reposting fic here for simplicity
Written for doumeki at rikkai_shorts
Pairing: Yagyuu/Yanagi
Title: le regard
Rating: G
Warnings: ...UST, if anything
Renji sits on the bench across from the court where two of his teammates are playing. He stays there, nearly motionless, observing, not needing to make use of the notebook that lies to his right. Instead, the two players’ movements are easily committed to memory, and he only makes note of what would need to be corrected in the future. Evidently, both of them have become overly accustomed to doubles; Marui's stamina is waning quickly, and Yagyuu seems to be having some difficulty reaching all of his shots in enough time.
Yukimura would not be pleased.
Renji starts to write down some of these observations in his notebook, with perhaps a bit more maliciousness than necessary for someone who was supposed to be making impartial judgments on his teammates’ performance. He tries to justify to himself that both Yagyuu and Marui really did need at least 10 grams added to their wrist weights, and more than a few running drills added to their training schedules. It certainly had nothing to do with the bitterness he may have felt at being denied a chance to play, again. No, he was the team's data master, and he would perform his tasks willingly.
This may have been convincing in his head. However, it may also have taken him a fair amount of concentration to maintain this delusion. Looking up to continue watching the game, Renji found himself staring into the blank expression of Yagyuu Hiroshi.
"I trust you gathered some useful information from our game, Yanagi?" Yagyuu makes a minimal gesture toward his notebook. Renji glances down to see that he had snapped his pencil while he was writing. Renji looks up at the other boy, shoving the broken pieces of his pencil in a pocket.
"Of course."
Yagyuu nods slightly and strides away. Renji watches him retreat, although he usually knows better than to stare.
He's always been slightly unnerved by this particular teammate - and for no specific reason. Perhaps it is his typically unreadable expression, the cold politeness he uses with every person he encounters, the way he walks with his racket hanging completely immobile at his side, or maybe something as simple as his exceedingly poor choice in hair color.
Renji brushes these thoughts away - he's been sitting, staring at the empty court for too long already. Plus, it appears that Akaya has challenged Sanada to yet another match, and doubtlessly he would be expected to give an update on their youngest member's progress.
~
Yukimura is sitting upright in his bed, flipping through the various notes and commentaries Renji just handed to him. Sanada is standing on the other side of the bed, staring out the window and looking vaguely uncomfortable. The rest of the team waits outside the room.
His captain laughs softly as he hands Renji's notes back to him. "It seems Genichirou may have gotten a bit lax, ne, Reni?"
He nods, doing his best not to snicker at the death-glare Sanada is sending him. "I have done no such thing, Seii-"
Yukimura raises a hand and Sanada falls silent. "I trust your judgment, Renji. Add the 10g to everyone's wrist weights, and reschedule drills as you see fit."
Renji assumes he is being dismissed, and walks toward the door.
"Oh, and Renji?" Yukimura smiles infuriatingly and Sanada is failing at drawing his had back subtly from the other boy's arm when Renji turns around. "Since you seemed so concerned about it in your notes - you'll be playing singles with Hiroshi this week.”
Renji feels a vein throbbing in his forehead, but otherwise shows no visible signs of displeasure at this assignment. He turns and leaves the room, barely avoiding getting trampled by Kirihara and Marui bounding in after him. He only feels a small twinge of satisfaction at what is most likely Sanada's considerable frustration at this juncture.
~
At home, Renji pours over the notes he had given to Yukimura, searching for anything that would have inspired such a comment. He's pleased, of course, that he has even been given "permission" (although he rolls his eyes at the thought) to officially play. However, if he actually wanted to improve, practicing with Sanada surely would have been more beneficial.
Finally, though, he spots it. Examining the notes he made about Yagyuu, he realizes that the strokes in each character are at least 27% thicker than his usual handwriting. Hating himself for being so careless, and also having a renewed fear for the intelligence Yukimura must hide behind his benign smile, Renji tosses the notebook to the side, and resolves to stop thinking about it.
