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Chapter Text

Therapy Session, Raimon-Style

 Hello, ladies and gentlemen. Just a question for you... have you ever heard the story of Raimon's therapy sessions yet? No? Well then, prepare yourself, for I will now tell you the tale of how the Raimon team finally came to accept their issues...

Oh, who am I kidding? Just read for yourself to find out!

''What exactly do you have to say for yourself?!''

''Sangoku, look-''

The keeper cuts the other off furiously. ''No I will not look! I don't care that you think it was justified, and I know you all have issues but this went too far!''

As Nishiki blanches and backs down, Kurama huffs indignantly. ''We do not have issues!'' he protests. ''Well, I don't!''

Sangoku's blazing black eyes turn to the striker. ''Kurama Norihito,'' he hisses venomously, ''using your Sidewinder to call forth an army of snakes because your teammates won't listen to you are in this case classified as issues.''

''He has a point,'' mutters Hamano.

Unfortunately for the midfielder, Sangoku hears it and turns his attention on him. ''Don't even get me started on you! You tied your teammates up with fishing hooks and then threw them in the fishing pond!''

Hamano laughs sheepishly and shrinks back under the keeper's rage. Said keeper glares at him for a moment longer and then focuses on all the teenagers in front of him. Said teenagers are sitting like lost puppies in the middle of the clubroom, Sangoku towering over them in his fury. The club members who managed to avoid his wrath are watching from the sidelines, one of them cackling wickedly throughout the whole ideal.

The keeper glares at all the guilty players. ''I cannot believe all of you! First you had a very stupid and childish argument-''

''It was not stupid!'' protests Kurumada.

Black eyes narrow at him and he shrinks back. ''Kurumada, an argument about that card game they made about us is stupid! It's just a card game for heaven's sake!''

The defender glares right back at him. ''Of course it's important! My cards are the best!''

''Funny joke, Kurumada-senpai,'' snorts Kariya. ''Mine are obviously better!''

''No, mine are!'' protests Nishiki. ''Yours are just-''

''EVERYONE SHUT UP!''

All people present freeze at Sangoku's furious shout and the silence is only broken a certain bystander who is still cackling. The keeper's glare has turned from filled with rage to plain deadly. ''It is just. A. Stupid. Card. Game.'' He says with an icy cool voice. ''It is no excuse for everything you guys did. Kurumada!''

Said defender freezes.

''You used your Dash Train to tackle a tree. Nishiki!'' the mentioned midfielder blanches and smiles weakly. ''You used your Keshin to cut said tree in half. And Kariya, from now on you cannot use your Hunter's Net to trap your teammates!''

The tealhead slumps forward. ''Hai...''

Sangoku glares at all of the players in front of him. ''Furthermore, torturing your slightly sane teammates when they're trapped by Kariya's Hunter's Net and Amagi's Wall of China is forbidden as well. Do you have any idea of all the chaos you caused?

''You flooded the cafeteria! You created an army of snakes! You used your sane teammates as fish bait! You used your hissatsu as weapons! You had a live Keshin fight that did not involve soccer at all! You destroyed the abandoned clubhouse next to the soccer building in a mix of hissatsu, fire, bombs and paint! And not to mention, you made it rain chickens!

''And you dare tell me you don't have issues! Because trust me, you do! You destroyed the cafeteria and the abandoned clubhouse, last week you dyed the principal's office and the surrounding halls in the Raimon colors with glitter spray, the month before you abducted the tennis club and they were found covered in post-it notes in the attic – which is locked 24/7 – because they insulted our club! And you still managed to keep anyone from figuring out you were the culprits!

''But not anymore! I am completely done with your behavior!'' Sangoku's eyes are blazing with fury and the bystanders can swear there are flames rising up behind him. ''While I do not want you guys to be expelled, I will certainly not tolerate this any longer!''

The accused club members flinch, hoping for someone to defend them from the keeper's wrath. ''Sangoku-san, please, it's not that bad...''

''Not that bad?'' hisses the High School student. ''Not that bad?! I cannot believe this- I cannot believe you are part of this, Shindou! You were captain for heaven's sake! And now you blew up three trees while laughing maniacally?!''

The game maker blinks. ''How would you know that? You weren't there...'' he comments in honest confusion.

''I have my ways,'' answers the keeper darkly and the ex-captain shrinks back. ''But yes, it is that bad. So, I have decided that we will do something about your issues.'' Sangoku turns to look at the bystanders, telling them this is meant for them too. They all shrink back, except for the one who is still cackling.

''We are going to meditation classes.''

The stunned silence last for a few seconds before a certain individual starts cackling like mad again. He cackles for thirty seconds straight before calming down and wiping the tears from his eyes. ''San-san, I could drop down on my knees and declare my undying love for you right now.''

Sangoku rolls his eyes but can't help the smile tugging at his lips. ''Glad at least one of us seems to enjoy this.'' Then he turns back to the culprits of the raining chickens. ''And for all of you with issues!'' they jump up in shock at his whipping voice. ''You are all going to therapy!''

Silence reigns in the clubroom for a long moment, before Tenma starts cackling wickedly again at his teammates' indignant and stunned looks.

''But Sangoku-!'' Kurumada starts to protest, but is cut off by the keeper himself.

''Shut up, Kurumada! You are going and you are going to work out your issues! Or so help me, for I will show you why they're calling me the Flaming Rock Keeper!''

''Therapy?!'' Kurama jumps to his feet in anger. ''I am not going to some stupid therapist-''

Sangoku's glare makes him freeze in place. ''You are.''

They hold a staring contest for a few moments but then the snake forward slowly sits down again, scowling darkly. ''I am,'' he spits through gritted teeth. Then he whips his head around to face Tenma. ''And you! Stop your goddamn cackling already!''

The captain's cackling is replaced by a sweet smile that sends shivers down the watchers' spines. He walks forwards from where he was leaning against the wall until he's standing next to Sangoku in front of the culprits of the raining chickens incident. ''Alright. I completely agree with Sangoku-san on this topic,'' he tells his team in a sugary tone. ''So to make sure all of you go, we will have a few new rules... anyone who doesn't follow the outside school classes approved of by me and Sangoku-san, will have their training menu tripled.''

Everyone immediately starts to protest. ''Wha- you can't do that!'' Tsurugi's shout is heard the loudest. ''I am not going to meditation classes!''

Tenma turns to his best friend, still with the sugar smile on his lips. The onlookers can swear there are sparkles and flowers behind him. ''Oh, but I can. You see, I am your captain. So you are going to meditation classes, Kyousuke, if you like it or not. And you are also going to the therapy sessions.''

The forward freezes and then glares murder at the brunet. ''I was not even part of this.''

The captain nods. ''You weren't. But you are certainly classified as someone with issues. For example, two weeks ago you set the chairman's cat on fire.'' His smile widens, if that's even possible, and the sparkles increase. ''And while I personally don't have any problems with that, it is only a small example of the chaos you cause. So yes, you are going to therapy, or I promise you I will get Yuuichi-san to help me.''

Tsurugi freezes for a moment and then glowers at his slightly younger captain. ''Very well,'' he hisses angrily. ''I will go to those stupid sessions!''

Tenma nods, still smiling sweetly. ''Good, good. Very good.'' Then he turns to the rest of his friends. ''I propose that we all go to group therapy, and our more troubled members will go to individual sessions as well. Does anyone have any objections to this?''

His sugary tone keeps them from protesting any longer.

''Alright everyone. My name is Osaki Seiji and I am your group therapist.'' The man smiles kindly at the group of teenagers in front of him. ''Seeing as all of you introduced yourselves already individually, I would like a group introduction.''

The Raimon group shares a few looks, most of them scowling, but their captain ignores it and smiles politely at the man. ''Of course, Osaki-sensei. We all used to be in the same club two years ago, but the then second and third-years have already graduated to High School. However, we are still very close and we are planning on going to the same school again so that we can play together again.'' The therapist nods and the brunet suddenly blinks in realization. ''Ah, we're in the soccer club,'' he quickly adds.

Osaki nods with a smile. ''Yes, you are all quite famous. Raimon, champions for two years in a row already...'' he shuffles through a bunch of papers and nods. ''Alright, what would you say your reason is for being here?''

Sangoku is the one who answers this time. ''We are a group of very... eccentric individuals. Because of this, we clash quite often and we have decided it would be a good idea to work out our issues.''

The doctor nods again. ''Very well. Let's see what will happen, shall we?'' he then faces the group and smiles comfortingly. ''Well, ladies and gentlemen, where would you like to start?''

An innocent question, though he didn't expect almost everyone to suddenly point at Tsurugi...

The doctor sweatdrops. ''Um, alright... let's say, Hayami-kun, why are you pointing at Tsurugi-kun?''

The midfielder looks at the table in front of him nervously as he mutters an answer. ''Because he has issues...''

Everyone nods at this.

Osaki blinks and then shifts his gaze to the person sitting next to Hayami. ''Alright. Hamano-kun, I see you nodding at this. What would you say Tsurugi-kun's issues are?''

