out that the tutor only saw Nino as a younger brother, but he said between laughs that if the prodigy was a girl he would definitely go after her. Just in case, Jun always kept the pair in check.
Nino’s hand was almost recovered, but the long time effects on his pitching were still a mystery. Only time would tell. However, with the help of Jun and Aiba, he starting practicing again, very carefully.
The relationship between the boys was limited to kisses and some fondling over the clothes, the time and place never the appropriate to go further. That changed one afternoon, when Jun’s parents weren’t at home and won’t be for a long time. Soon enough they were in Jun’s room sharing hungry kisses on the bed, neither taking the next step, but both wanting it.
“Jun” Nino whispered huskily, making Jun’s cock twitch under his jeans.
“Yeah, babe?” Jun was nibbling and kissing his neck, being careful to not leave marks, though he wanted to brand his boyfriend.
“I want you” Nino blushed deeply as he let out his desire for Jun.
Jun searched for his eyes, gulping in excitement “Are you sure?”
Nino nodded, a second later Jun was already undressing both of them; when his little boyfriend was lying naked under him, it was better that all his fantasies, the sight of that milky smooth combined with the dark lustful eyes of Nino made Jun completely hard. After mapping his body with the tip of his fingers, looking for the spots that made the prodigy moan louder, he lowered the kisses to the little buds and played with them until they were hard; he then violated his navel using his tongue and took the route to Nino’s member. Jun didn’t have any experience giving blowjobs, but he imagined how he would want it and took it from there, later Nino’s gasps and pulls of his hair lead the way to completion.
“You are so fucking delicious, Nino” Jun said after taking it all in his mouth. His boyfriend pulled him for a deep kiss, grateful for a job well done. When they pull apart Nino called for him again.
“Are you sure babe? We can’t stop here” Jun said caressing the prodigy’s face.
“Stop asking me that. Just do it” seeing that Jun didn’t move he added “I want it because it’s you. I want to feel you, Jun. Please”
Jun couldn’t love Nino more in that moment; after a soft kiss he looked for the lube and condom that was hided under his bed and started preparing him. Jun’s body urged him to hurry up and just take the small boy, but his heart forced him to take all the time Nino needed to be ready. When his boyfriend told him it was time, he entered slowly gasping at the heat and pressure around his cock. After that gasps and loud moans filled the room, alone with slapping sounds from their skins connection. It was messy but beautiful at the same time. They didn’t last long but it didn’t matter, with calls for each other names they came seconds apart and were soon lying lost in the blissful post-orgasmic feeling of their love making. Too tired to move they stayed like that for at least an hour before the need of a shower made them stand up. Under the water, Jun washed the prodigy with so much care that made his boyfriend giggled in happiness. Words of love never sounded so insufficient for what they are to each other.
Nino’s hand wasn’t the same anymore, but it was good enough that made his school obtain the championship again that year. They all graduated and started their new lives as college’s students, but the bonds of friendship they made in their school years weren’t forgotten, especially with two couples inside their group. Life wasn’t easy and never will. But, as Jun once told Nino, the important thing is to try, always give your best, because it’s worth it. THEY are worth it.
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Another fulfill request. Hope you enjoyed it momokan69. I’m writing a really short one that I’ll be posting tomorrow, hope everyone likes both of them. Comments are really appreciated.
See you soon :D