Despite his reputation for attention to detail, though, he doesn't notice that he used the word "lithe" about six times, or that a good fifth of his sentences end up inconclusive and incoherent.
~
"If you find playing singles with me so distasteful, Yanagi, it really isn't necessary."
Renji and Yagyuu are walking from where they had been warming up to one of the courts nearest the fence. Renji opens his mouth to tell Yagyuu that no, of course that isn't the case, and to inquire what could have possibly given him that ludicrous idea. But, as he does so, he feels an sharp pain in his jaw and realizes that he has been clenching it for the last hour or so.
So, instead, raising his free hand to massage his now-aching muscles, he manages a curt "No, it's fine," before taking his place on the court.
~
The glint from Yagyuu's glasses seems condescending even from this distance.
~
"Surely, Yanagi, the data you've collected has given you more than enough information to defeat me quickly?"
It is three games to one. Yagyuu is winning.
Renji doesn't reply, but tosses the ball to serve again.
~
After he finally takes a few points in succession, and then another game, Renji calls out, "I only told Yukimura that I didn't think you were suited to singles."
Yagyuu stiffens and scowls, possibly the first actual change of expression ever witnessed on his face. Renji smirks, and readies himself to receive the serve.
"Interesting, Yanagi. I informed Yukimura that I didn't think you were suited for anything besides data collection."
Renji doesn't register the serve until he hears it hits the fence behind him.
~
Yagyuu must be bluffing. He would never say something like that to Yukimura - he seemed almost apathetic towards tennis in the first place, surely he wouldn't dare insinuate -
"Yagyuu" lowers his glasses and winks at him, mouthing a word that looks suspiciously like "puri" before serving again.
Renji decides he must be at least fifteen years closer to having an aneurysm.
~
After the game, (which Renji did win, leaving only a few tattered shards of his pride intact) a white haired boy approaches him, looking for all the world like Niou, but it wasn't possible for him to have changed that fast - was it?
"I apologize for whatever Niou may have said to you, Yanagi." And of course, it is Yagyuu, for it isn't like anyone else on the team could have such little intonation in his voice.
Renji can barely decide if he wants to deign him with a reply. "Are you responsible for him, now?"
"No, but it was inconsiderate of me to allow him to play against you in my stead. Let me make it up to you?" Yagyuu makes a motion as if he were about to push up his glasses, but dressed as Niou, ends up nearly poking himself in the eye instead. Renji isn't sure if this action is actually accidental, or just for his benefit, but he decides he'd accept either.
"If you insist."
"Will you join me for coffee, then, after practice?"
"Alright.”
~
A few hours later, the pair is seated across from each other at a table that is far too small for two people, but it is more crowded in the café than either of them had expected. Neither of them has said anything since Yagyuu purchased both of their drinks, and while the lack of conversation was surprisingly comfortable at first, Renji's latte is getting dangerously empty.
Suddenly, though, Yagyuu saves him from having to break the silence.
"Yukimura did tell me you seemed especially concerned about my performance in singles."
Perhaps "saved" was a bit too hasty of a word choice.
Renji hesitates for a bit longer than what is generally considered socially acceptable before responding.
"Yukimura...likes to exaggerate things. You, of all people, should be well aware of that, Yagyuu."
"That may be true, Yanagi, but you are also well aware that Yukimura is rarely wrong, I'm sure."
As Renji is only a few inches away from the other boy, his glasses do nothing to shield his amused expression. Maybe he had misjudged him, and he was something close to human, after all.
"You may rest assured that my concern is nothing more than it is for any of the other members on our team." Renji feels somewhat accomplished at letting his voice stay completely neutral.
The humor fades rapidly from Yagyuu’s eyes, although Renji can only see this because he hasn’t stopped watching.
Yagyuu rises to throw away his cup, and Renji follows him.
“Perhaps we should do this again some time?” Yagyuu has returned to being completely expressionless, although at this point Renji thinks this is more telling than anything he is actually saying.
“If you like.”
Yagyuu leaves the café, and Renji watches him until he turns the corner and is out of sight.
That was rather unexpected.