''He's a pessimist,'' answers the boy immediately. ''He used to be all dark and gloomy and emo and sometimes he goes back to that phase. He also represses his emotions and blames himself for a lot of things even though it wasn't his fault. And while I'm no professional, I think he has Stockholm syndrome.''

''That about sums it up...'' mutters Kariya under his breath.

Osaki almost drops the pen he is holding in disbelief. For a few moments he doesn't move and the nods slowly. ''Alright... Tsurugi-kun, would you mind answering a few questions for me?''

The navy-haired teen scowls but then nods. ''Of course...'' he hisses.

''Very well. Hamano-kun said you 'used' to have a very negative viewpoint of life. What caused this?''

The angry mood dissipates a little as Tsurugi's scowl disappears slightly, replaced by sadness that only his friends can see. ''My brother was in an accident when he was younger,'' says the forward in a softer tone than before. ''He was pretty much paralyzed from the waist down. After that, I... didn't really know how to handle it.''

Seeing how Tsurugi seems uncomfortable with elaborating, the doctor asks his next question. ''I see. What exactly changed this?''

The forward automatically glances at the person sitting next to him and then drops his gaze again, embarrassed at his reaction. ''Well... this idiot here wouldn't stop bugging me,'' he grumbles as he nods towards Tenma. ''He eventually managed to convince me to...'' he shrugs uncomfortably and doesn't finish his sentence.

Osaki nods again. ''Positive influence, so to say?'' as Kyousuke nods again, the doctor continues. ''Very well. What about this 'Stockholm syndrome' part?''

Tsurugi freezes and then glares at Hamano as he laughs. ''I am not in love with Lalaya!'' he protests furiously.

Tenma next to him places a hand on his shoulder. ''Please, Kyousuke, don't be ashamed. We are here to talk about our issues. You don't have to walk away from them anymore.''

Osaki furiously scribbles something down on his notebook. ''Tsurugi-kun, who is this Lalaya person you talk about?''

The forward glares at him but answers anyway, probably remembering Tenma's threat about training. ''Lalaya was a girl who needed my help a few years ago,'' he spats furiously. ''She didn't know how to get me alone so she took me without my consent. Eventually we became friends because I saw that she was just a girl with a problem and she didn't know how to solve it.''

'''Took you without your consent'?'' repeats Shindou incredulously. ''She send someone to knock you out and replace you! That's called kidnapping, you know! And someone does not simply become friends with their kidnapper!''

Kyousuke scowls. ''Well, at least I'm not bipolar!''

''He's not bipolar,'' Kirino defends his friend. Shindou himself gapes at the implication of the navy-haired boy, who is smirking in satisfaction. That is, until he hears Kirino's next words. ''You're the one who's depressed here.''

Tsurugi glares at him and seems to search for words for a moment. Then he says the first thing that comes to mind. ''You have self-esteem issues because you look like a girl!''

Kirino's mouth falls open. ''I do not!'' he screeches as he jumps to his feet, his face turning red in anger.

''Yes you do,'' says Kariya calmly. Even so, he has a smirk on his face as he watches the fight before him.

The pink-haired defender turns his murderous gaze to the tealhead. ''Well, you- you have multiple personality disorder!'' he sputters out after a moment.

Kariya gasps, offended, and jumps to his feet as well while slamming his hands on the table. ''What! That's not true!''

''Guys... please calm down...'' begs Hayami nervously. Unfortunately for him, that causes everyone's attention to shift to him. And what's even more unfortunate is the fact that everyone starts to get fired up by the argument brewing in front of them.

Without really thinking about it, Kariya points at him. ''Hayami-senpai suffers from anxiety!''

Hamano stands up immediately to defend his friend. ''Shut up! At least he's not a maniac who hunts his friends when he's bored!'' he shouts.

The tealhead responds with equal fierceness. ''Well, you're the one who tries to murder his friends by tying them up and pushing them in a fishing pond so they'll drown!''

Somehow, Kurama believes it's a good idea to join the fight and stands up while pointing at Kariya. ''You're a scaredy-cat who puts up a tough front so that people won't see your insecurities!''

''Stop ganging up on me!'' bristles the tealhead. ''You can communicate with venomous lizards and order them to attack us!'' he retorts as he glares at the older teen.

Osaki is scribbling furiously on his notebook, trying to keep up with everything.

''Guys, stop it!'' orders Tenma, but everyone being as fired up as they are, continue the fight, now pulling the captain in it.

''Tenma's a masochist!'' yells Kurama immediately.

The brunet falters slightly at that, surprised to be caught up in the argument, but his friends don't. ''He's not!'' hisses Tsurugi. ''You're a pessimist! And you can't let go of the past!'' the forward defends his best friend. ''Seriously, Minamisawa-senpai switched schools years ago! Get over it already!''

As the fight continues, Sangoku slowly drops his head in his hands. Osaki, who is sitting next to him, gapes at the other teens and then slowly turns his gaze to the keeper. Said keeper smiles weakly at him. ''Told you we have issues...''

Osaki grabs his phone as the more sane members of Raimon manage to calm their friends down. The doctor deals a number and waits for a few moments before the other picks up.

''Osaki-san? What can I do for you?'' comes the voice of his secretary.

''Chinen-san,'' he starts, ''do I have any appointments after this?''

For a moment it's silent before the other answers. ''No, sir. Your next appointment is in two hours.''

The therapist nods even though the secretary can't see him. ''Thank you very much.'' With that he hangs up and looks at the now calmed down Raimon team. He takes a deep breath. ''Very well everyone. I hope you don't have anything to do after this, because this may take a while.''

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how the first of many Raimon therapy sessions began.

Chapter Text

Of Distractions and Soda Bottles

''We need a distraction.''

Everyone at the lunch table looks at Kurama when he suddenly says this. Seeing as the forward doesn't seem to notice their confusion, Shindou raises an eyebrow. ''Why?''

The tanned teen grins in a way that promises chaos. The more mature members of their club immediately grow cautious, while the eyes of the more mischievous ones start to sparkle in anticipation. ''What would you say if I told you that I might or might not have overheard the tennis club talking about an assault on us?''

This catches the attention of everyone, even the more sensible players. ''Details,'' orders Shindou as his eyes narrow.

Kurama shrugs, a satisfied smile on his face. ''You know they hate us for stealing the spot of 'best club' for two years already and they're pissed because a week or so ago, someone threw a stone through the window of their clubroom at night. They blamed us for that, remember?'' at the nods he receives, the forward continues. ''So now, since we're not admitting it, they want to force us and make us pay. I don't know the details but apparently this kid brought pink paintballs to school. The tennis guys are spread all over the cafeteria and will start their 'attack' at twelve o'clock straight.''

At that his friends look at the large clock hanging where it can be seen from everywhere in the cafeteria, which reads 11:58. Two minutes before the tennis club will start their revenge.

''So you want to create a distraction big enough for their plans to fall into chaos,'' concludes Ichino. ''Why didn't you tell us earlier?''

Kurama rolls his eyes and gestures to Sangoku. ''Because Mr. Responsible Guy would've made us all sit somewhere else or something, while now we can have some fun.'' The others nod in understanding, devious smiles forming on their faces while Sangoku sighs.

''Legit,'' mutters Taiyou.

''I should tell you not to do anything,'' mumbles Sangoku, ''but the tennis club has been really annoying lately and I'm not feeling like walking around covered in pink paint. As long as we don't get into trouble, I'll let you create a 'distraction' as long as it's reasonable!'' he adds the last part quickly once he sees the grins on his friends' faces.

''Guys, we have less than a minute and a half left before the assault starts,'' warns Kariya with a look at the clock. He turns back to his friends, a devious smile on his face. ''Think of a distraction soon or we will look like pink flamingos for the rest of the day.''

They all fall into silence, trying to come up with a 'reasonable' distraction that can be carried out in the span of a minute.

''Hurry up! I can see some suspicious guys coming our way!'' hisses Midori as she casts a glance around. She's right, for about six guys are walking in the direction of their table and the soccer club can spot some other faces of the tennis players sitting at other tables close to theirs.

''Well, I don't have any ideas!'' says Fei, slightly nervous. He's probably regretting the fact that he came to visit his friends and stayed with them during school hours today, considering their current situation.

One look at the clock tells the group they only have about twenty seconds left. Not having come up with anything yet, they share some nervous looks.

That is, until Hamano sighs exasperatedly. ''I'd wished it hadn't come to this,'' he says and all eyes turn to him. ''I have an idea which could work out perfectly or go horribly wrong.''

With fourteen seconds left, there's not much to lose. Having made this decision, Shindou nods at the other midfielder. ''Give it your best shot.''

What he didn't expect though, is for Hamano to grab his bottle of soda, stand up, throw it with all the force he can muster and sit down immediately. This all happens in the span of two seconds, the teen moving so fast it is almost impossible to see.

They watch the bottle glide through the air, crop dusting everyone in its path in soda, almost as if in slow motion. Then the bottle lands, exploding upon impact with the ground and soaking everyone in its range. Screams follow from the fallen victims.

Not even a second later a rice ball is hurled through the air in the direction the bottle came from. Unfortunately the thrower doesn't have a very good aim, for the rice ball lands two tables to the left. Their screams can be heard throughout the whole cafeteria.

That's when some occupants of the table from the left take revenge by returning the favor coming from the first table of victims.

Hamano watches the chaos he created in satisfaction. Once he sees the table to the left join in, he grins cheekily. ''FOOD FIGHT!'' he yells at the top of his lungs and then ducks his head to avoid being identified.

All hell breaks loose.

Food flies through the air, screams can be heard from everywhere, bodies fall to the ground. Raimon's soccer club stares at it for one, long second, but are then shaken out of their daze and jump up. As Hamano, Kariya, Nishiki and Taiyou arm themselves with food to cover for the others, their friends turn their table and the table next to theirs on their sides. They shove the two tables against each other and against the wall, leaving some space free between the tables.

The group jumps into the protection of their makeshift fort, arming themselves with more food and randomly throwing it in the chaos beyond their fort.

''This was your plan?!'' yells Shindou over the screams from the fallen ones. ''To start a food fight?!''

Hamano shrugs, flinching when he sees someone being hit in the face by a meat ball. ''It was the only thing I could think of!'' he yells back. ''And I didn't see any of you coming up with a better idea!''

''I'm just glad it worked!'' says Kurama as he ducks further behind the tables. ''There was a chance the other students wouldn't have reacted! What would you have done then?'' he asks with a look at the midfielder.

Said midfielder shrugs. ''Run like hell?'' he suggests.

''Who cares?!'' their eyes turn to Nishiki, who is hurling food at everything that moves outside their fort with a bright grin. ''This is so much fun!''

Sangoku looks ready to have a nervous breakdown at this point, which is not very surprising considering he's one of the more sensible people on the team. What is surprising however, is the reaction of their captain.

Tenma is working together with Amagi and Hikaru, launching wave after wave of food at the 'enemy'. The purple-haired boy is gathering ammo and Tenma uses it to hit people beyond the safety of their fort... especially the members of the tennis club. His aim is accurate and his attacks are fast, unsurprising considering his attraction to the wind element. Amagi has gotten his hands on a cafeteria tray and uses it to cover for Tenma when he's standing to throw food. The third-year quickly deflects any food items thrown the brunet's way, managing to keep his captain form getting hit.

Sangoku gapes at the three of them, especially the two first-years who are normally part of the more sensible group. ''Wha- Tenma, Hikaru, what are you doing?!'' he exclaims in shock.

Tenma shoots him a quick look, Amagi deflecting a piece of bread that almost hit him, and the captain shrugs as he throws an apple. ''All's fair in war and love!'' he yells.

Hayami, who is cowering next to Hamano, frowns in confusion. ''Isn't is supposed to be 'love and war'?'' he asks, watching as the brunet ducks behind the table again to gather more ammo from Hikaru.

The captain stands up again and starts throwing food at the tennis club again, Amagi continuing his job of defending the captain while laughing maniacally and Hikaru quickly searching for more ammo.

Tenma's grin turns evil. ''No!'' he answers the maroon-haired boy. ''Right now it's war!'' he cackles wickedly. His teammates can swear devil horns are growing on his head.

''Demon-Tenma can come out at any time of day but he chooses the moment we're in the middle of a food fight?'' Shinsuke hides his face at the sight of his crazy captain and friend. ''Seriously...''

Kirino's voice distract them from their demon friend. ''The teachers are coming this way!'' hisses the pink-haired defender. ''Everyone act innocent!''

And everyone does act innocent. Nishiki, Taiyou, Kurama, Hamano, Tenma and basically anyone else who was throwing food duck behind the tables, everyone cowering in their fort while looking like they weren't the ones to instigate the war.

And the teachers fall for it. Once they have managed to gain control over the chaos, they start sending the worst 'soldiers' to the gym, where the janitors will 'deal' with them. When the students have left, the teachers focus their attention on the others who participated in the food fight but weren't too bad, sending them to the outside PE field to get a stern talking-to from the principal. That leaves the innocent students.

One of the teachers, a young and kind woman who teaches English, walks towards the soccer club's fort and looks over the tables to spot the hidden forms of the soccer players. She smiles kindly at them. ''You can come out now, everything's safe,'' she chuckles as they slowly stand up.

''So... we're not in trouble?''

It might be the fact that Shinsuke asked it, and Shinsuke looked very much like a scared bunny while doing so, but the teacher's expression turns into one of a gentle smile. ''Oh no, of course not. We didn't see you throw food, correct?''

They immediately take the opportunity to deny any and all involvement in the food fight.

Raimon's soccer club gets away with their instigation of the food fight, getting praised for their good behavior of 'not participating' like some of their more childish peers. They simply smile innocently at that, because a little white lie never hurt anybody, right?

The worst participators of the food fight are made to clean up the cafeteria, considering the instigator has not been found but is thought to be amongst that group. The teachers don't know how wrong they are.

Miraculously, none of the other students saw Hamano's actions either, so they can't blame the soccer club for the food fight. Except the tennis club, who accuses their longtime rivals as the culprits even without having any proof. The teachers don't believe them, to say the least.

The funniest part, though, is when the principal announces they have found the instigators two days later. Turns out, the tennis club were caught with the paintballs they meant to use on Raimon's soccer club and were accused of starting the whole chaos. As punishment, the club's budget was cut by twenty percent and they all got detention for a week, practice being suspended for two.

''They started it,'' grins Hamano once they hear the news and everyone looks at him. ''Remember, they wanted to cover us in pink paint.''

Everyone, even Sangoku, can't help but agree to that. And, as the keeper states after that...

''They certainly got beat at their own game.''

Chapter Text

Raimon Soccer Club Whatsapp Group

Raimon soccer club:

KariYAHMAN: ITS SNOWING

NotAGirlKirino: …it's not

KariYAHMAN: IT IS

NotAGirlKirino: no it's not

KariYAHMAN: WHY DO U ALWAYS HAVE TO RUIN MY DREAMS

KariYAHMAN: I THUOGHT WE WERE FRIENDDDDDDDDDS

Sidewinder: whats wrong with u

KariYAHMAN: STAY AWAY FROM ME I HATE SNAKES

SamuraiRyouma: if i didnt kno better i'd think hes drunk

KingOfTrainsKurumada: you might be right bout that, yknow

KariYAHMAN: I AM RESPONSIBLE ADULT

Hamanooooo: nope not drunk

SamuraiRyouma: how do u kno

Hamanooooo: ever tried to type 'responsible' while drunk?

KariYAHMAN: DONT IGNORE ME ILL HUNT U

SangoKeeper: if he's not drunk, then what's wrong with him?

KAGEHikaru: ahahaha thats a funny story

NotAGirlKirino: do tell

KariYAHMAN: ARE BUTTERFLYS MADE OF BUTTER

SangoKeeper: yes, please tell us. I'm getting slightly worried…

KAGEHikaru: Kariya dislocated his shoulder

SangoKeeper: Is he okay?!

KariYAHMAN: I AM UNBAETABEL

KariYAHMAN: FEAAAAAAAAAR MEEEEEEEEEE

KAGEHikaru: so we took him to the hospital and they gave him something 4 the pain but now he's like this… and he found his phone. He'll be fine in a few hours…

NotAGirlKirino: I am keeping this as blackmail, alright?

KariYAHMAN: WHY ARE U SO MEAN SENPAI

NotAGirlKirino: lol

KariYAHMAN: I THOUGT U LOVED ME

NotAGirlKirino: definitely keeping this as blackmail :'D

KariYAHMAN: WILL U LOVE ME IF I GIVE YOU A BUTTERFLY

(Once Kariya was in his right mind again, he almost died of embarrassment. It took his friends twenty minutes to calm him down. All their efforts were in vain, though, by Kirino's dark grin as he said the next words.

''Don't worry, maybe we can all makes butter flies later.''

(And whenever Kariya did something stupid after that, Kirino was not afraid to pull out his blackmail material.))

Raimon soccer club:

DinoKingShinsuke: i'm so sorry everyone :(

SangoKeeper: Shinsuke? Whats wrong?

DinoKingShinsuke: i cant come to practice

NoAGirlKirino: why not?!

Sidewinder: soccerfreak#2 isnt coming to practice everyone panic

Hayamimimimi: OMG the apocalypse is coming!

Hamanooooo: NOOOO IM TOO YOUNG AND BEUATIFUL TO DIE

DinoKingShinsuke: detention :/

Sidewinder: what

Hamanooooo: youre joking

SangoKeeper: Shinsuke what did you do!

DinoKingShinsuke: we had this assignment where we had to draw 2 sides of ourselves

DinoKingShinsuke: so first i drew a small and innocent bunny

DinoKingShinsuke: and the teacher asked the meaning behind it so i said 'this is who people think i am'

Shindou-excappie: for some reason I have a really bad feeling about this

NotAGirlKirino: agreed

SangoKeeper: and then?