Renji returns to his table and pulls out a notebook.
Pairing: Yagyuu/Yanagi
Title: le regard
Rating: G
Warnings: ...UST, if anything
Renji sits on the bench across from the court where two of his teammates are playing. He stays there, nearly motionless, observing, not needing to make use of the notebook that lies to his right. Instead, the two players’ movements are easily committed to memory, and he only makes note of what would need to be corrected in the future. Evidently, both of them have become overly accustomed to doubles; Marui's stamina is waning quickly, and Yagyuu seems to be having some difficulty reaching all of his shots in enough time.
Yukimura would not be pleased.
Renji starts to write down some of these observations in his notebook, with perhaps a bit more maliciousness than necessary for someone who was supposed to be making impartial judgments on his teammates’ performance. He tries to justify to himself that both Yagyuu and Marui really did need at least 10 grams added to their wrist weights, and more than a few running drills added to their training schedules. It certainly had nothing to do with the bitterness he may have felt at being denied a chance to play, again. No, he was the team's data master, and he would perform his tasks willingly.
This may have been convincing in his head. However, it may also have taken him a fair amount of concentration to maintain this delusion. Looking up to continue watching the game, Renji found himself staring into the blank expression of Yagyuu Hiroshi.
"I trust you gathered some useful information from our game, Yanagi?" Yagyuu makes a minimal gesture toward his notebook. Renji glances down to see that he had snapped his pencil while he was writing. Renji looks up at the other boy, shoving the broken pieces of his pencil in a pocket.
"Of course."
Yagyuu nods slightly and strides away. Renji watches him retreat, although he usually knows better than to stare.
He's always been slightly unnerved by this particular teammate - and for no specific reason. Perhaps it is his typically unreadable expression, the cold politeness he uses with every person he encounters, the way he walks with his racket hanging completely immobile at his side, or maybe something as simple as his exceedingly poor choice in hair color.
Renji brushes these thoughts away - he's been sitting, staring at the empty court for too long already. Plus, it appears that Akaya has challenged Sanada to yet another match, and doubtlessly he would be expected to give an update on their youngest member's progress.
~
Yukimura is sitting upright in his bed, flipping through the various notes and commentaries Renji just handed to him. Sanada is standing on the other side of the bed, staring out the window and looking vaguely uncomfortable. The rest of the team waits outside the room.
His captain laughs softly as he hands Renji's notes back to him. "It seems Genichirou may have gotten a bit lax, ne, Reni?"
He nods, doing his best not to snicker at the death-glare Sanada is sending him. "I have done no such thing, Seii-"
Yukimura raises a hand and Sanada falls silent. "I trust your judgment, Renji. Add the 10g to everyone's wrist weights, and reschedule drills as you see fit."
Renji assumes he is being dismissed, and walks toward the door.
"Oh, and Renji?" Yukimura smiles infuriatingly and Sanada is failing at drawing his had back subtly from the other boy's arm when Renji turns around. "Since you seemed so concerned about it in your notes - you'll be playing singles with Hiroshi this week.”
Renji feels a vein throbbing in his forehead, but otherwise shows no visible signs of displeasure at this assignment. He turns and leaves the room, barely avoiding getting trampled by Kirihara and Marui bounding in after him. He only feels a small twinge of satisfaction at what is most likely Sanada's considerable frustration at this juncture.
~
At home, Renji pours over the notes he had given to Yukimura, searching for anything that would have inspired such a comment. He's pleased, of course, that he has even been given "permission" (although he rolls his eyes at the thought) to officially play. However, if he actually wanted to improve, practicing with Sanada surely would have been more beneficial.
Finally, though, he spots it. Examining the notes he made about Yagyuu, he realizes that the strokes in each character are at least 27% thicker than his usual handwriting. Hating himself for being so careless, and also having a renewed fear for the intelligence Yukimura must hide behind his benign smile, Renji tosses the notebook to the side, and resolves to stop thinking about it.
Despite his reputation for attention to detail, though, he doesn't notice that he used the word "lithe" about six times, or that a good fifth of his sentences end up inconclusive and incoherent.