DinoKingShinsuke: and then i drew the world as a soccer ball with my name over it

Sidewinder: the hell

Hayamimimimi: for once i agree with Kurama

SangoKeeper: and what was the meaning of it?

DinoKingShinsuke: WORLD DOMINATION

DinoKingShinsuke: I AM THE KEEPER OF THE STRONGEST SOCCER TEAM IN THE GALAXY

DinoKingShinsuke: BOW DOWN TO ME YOU PEASANTS

DinoKingShinsuke: the teacher didnt like it when i shouted that

NotAGirlKirino: oh god

Sidewinder: our juniors are crazy

Shindou-excappie: besides, Shinsuke youre completely ignoring Ibuki

Shindou-excappie: not that I really mind but still

SangoKeeper: Shindou! I know you two show your friendship through fighting but thats just rude!

Hayamimimimi: am i the only one worried that Shinsuke wants to take over the world

KariYAHMAN: HAHAHA YOU SHOULDVE BEEN THERE IT WAS AWESOME

KAGEHikaru: no Kariya it wasn't! now SHinsuke's in trouble!

SangoKeeper: Shinsuke! You should know better than to be so disrespectful to a teacher!

DinoKingShinsuke: I AM KING OF THE GALAXY YOU CANNOT COMMAND ME YOU LOWLY KEEPER

SangoKeeper: -_- yes just rub it in why don't you

KariYAHMAN: ooooh someones sore because they didnt get chosen for the national team

NotAGirlKirino: shut up Kariya

KariYAHMAN: pinky

NotAGirlKirino: no one will find your body

Shindou-excappie: Shinsuke! don't be so mean to our teammates!

DinoKingShinsuke: I AM A RULER OF THE UNIVERSE YOU CANT STOP ME YOU LOWLY MIDFIELDER

Shindou-excappie: we're both part of Earth Eleven, we're equal

DinoKingShinsuke: …BUT YOU STILL CANT TELL ME TO STOP CUZ WE R EQUAL

DinoKingShinsuke: NONE OF YOU PEASANTS (or equals) CAN STOP ME

Hamanooooo: as much as i hate to admit it, he has a point

Sidewinder: why

Hamanooooo: in theory, in terms of power/influence in the club, we cant stop him

Hayamimimimi: oh god youre right 0.0

DinoKingShinsuke: MUHAHAHAHA

Shindou-excappie: …there's nothing we can do, is there

DinoKingShinsuke: WORLD DOMINATION

NotAGirlKirino: afraid so

DinoKingShinsuke: MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHA FEAR MEEEEEEEEEEE

SangoKeeper: damn, we really cant stop him

CaptainMatsukaze: But I can

DinoKingShinsuke: NO YOU CANT EQUALITY WILL NOT STOP ME

CaptainMatsukaze: Shinsuke did you even read who you're talking to?

DinoKingShinsuke: OF COURSE I DID YOU STILL CANT STOP ME I DONT CARE ABOUT EQUALITY

CaptainMatsukaze: …I'm your captain, Shinsuke. In theory, that would make me the most powerful

DinoKingShinsuke: …damnit

Hamanooooo: OUR SAVIOR HAS ARRIVED THANK YOU CAPTAIN TENMA

SangoKeeper: thank god we have a rational captain to keep our crazy members out of trouble

Sidewinder: normally i would feel insulted but this time i have to agree with Sangoku

Shindou-excappie: why did i give up my position as captain again

KariYAHMAN: because the first year idiot was a better captain than you?

NotAGirlKirino: shut up Kariya

KariYAHMAN: I WILL NOT BE SILENCED

CaptainMatsukaze: okay, that's it. Everyone who doesn't come to practice will have their training menu doubled. Shinsuke, I'll deal with you later

KariYAHMAN: aaaaaaaand shutting up now

CaptainMatsukaze: B)

FlameStrikerTsurugi: and so our captain has spoken

KAGEHikaru: even without being there i just know hes completely cool and monotone

KAGEHikaru: i just know it

DinoKingShinsuke: he scares me

Sidewinder: and theres the little cute bunny again

Raimon soccer club:

Hamanooooo: I AM CHALLENGING THE AUTHORITY OF THIS SCHOOL

Aoy^m^: and here I was hoping for a normal school day for once

!ch!no: I hope youre joking because with our crazy teammates, 'normal' doesnt exist -_-

Hamanooooo: I AM RECRUITING YOU ALL

Sidewinder: no way! Im not agreeing to this!

FlameStrikerTsurugi: absolutely not

ManagerMidori: why would you even recruit us

Hamanooooo: we've started a revolution before, we can do this again

FlameStrikerTsurugi: coughcough-thatwasTenma-coughcough

ManagerMidori: i clearly remember you guys not doing anything and just watching Tenma get hurt for, like, four matches straight or something

DinoKingShinsuke: yeah! Tenma was the one to start the revolution, not us!

CaptainMatsukaze: I'm honestly not sure if I should be honored or not

CaptainMatsukaze: you're making me sound like a delinquent

SamuraiRyouma: no thats Midori

ManagerMidori: ill kill you

SamuraiRyouma: and now im leaving

Hamanooooo: Tenma! Just the guy i need!

CaptainMatsukaze: okay…

Hamanooooo: how do you start a revolution?

Aoy^m^: and now youre asking him?

FlameStrikerTsurugi: well we did say Tenma is our rebel leader

SangoKeeper: Hamano you can't start a revolution

Hamanooooo: awwwwwwwwww why nooooooooot?

KingofTrainsKurumada: why do you even WANT to start one?

Hamanooooo: theres this teacher always picking on me i want to get him fired

SangoKeeper: you can't do that!

Hamanooooo: can too

Sidewinder: you're not starting this stupid game of 'can too'

KingofTrainsKurumada: who's the teacher?

Hamanooooo: Misami

KingofTrainsKurumada: ouch hes a real bastard

!ch!no: I'll have to agree with you

SamuraiRyouma: oh gosh, youre his new victim?

Hamanooooo: me and Hayami

KingofTrainsKurumada: when we were second years, Nishiki was his target :/

SamuraiRyouma: he really sucks

SangoKeeper: for once I have to agree

Hamanooooo: so does that mean i can start a revolution?!

SangoKeeper: …

Hamanooooo: pleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaassssssssssssseeeeeeeeeeeee

KingofTrainsKurumada: ah come on Sangoku, have a little fun

SamuraiRyouma: it will be fun

Sidewinder: gotta agree with them

ManagerMidori: definitely

FlameStrikerTsurugi: things have gotten boring around here lately

SangoKeeper: I don't know guys

Hamanooooo: EVERYONE AGREEEEEEE

Hayamimimimi: …well… we pulled it off once?

/\magi: true

NotAGirlKirino: I should protest, but im really not feeling like it :)

KariYAHMAN: REVOLUTION RULEZZZZZZ

Shindou-excappie: I agree

SangoKeeper: fine then. Lets ask our revolution expert, shall we?

Hamanooooo: YAAAAAAAAAAAAY

Hamanooooo: TENMAAAAAAA

CaptainMatsukaze: …alright

CaptainMatsukaze: Lets go cause some trouble!

Hamanooooo: VICTORY IS MINE

!ch!no: oh god

Aoy^m^: sometimes I wonder if we're the only sane ones left

!ch!no: you really wonder that? Cuz I think I know the answer already

Aoy^m^: alright you win. We're the only sane ones left

!ch!no: B)

Raimon soccer club:

SkyGirlAoi: We're not coming to practice, I'm afraid

Shindou-excappie: why not?

SkyGirlAoi: we're… preoccupied

NotAGirlKirino: do tell

SkyGirlAoi: would you believe me if I said we're fighting an army of living carrots?

/\magi: seriously?

SkyGirlAoi: Yep

NotAGirlKirino: normally I'd say 'that's impossible' but I know us

KAGEHikaru: guys just saying

KAGEHikaru: if you don't want to get killed by walking carrots, there are two possible things to do: RUN OR FIGHT

/\magi: we can hear explosions, are these your carrots

KAGEHikaru: YES

KAGEHikaru: THEY'RE CLOSING IN TO THE SCHOOL DOORS

SamuraiRyouma: we're currently watching from the windows

Sidewinder: wait did they just

KAGEHikaru: kick open the school doors while the leader screamed 'RISE MY ORANGE FRIENDS!'

KAGEHikaru: yes, yes they did

Hamanooooo: oh gosh we've gotta see this, one moment we'll go find a window

KingofTrainsKurumada: OH MY GOD THEY HAVE WEAPONS

KAGEHikaru: correction they have marshmallows bUT ITS STILL TERRIFYING

NotAGirlKirino: oh my god

Hayamimimimi: O.O

Hamanooooo: WE'VE FOUND A WINDOW WHAT THE HECKS GOING ON DOWN THERE

KAGEHikaru: WE R FIGHTING FOR OUR LIVES THATS WHAT

SangoKeeper: OH MY GOD GUYS WHAT DID YOU DO

Sidewinder: are those really marshmallows they look like they could kill someone 0.0

SkyGirlAoi: yes, yes they are

PhotoQueen: Aoi are you okay?

SkyGirlAoi: I am, but I can't say the same for Kariya

NotAGirlKirino: what happened to him

Aoy^m^: OH GOD I CAN SEE HIM

!ch!no: is he being carried by carrots?

CaptainMatsukaze: YES

CaptainMatsukaze: GUYS HELP

Shindou-excappie: how?!

CaptainMatsukaze: I DON'T KNOW

CaptainMatsukaze: DO SOMETHING

CaptainMatsukaze: BRING SOCCER BALLS THEY ARE OUR WEAPOSN

Hamanooooo: oh hey Tenma I can see you

Hayamimimimi: who is there standing back to back with you

SkyGirlAoi: I think its Tsurugi but I'm trying to see what theyre doing to Kariya

ManagerMidori: and?

NotAGirlKirino: are they going to kill him

SangoKeeper: is he okay?!

SkyGirlAoi: I think theyre using him as a hostage of sorts

SkyGirlAoi: wait now the leader's saying something

SamuraiRyouma: what

KingofTrainsKurumada: what is it saying

CaptainMatsukaze: they want to make the school their military base, I think

NotAGirlKirino: you think?

CaptainMatsukaze: hey I don't speak carrot

DinoKingShinsuke: you try to translate 'carroooootcarrotcarrotcaaaaarrot-we-of-the-carrots-caaaaaarrotcarrotcarrooooooot-destroy-you-filthy-caaaaaaarrooooooootcarrotcarcarrot' or something

PhotoQueen: they look cute

/\magi: …

ManagerMidori: only you, Akane, only you

Shindou-excappie: we've gathered our weapons but now we're surrounded

SangoKeeper: who is 'we'

Shindou-excappie: me, Hamano, Hayami, Aoyama, Ichino and Kirino

NotAGirlKirino: Sangoku what about you

SangoKeeper: we're going in to help Tenma and the others

KAGEHikaru: THANK YOU WE NEED IT

!ch!no: who exactly is we

SangoKeeper: Kurama, Kurumada, Nishiki and Amagi

SkyGirlAoi: where are Akane and Midori

ManagerMidori: I have a fan and the carrots are afraid of it

ManagerMidori: and Akane… is making pictures

PhotoQueen: they're cuuuuuute

SangoKeeper: Aoi what's your status

SKyGirlAoi: Shinsuke and Hikaru have saved Kariya

NotAGirlKirino: shame

SkyGirlAoi: Tsurugi and Tenma have teamed up and they're maniacally killing carrots

Hamanooooo: we're coming your way guys

Hamanooooo: HELP IS COMING HOLD ON

KariYAHMAN: THANK YOU GOD

NotAGirlKirino: aw, Kariya's still alive :(

Shindou-excappie: no Kirino, just… no

SangoKeeper: Kariya are you okay

KariYAHMAN: im covered in carrot and its gross

NotAGirlKirino: he can complain, hes fine

Aoy^m^: we have arrived at the battlefield

!ch!no: did you really just write that

SamuraiRyouma: THANK YOU I REALLY WANT TO BLAST THOSE BLASTED THINGS AWAY WITH MY KESHIN

PhotoQueen: can I keep one

ManagerMidori: AKANE NO

PhotoQueen: but it's cute and I named it Carrie

ManagerMidori: I swear, only you

Hayamimimimi: can we go back to the matter at hand, like, MURDEROUS CARROTS?!

Hamanooooo: well at least we're not bored today

DinoKingShinsuke: true

KariYAHMAN: I AM STILL COVERED IN MARSHMALLOW AND CARROTS THIS IS NOT FUN

Hamanooooo: I never said it was fun (it is though) just that today's not boring

SangoKeeper: Hamano, just drop it please

Hamanooooo: fiiiiiine

/\magi: how did this all start anyway

Shindou-excappie: how did what start?

/\magi: the battle against mutant carrots

KAGEHikaru: Tsurugi

DinoKingShinsuke: Tsurugi

KariYAHMAN: blame mister flamestriker

SkyGirlAoi: Tsurugi tried cooking

CaptainMatsukaze: Kyousuke is horrible in the kitchen

FlameStikerTsurugi: I'm not

CaptainMatsukaze: Kyou, you created mutant carrots

FlameStrikerTsurugi: …

CaptainMatsukaze: see my point?

FlameStrikerTsurugi: my cooking skills are amazing, thank you. Kariya's the one who put something in my ingredients

CaptainMatsukaze: is that so

CaptainMatsukaze: Kariya what do you have to say for yourself

KariYAHMAN: um… sorry?

KAGEHikaru: I RISKED MY LIFE TO SAVE YOU I SHOULDVE LEFT YOU WITH THE CARROTS

KariYAHMAN: IM SORRY I WONT DO IT AGAIN PLEASE DON'T GIVE ME TO THE CARROTS

Shindou-excappie: …guys, remind me never to let Kariya and Tsurugi in my kitchen at the same time

NotAGirlKirino: noted

KariYAHMAN: wow guys i can just feel the love -_- thank you so much

NotAGirlKirino: you're welcome ;)

Chapter Text

''This sucks.''

The statement from Kariya attracts a few dirty looks from his teammates. ''Oh really,'' comments Midori sarcastically. ''You think we hadn't noticed yet?''

Kariya just shrugs, looking back out of the door of the soccer building. ''I am not looking forward to practice,'' he mutters.

''Neither are we,'' agrees Hayami, a sour look on his face. ''Can't we skip practice for once?'' he begs, but his coach shakes his head.

''Nope, no can do! This won't stop us!'' grins Endou and the whole soccer club groans.

Now, the cause for their current predicament...

It's raining.

Usually, a little rain wouldn't stop the Raimon Eleven from playing their favorite sport. Unfortunately, it's not a little rain – it's positively pouring. Again, usually this wouldn't stop them, since they would just use the inside field, but that's currently unavailable since somehow the crazy members of the team thought it was a good idea to use it as a battle ground for a paintball war.

But that's a story for another time.

Anyway, this means that they have to use the outside field and Endou won't let them skip practice, despite the awful weather. So, with great reluctance, the members of the soccer team make their way outside, shivering in their short-sleeved uniforms. ''I hate rain,'' complains Nishiki, shivering as a droplet of water rolls down his neck. ''Ugh, that's cold!''

His words only earn a few annoyed grumbles, everyone too caught up in their own misery to do more than that. Endou, however, is having none of it. ''Come on guys, I thought you were tougher than this. It's not even that bad – I remember how my team once had to play in a field made of mud!''

He gets a few disbelieving looks from the teenagers, but no one reacts vocally as they have reached the bench. The teens gratefully take shelter, but the boys know that they'll have to go out in the rain soon again. The managers busy themselves with preparing towels and water bottles, grateful that they will have shelter during practice.

After a few more minutes, there is no reason to delay the inevitable any longer and the rain has stopped a bit. That doesn't mean they like it, though, for the teenagers cluster together, watching the rain with clear disdain.

One look from their coach, however, and Tsurugi to step out into the rain. Seeing their ace forward stepping out from under the small roof convinces the rest of the team to follow them. So, shivering at the cold droplets of water falling from the sky, they grudgingly make their way to the field.

From there on, practice continues much like usual – they quickly pair up in order to start their warm ups and soon after they start their real training. It's clear though that the teenagers are all miserable and cold, the water damping their uniforms. Luckily it's not pouring anymore, but that doesn't change much.

Their moods lighten a bit when Endou announces they're going to have a practice match. It's not like it's all that rare for them to have one, but it's still one of the favorites in training for everyone. Training matches are always fun and competitive and the losing team often ends up with the chores of cleaning up the field once practice is done.

Since they have sixteen players in total, the teams are formed of eight players each. One of the team has always Tenma as captain, since that's his official role, and the other team usually switches between Shindou, Tsurugi, Kirino and on very rare occasions, Sangoku.

Today Shindou acts as the second captain and soon, both teams are playing vigorously, both trying to win. Not only because it's always a challenge, with the ever changing practice teams, but also because no one likes to clean up in the rain.

Eventually they have a break in order to catch their breath and get some much-needed food and water. All players sit down on the grass, grateful for the small roof offering them shelter from the rain. The managers hand out food and drinks and the team quickly falls into a cheerful chatter, while Haruna and Endou move away a bit so they can talk peacefully without getting wet.

Tenma watches his team with a slight smile, glad to see that, despite their earlier miserable states, his friends seem to have cheered up majorly. He grins cheekily as he watches Kariya and Kirino tease Tsurugi about his hair – his ponytail is hanging down sadly, the rain causing the weight to increase so much that its usual gravity-defying style has all but disappeared.

Then the captain looks around, seeing a few of their balls lying quite far away from the field. They're not always careful with the direction of their shots, and then they're often too lazy to pick the balls up again. With a sigh, the brunet crosses his arms and walks out from under the roof.

''Tenma, where are you going?'' the captain turns around at the voice of his childhood friend. Aoi is looking at him, a frown decorating her face. ''You haven't even eaten anything yet!''