~
"If you find playing singles with me so distasteful, Yanagi, it really isn't necessary."
Renji and Yagyuu are walking from where they had been warming up to one of the courts nearest the fence. Renji opens his mouth to tell Yagyuu that no, of course that isn't the case, and to inquire what could have possibly given him that ludicrous idea. But, as he does so, he feels an sharp pain in his jaw and realizes that he has been clenching it for the last hour or so.
So, instead, raising his free hand to massage his now-aching muscles, he manages a curt "No, it's fine," before taking his place on the court.
~
The glint from Yagyuu's glasses seems condescending even from this distance.
~
"Surely, Yanagi, the data you've collected has given you more than enough information to defeat me quickly?"
It is three games to one. Yagyuu is winning.
Renji doesn't reply, but tosses the ball to serve again.
~
After he finally takes a few points in succession, and then another game, Renji calls out, "I only told Yukimura that I didn't think you were suited to singles."
Yagyuu stiffens and scowls, possibly the first actual change of expression ever witnessed on his face. Renji smirks, and readies himself to receive the serve.
"Interesting, Yanagi. I informed Yukimura that I didn't think you were suited for anything besides data collection."
Renji doesn't register the serve until he hears it hits the fence behind him.
~
Yagyuu must be bluffing. He would never say something like that to Yukimura - he seemed almost apathetic towards tennis in the first place, surely he wouldn't dare insinuate -
"Yagyuu" lowers his glasses and winks at him, mouthing a word that looks suspiciously like "puri" before serving again.
Renji decides he must be at least fifteen years closer to having an aneurysm.
~
After the game, (which Renji did win, leaving only a few tattered shards of his pride intact) a white haired boy approaches him, looking for all the world like Niou, but it wasn't possible for him to have changed that fast - was it?
"I apologize for whatever Niou may have said to you, Yanagi." And of course, it is Yagyuu, for it isn't like anyone else on the team could have such little intonation in his voice.
Renji can barely decide if he wants to deign him with a reply. "Are you responsible for him, now?"
"No, but it was inconsiderate of me to allow him to play against you in my stead. Let me make it up to you?" Yagyuu makes a motion as if he were about to push up his glasses, but dressed as Niou, ends up nearly poking himself in the eye instead. Renji isn't sure if this action is actually accidental, or just for his benefit, but he decides he'd accept either.
"If you insist."
"Will you join me for coffee, then, after practice?"
"Alright.”
~
A few hours later, the pair is seated across from each other at a table that is far too small for two people, but it is more crowded in the café than either of them had expected. Neither of them has said anything since Yagyuu purchased both of their drinks, and while the lack of conversation was surprisingly comfortable at first, Renji's latte is getting dangerously empty.
Suddenly, though, Yagyuu saves him from having to break the silence.
"Yukimura did tell me you seemed especially concerned about my performance in singles."
Perhaps "saved" was a bit too hasty of a word choice.
Renji hesitates for a bit longer than what is generally considered socially acceptable before responding.
"Yukimura...likes to exaggerate things. You, of all people, should be well aware of that, Yagyuu."
"That may be true, Yanagi, but you are also well aware that Yukimura is rarely wrong, I'm sure."
As Renji is only a few inches away from the other boy, his glasses do nothing to shield his amused expression. Maybe he had misjudged him, and he was something close to human, after all.
"You may rest assured that my concern is nothing more than it is for any of the other members on our team." Renji feels somewhat accomplished at letting his voice stay completely neutral.
The humor fades rapidly from Yagyuu’s eyes, although Renji can only see this because he hasn’t stopped watching.
Yagyuu rises to throw away his cup, and Renji follows him.
“Perhaps we should do this again some time?” Yagyuu has returned to being completely expressionless, although at this point Renji thinks this is more telling than anything he is actually saying.
“If you like.”
Yagyuu leaves the café, and Renji watches him until he turns the corner and is out of sight.
That was rather unexpected.
Renji returns to his table and pulls out a notebook.