The brunet shrugs and shoots her an easy smile. ''I'll eat in a minute, after I pick up those balls,'' he gestures vaguely towards the right.

''You sure? It seems the rain is getting worse...'' Aoi trails off, throwing a look at the dark clouds high above.

Tenma just smiles reassuringly. ''Well, if you want to get soaked, be our guest!'' yells Kariya, joining the conversation and earning a slap from Kirino.

The brunet sighs good-naturally and then turns around, not answering his tealheaded friend. He quickly gathers the balls scattered over the field and then scans the rest of his surroundings. An annoyed frown decorates his face as he spots one ball lying a little farther away – shot by Tsurugi, of course.

With a frustrated frown, the young captain quickly runs up the stairs that lead to the rest of the school grounds, shivering as the rain increases. Seems like Aoi's prediction is right, for the water pours from the sky again and ends up soaking his entire uniform.

He quickly spots the ball and runs towards it, wanting to get out of the rain and get some food as soon as possible. He swiftly grabs it and sighs in annoyance as a lock of brown hair falls in front of his eyes.

Tenma pushes it away but it falls right back. He blinks, first in surprise and then in realization, and groans. ''Ugh... seriously?'' he mutters, annoyed, as a droplet of water drips from the lock of hair and onto his face, rolling down his cheek.

He starts walking back to the staircase, a sour look on his face. Once he reaches the field again, the brunet drops the ball next to the others and makes his way to the bench, pushing another lock of dripping wet hair out of his face. Not that it really helps much, for it immediately falls back, sending drops of water rolling down his cheek.

The brunet quickly ducks under the safety of the roof, hiding from the pouring rain. His teammates don't immediately notice him, too caught up in their conversations and food to pay the new arrival much attention. Aoi, however, does see him.

The girl stares at him for a moment, the sour look on his face, his soaked uniform and the way his usually wavy hair hangs down his face, creating a bob-like hairstyle. Her childhood friend glares at her, but the manager doesn't care.

No matter how many times she sees it, it still stays funny.

A grin stretches on her lips and grey eyes narrow. Aoi's grin only grows and she covers her mouth with her hand to hide it. Her composure breaks completely when Tenma's glare intensifies, and a helpless laugh escapes her lips.

This catches the attention of the other people present and all eyes turn to look at her in curiosity. The brunet, however, simply glares. ''Mou, Aoi! It's not funny!'' he shouts in frustration, surprising his friends with his arrival. Before his teammates manage to get a look at him, though, Aoi's laugher intensifies and catches their attention again.

The girl manages to get out a few words through her laughter. ''It is!'' she says, her eyes sparkling in amusement. ''You look ridiculous!''

This time, the Raimon team does turn to look at their captain and more than a few jaws drop in shock at the sight of him. For a few moments, the teens just stare at the brunet, until Aoi's laughter starts affecting them.

A chuckle first escapes Shinsuke's throat and the small keeper soon bursts out laughing, his teammates quickly following at the ridiculous sight of Tenma's soaked hair. The brunet blushes in embarrassment and glares at them, though it looks more like a pout.

''Guys, stop it!'' he whines – yes, whines, because the situation definitely allows for that – but he is ignored. ''Seriously!'' he crosses his arms, though his friends still don't listen to him.

The captain sighs and shoots his team another glare, resigning to the fact that they will not stop laughing if he orders them to. Instead of trying to get them to stop, he walks towards the bench and grabs a water bottle.

He drops down on the grass, crossing his legs, and takes a sip of his water, watching his teammates with an insulted expression. The laughter is dying down now and the brunet pouts, still a bit flushed in embarrassment.

Aoi recovers first and hands her friend some food, still with an amused smile on her face. Tenma thanks her but doesn't stop his sulking as he enjoys his meal. ''Y-you really look ridiculous,'' says Kariya when he stops laughing, wiping tears from his eyes.

The rest of Raimon, who have calmed down by now as well, quickly agree to the tealheaded defender. ''For once I agree with Kariya,'' says Kirino, chuckling a bit.

Tenma just pouts again. ''It's not that funny,'' he mutters, earning disagreements from all of his friends. He sighs, pushing a lock of dripping wet hair behind his ear. ''It's annoying. Whenever it gets like this, it takes hours to dry and it always gets in the way,'' he complains. ''Not to mention, I always end up freezing because the water is so cold!''

That earns him sympathetic looks from his friends. The brunet shivers as a drop of water rolls down his neck, as if to emphasize his point. ''This is why I don't like going out without an umbrella when it's raining,'' he grumbles, shivering again as more drops follow.

Suddenly a towel is dropped on his head, covering his face. The brunet blinks, surprised, and pulls the towel away from his eyes to look at the one who dropped it. Tsurugi stares back, a small, amused smile on his lips as he watches the soaked form of his best friend. ''Dry off, you look miserable,'' he tells the brunet, not unkindly despite his harsh words.

Tenma stares at him in surprise for a moment but then quickly does as ordered, rubbing his hair so that the worst of the water is removed and then simply letting the towel lie on his head. This earns him a few more amused grins, as a towel-covered Tenma is barely better than a bob-hair Tenma, and the brunet huffs indignantly.

A few minutes later, the team has settled down again. The conversations from before pick up again as they enjoy their food. ''So,'' says Shindou eventually, turning to look at his young captain, ''you get a whole other hairstyle when it gets wet.'' He raises an eyebrow, an amused smile decorating his face.

The brunet pouts again. ''Yes. It's the worst.''

''How come it looks so different?'' asks Hamano curiously. ''Do you use gel?''

Tenma looks almost insulted at that. ''My hairstyle is completely natural, thank you very much!'' he tells the older midfielder. ''Have you never suffered from soaked hair before or something?''

''Of course,'' sniggers Kariya. ''It just doesn't look as ridiculous!'' The brunet flushes again and quickly pulls the towel over his head so that his face can't be seen. His tealheaded friend just grins mischievously. ''I mustache you a question.''

Tenma groans, his embarrassed blush hidden by his towel, as his other friends chuckle at the pun. ''Kariya, I swear,'' grumbles the brunet, but his complaint goes ignored.

''Why are you hiding your face?'' asks the tealhead, his mischievous grin growing. ''It almost looks like you want to curl up and dye!''

This earns another wave of laughter from a few of the players while the other teens just smirk in amusement. ''Kariya,'' Kirino says and the others look at him. ''Are you trying to be funny again?'' the tealhead rolls his eyes, already expecting a scolding from the older boy.

''It's not very hair-larious.''

Kariya's head snaps up and he stares at his upperclassman in shock. The pink-haired boy simply grins back, his smirk growing when he hears an exasperated groan coming from his captain.

''I didn't know you were one for puns, Kirino,'' remarks Hamano, grinning brightly.

The defender just shrugs, smirking. ''What can I say? It's growing on me.''

His words earn a few chuckles, especially when Tenma makes a sound somewhere between a whine and a sob. Sangoku seems to feel sympathetic, for he decides to interfere. ''Enough with the teasing, guys.'' At the pouts and whines he receives from his teammates, the keeper sighs good-naturally. ''I mean it. Cut it out.''

Everyone stares at him for a second and before long, they are all laughing again. Hidden under his towel, Tenma's cheeks are still flushed, but he is saved from further embarrassment by their coach. Endou, having been in a serious conversation with Haruna until now and so not having paid attention to the teenagers, quickly calls his team together. ''Listen up, guys,'' he tells them, an uncharacteristic frown on his face. ''It seems like the rain is not going to get any better and I don't want any of you to get sick, so practice is suspended for today,'' he tells them.

The teens share relieved looks at the information that they don't have to play in the cold weather any longer. The braver ones quickly run out into the rain in order to gather the things they used for training, but soon all of them are safe under the roof of the bench again.

Endou grins at their quick and efficient work. ''Alright, that's all. You can change and go home,'' he tells the teenagers. Then his eyes fall on a certain brunet, whose face is still covered by a towel. ''Tenma?'' when the captain doesn't respond, the coach turns his curious eyes towards the rest of the team. ''What's with him?''

They share cheery glances and it's Shindou who answers, a teasing tone in his voice and an amused smile on his face.

''Oh, he's just having a bad hair day.''

Tenma groans.

Chapter Text

Raimon soccer club:

PhotoQueen: i think we need a mascot

Sidewinder: we need a what now

PhotoQueen: a mascot! to represent our club!

NotAGirlKirino: ...and our fame doesn't do that already?

KariYAHMAN: tbh wat would it even be

ManagerMidori: N O

Sidewinder: no?

NotAGirlKirino: whats wrong?

ManagerMidori: DONT AGREE TO THIS SHES CRAZJBKSDJSDZVJZZGMSJASVJA

SamuraiRyouma: midori? everything ok?

ManagerMidori: everything is perfectly fine, in fact, we should do as Akane says

MangerMidori: a mascot sounds like the perfect idea

PhotoQueen: nooooooooooooooooo

PhotoQueen: dont listen Akane stole my phone so I stole hers

PhotoQueen: NO MASCOT

Sidewinder: what is going on here

KariYAHMAN: and why did Akane steal Midori's phone

ManagerMidori: to keep her quiet

SamuraiRyouma: ooooookay but that doesnt explain this situation

SamuraiRyouma: whats so bad abt a mascot

PhotoQueen: nothing

PhotoQueen: if it didnt happen to be a certain carrot

ManagerMidori: Carrie has done nothing wrong!

ManagerMidori: she always behaves and shes the sweetest carrot youll ever meet!

SkyGirlAoi: why did I just arrive to a conversation where Midori has a carrot

PhotoQueen: im Midori, Akane stole my phone so i stole hers

NotAGirlKirino: wait a second

NotAGirlKirino: wasnt Carrie the name of that mutant carrot Akane kept

Sidewinder: ...no way in hell

KariYAHMAN: I ALMOST FREAKIN DIED WE R NOT KEEPING THAT THIGN

ManagerMidori: its not a thing! and shes innocent!

SkyGirlAoi: you actually kept it?

ManagerMidori: ...yes

KariYAHMAN: OH MY GOD NOOOOOOOOO NOT AGAIN PLS HAVE MERCY GOD

NotAGirlKirino: shut up karya

SamuraiRyouma: ...karya?

KariYAHMAN: what the actual fuck kirino thats /not/ my name

NotAGirlKirino: omg i hate typos im sorry kariya

KariYAHMAN: u made me sound like a girl

NotAGirlKirino: on another note i like it, lets keep it

KariYAHMAN: N O

ManagerMidori: while that went down i took my phone back

ManagerMidori: carrie will not bother us again

PhotoQueen: MIDORI HOW COULD U

PhotoQueen: FIGHT ME

SkyGirlAoi: Akane?!

ManagerMidori: off to fight akane bye

Sidewinder: what the hell

Sidewinder: now im worried

KariYAHMAN: aww u do care

Sidewinder: shut it karya

KariYAHMAN: STOP CALLING ME THAT

Raimon soccer club:

Hamanooooo: guys do penguins have knees

KingofTrainsKurumada: why the fuck did u wake us up at 3 in the fucking morning

KingofTrainsKurumada: i swear i will hurt u tomorrwo

KingofTrainsKurumada: who te fuck cares if penguins hav knees

!ch!no: what the hell hamano

Hamanooooo: im just curios does any1 kno??

KingofTrainsKurumada: go te fuck to sleep

!ch!no: exctly

KingofTrainsKurumada: wait oh my god

KingofTrainsKurumada: do they???

!ch!no: wait what

Hamanooooo: its a legit question!

KingofTrainsKurumada: IKR WTF

!ch!no: oh my god no

KingofTrainsKurumada: no but just think abt it

Hamanooooo: i have found my brother in arms

Hayamimimimi: i thuoght that was me

Hamanooooo: no your my bro 2

Hayamimimimi: Hamano how could u

Hayamimimimi: i thought u loved me

Hamanooooo: IM SORRY

Hamanooooo: I DO

Hamanooooo: CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME

!ch!no: guys wtf

KingofTrainsKurumada: exctly

KingofTrainsKurumada: remember our prioriites

!ch!no: like sleep

KingofTrainsKurumada: do penguins hav knees

!ch!no: kurumada no

KingofTrainsKurumada: kurumada HELL YES

Hayamimimimi: I TRUSTED U

Hayamimimimi: HOW CAN I TRUST U AGN

Hamanooooo: ILL DO ANYTHING

Hamanooooo: ILL FIND OUT IF PENGUINS HAVE KNEES FOR U

!ch!no: oh my god no

!ch!no: wtf is wrong with this group

Hayamimimimi: OH MY GOD u would?

!ch!no: why am i part of this

!ch!no: where did my life go wrong

KingofTrainsKurumada: *pats on back* shush, its okay little guy

Hamanooooo: FOR U I WOULD GIVE UP SOCCER

KingofTrainsKurumada: O.O

KingofTrainsKurumada: omg im speechless

KingofTrainsKurumada: u would /actually/ give up soccer for haya even tho tenma would kill u

Hayamimimimi: wait you would O.o

Hamanooooo: okay no, not give up soccer

Hayamimimimi: thank god i thuoght you were sick 4 real

Hayamimimimi: if u had to choose between my life and soccer and you chose me id be srsly worried

!ch!no: oh my god guys get your priorities straight

KingofTrainsKurumada: anyway do penguins hav knees

!ch!no: not again

Hamanooooo: im tryin to figure it out but penguin god isnt helping

!ch!no: someone pls shoot me

Hamanooooo: i cant shoot u but i do happen to need a sacrifice for penguin god

Hamanooooo: and i dont want to use haya

Hayamimimimi: i feel so appreciated thank you

Hamanooooo: youre welcome bro

Hamanooooo: so what do u say ichi

!ch!no: NO

Hamanooooo: aw pls

!ch!no: NO AND THATS FINAL

!ch!no: ITS 3 IN THE MORNING IM GOING TO BED

!ch!no: AND IF ANYONE WAKES ME UP I WILL MURDER U

!ch!no: GOODNIGHT

Hayamimimimi: well that escalated quickly

KingofTrainsKurumada: do penguins hav knees tho

Hamanooooo: just figured it out

Hamanooooo: yes they do

Hayamimimimi: really? intrsting

KingofTrainsKurumada: mystery of my life resolved thank u my bro

Hamanooooo: youre welcome

--------You have 2 new messages--------

Shindou-excappie: i wake up and i see this

Shindou-excappie: what is /wrong/ with u srsly

Raimon soccer club:

KAGEHikaru: apparently its a offense ive never eaten noodles b4

Aoy^m^: OH MY GOD

Aoy^m^: YOU, ME, AFTER SCHOOL, NOODLE SHOP

Aoy^m^: ILL PAY FOR U

!ch!no: aoyama pls no

Aoy^m^: NO ICHINO THIS IS A SERIOUS OFFENSE

DinoKingShinsuke: ?

SangoKeeper: everything ok aoyama?

Aoy^m^: NO

Aoy^m^: HOW CAN A FRIEND OF MINE NOT KNOW THE HEAVENLY GOODNESS THAT IS NOODLES

Aoy^m^: OSUADDHGSEFIZDHGFSDZHKAS

Sidewinder: aoyama ill say this once

Sidewinder: what the actual fuck

Aoy^m^: IAUGDSSCEIRSDSGDF

DinoKingShinsuke: hes scaring me

!ch!no: im so sorry i shldve warned u guys

SangoKeeper: warned us about what?

Aoy^m^: UAGIDSHZUKEDGSKJ

!ch!no: aoyama has a noodle addiction

Sidewinder: wtf

Aoy^m^: NOODLES ARE HEAVENS GIFTS U TELL ME OTHERWISE U FIGHT ME

!ch!no: aoyama pls calm down

Aoy^m^: NO ICHINO U KNOW HOW MUCH THIS MEANS TO ME

SangoKeeper: i'm making an appointment for another therapy session

Sidewindder: i cant believe im saying this but pls do

Aoy^m^: NO

Aoy^m^: NONE OF YOU HEATHENS CAN STOP ME

SangoKeeper: heathens?!

Sidewinder: this isnt even an addiction this is just a plain obsession

!ch!no: can i pls die now

DinoKingShinsuke: im really scared now

KAGEHikaru: O.O

SangoKeeper: aoyama stop youre scaring them

Aoy^m^: YOU DESERVE IT

Aoy^m^: except you hikaru, ill see you after school :)

Sidewinder: what the fuck

KAGEHikaru: :'(

!ch!no: dont worry he wont kill you

!ch!no: probably

KAGEHikaru: D:

!ch!no: and if he does well come to ur funeral

SangoKeeper: NOT HELPING ICHINO

!ch!no: I know :)

Raimon soccer club:

/\magi: STUPID MAHORO

/\magi: im sorry everyone

/\magi: i lost the Game

KariYAHMAN: game?

DinoKingShinsuke: NOOOOOO AMAGI WHYYYYYYYYY

/\magi: MAHORO MADE ME LOSE IM SO SORRY

Hamanooooo: NO AMAGI I TRUSTED U

/\magi: IM SORRY

Hamanooooo: NO THIS MEANS WAR U BASTARD

NotAGirlKirino: i agree

/\magi: KIRINO PLS WE DEFENDERS STICK TOGETHER I DIDNT DO IT ON PURPOSE

NotAGirlKirino: u know the rules amagi

NotAGirlKirino: and i blame u

NotAGirlKirino: u couldve shouted it to the sky but no

NotAGirlKirino: u just had to say it here

Hamanooooo: EXACTLY

DinoKingShinsuke: amagi... why? D':

/\magi: MAHORO DARED ME OKAY

KariYAHMAN: srsly guys wtf is going on???? im confused????

Hamanooooo: I WILL END MAHORO

Hamanooooo: after i end u amagi

/\magi: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

KariYAHMAN: srsly guys ur freakin me out

KariYAHMAN: why is amagi acting like me

NotAGirlKirino: he made us lose the Game

KariYAHMAN: whats so special about a game

NotAGirlKirino: not /a/ game, /the/ Game

DinoKingShinsuke: three rules

Hamanooooo: 1 everyone who knows of the Game plays the Game

NotAGirlKirino: 2 the goal of the Game is to not think about the Game

/\magi: 3 u lose, u have to announce

/\magi: shout it to the sky

NotAGirlKirino: call your friends

Hamanooooo: it doesnt matter how

DinoKingShinsuke: u just have to

KariYAHMAN: okaaaaaaaaaaay so does that mean i play the game now or smth

DinoKingShinsuke: yes

NotAGirlKirino: welcome in hell

FlameStrikerTsurugi: goddammit now i lost too

KariYAHMAN: EVEN TSURUGI O.O

Raimon soccer club:

DinoKingShinsuke: guys help

DinoKingShinsuke: im on the metro but tehres this creepy guy trying to see what im doing on my phone

DinoKingShinsuke: he recognized me and tried to talk to me but i ignored him now hes trying to read over my shoulderr

DinoKingShinsuke: pls help im scared D':

Shindou-excappie: are there other people?

DinoKingShinsuke: five or so

SangoKeeper: thats good at least he cant do anything serious

Sidewinder: should we call the police or smth

FlameStrikerTsurugi: well apparently hes not doing anything serious so we cant

DinoKingShinsuke: guuuuuys helpppppp :'(

CaptainMatsukaze: i have an idea

CaptainMatsukaze: shinsuke do you trust me

DinoKingShinsuke: yes

CaptainMatsukaze: okay then delete all the previous messages from today and tilt your phone so he can see it when ur done

DinoKingShinsuke: okay

Shindou-excappie: tenma?

CaptainMatsukaze: trust me and play along

DinoKingShinsuke: done

CaptainMatsukaze: guys i lost luigi

FlameStrikerTsurugi: again?

CaptainMatsukaze: yep we were gonna buy goat sausages but he disappaered into the crowds

Shindou-excappie: god damnit srsly

Shindou-excappie: i get that hes not from around here but really?

CaptainMatsukaze: well italy is different from japan

DinoKingShinsuke: tenma are u gonna look for him

CaptainMatsukaze: already doing so

FlameStrikerTsurugi: how can one guy get lost so many times

FlameStrukerTsurugi: his sense of direction is worse than sangokus mother henning

SangoKeeper: should i be offended

Shindou-excappie: who knows with him

CaptainMatsukaze: anyway shinsuke when are you arriving

CaptainMatsukaze: hopefully i can find him before we have to meet up with u

DinoKingShinsuke: twenty minutes

SangoKeeper: tenma cant u just call him

CaptainMatsukaze: he left his phone with me -_-

Shindou-excappie: so did u buy the goat sausages yet

Sidewinder: hello amici

Sidewinder: tenma found me

FlameStrikerTsurugi: luigi stop walking away from tenma

Sidewinder: mi dispiace

Sidewinder: i smelled capra

DinoKingShinsuke: capra?

Sidewinder: goat

Sidewinder: you know how much my sick nonna loves her sausages

CaptainMatsukaze: yes we do but that is no reason to go off on your own

CaptainMatsukaze: we were almost at the store

Sidewinder: but no

Sidewinder: fresh capra is best

Sidewinder: it is magnifico

Shindou-excappie: luigi we dont have fresh goat sausages here

Sidewinder: but you do at the...

Sidewinder: what did you call it again? the zoo?

CaptainMatsukaze: those are not for eating luigi

Sidewinder: but i even brought my special slaughter knife!

FlameStrikerTsurugi: luigi thats not how it works

Sidewinder: not how it works? what kind of nonsenso is that? why else would you have capra?

DinoKingShinsuke: luigi pls, we know its different at the dog farm of your parents

DinoKingShinsuke: but thats just not how it works

Sidewinder: such cazzate! such stupidità! its a disonore! what idiota thought that was a good idea?! i will introduce them to my knife!

Shindou-excappie: luigi please

Sidewinder: no! i will not accept this!

DinoKingShinsuke: oh my god im crying

DinoKingShinsuke: he moved to another seat he looks freaked out :'D

DinoKingShinsuke: he keeps looking at me like im part of some weird cult

DinoKingShinsuke: i smiled at him now he moved to another part of the metro altogether

CaptainMatsukaze: XD

DinoKingShinsuke: thanks tenma

FlameStrikerTsurugi: tenma despite knowing you for two years, im still impressed by your ability to cause chaos

CaptainMatsukaze: its a talent

FlameStrikerTsurugi: im sure it is

Shindou-excappie: what was your plan even X'D

CaptainMatsukaze: cause trouble, duh

Sidewinder: aha

DinoKingShinsuke: kurama, not that im not grateful, but how do u know italian

Sidewinder: picked up a few words from nishiki

CaptainMatsukaze: good work lugi

Sidewinder: just for that comment i will murder u even if ur my captain

CaptainMatsukaze: now now luigi im not a capra

Sidewinder: I hate u so much right now -_-

CaptainMatsukaze: I try ;)

Raimon soccer club:

CaptainMatsukaze: mornings are cruel things and they should be abolished

SamuraiRyouma: wow what happened

CaptainMatsukaze: life happened

NotAGirlKirino: tenma u okay

Hamanooooo: i thought u were a morning person

Hamanooooo: what happened to 'soccer before breakfast is great'

CaptainMatsukaze: the same thing that happened to my love of cats

KingofTrainsKurumada: but ur a dog person

CaptainMatsukaze: exactly

SkyGirlAoi: tenma did you stay up watching soccer videos all night long again

CaptainMatsukaze: that was ONE TIME aoi, ONE TIME and youre never letting it go

SkyGirlAoi: IT WAS NOT 'ONE TIME' AND YOU KNOW IT

SkyGirlAoi: I LOST COUNT OF HOW MANY TIMES IT HAPPENED

CaptainMatsukaze: YOURE MAKING IT SOUND WORSE THAN IT IS AOI

SkyGirlAoi: YOU DIDNT SLEEP FOR A WEEK BECAUSE YOU WERE BINGE-WATCHING A TOURNAMENT FROM TEN YEARS AGO

SamuraiRyouma: really?

NotAGirlKirino: guys

NotAGirlKirino: tenma is a fanboy oh god

CaptainMatsukaze: I AM NOT

SkyGirlAoi: tenma dont deny your issues

SkyGirlAoi: remember that time you stalked a soccer expert for a week

MatsukazeCaptain: AOI N O

SkyGirlAoi: because he got a few facts wrong in an interview

Hamanooooo: oh my god for real?

SkyGirlAoi: yep when we were ten

Hamanooooo: thats hilarious

FlameStrikerTsurugi: wow tenma

FlameStrikerTsurugi: i knew you were bad but this takes the cake

Shindou-excappie: were ganging up on tenma now?

SamuraiRyouma: apparently

Shindou-excappie: count me in

SkyGirlAoi: :)

Matsukazecaptain: nooooooooooooo i cant show my face in public anymore

MatsukazeCaptain: thats it im staying home today

Hamanooooo: X'D

Shindou-excappie: but youll miss soccer practice

MatsukazeCaptain: takuto pls does it look like i care

Hamanooooo: wait for real

MatsukazeCaptain: yes for real

SamuraiRyouma: omg are you sick

MatsukazeCaptain: no ive just decided soccer is really overated

SamuraiRyouma: what

SamuraiRyouma: omg

SamuraiRyouma: wtf

Shindou-excappie: tenma wha

SkyGirlAoi: O.O

FlameStrikerTsurugi: okay seriously who stole tenmas phone

MatsukazeCaptain: guys no one did

MatsukazeCaptain: i just had a change of heart

Hamanooooo: as if well believe that

SkyGirlAoi: no actually hes walking next to me with his phone...

FlameStrikerTsurugi: ...

Shindou-excappie: O,O

MatsukazeCaptain: why are you so surprised

MatsukazeCaptain: i mean its just a silly game

MatsukazeCaptain: im not gonna dedicate my life to it

SamuraRyoumaL *dies*

Hamanooooo: THE APOCALYPSE IS COMING

Hamanooooo: I REPEAT THE APOCALYPSE IS COMING

Hamanooooo: MATSUKAZE TENMA HAS INSULTED SOCCER

Hamanooooo: THE WORLD IS ENDING

Shindou-excappie: i... am inclined to believe him O.O

FlameStrikerTsurugi: okay tenma has been kidnapped by an alien and replaced with a lookalike

MatsukazeCaptain: got experience with that dont you

FlameStrikerTsurugi: its been TWO YEARS tenma could you pls get over it already

MatsukazeCaptain: no it still hurts

FlameStrikerTsurugi: tenma dont be a drama queen

MatsukazeCaptain: *le gasp* you call me a drama queen kyousuke

MatsukazeCaptain: thats it im calling yuuichi and telling him he should disown you

FlameStrikerTsurugi: goddammit tenma you ass i swear i will hurt u

FlameStrikerTsurugi: my brother will never listen to you

MatsukazeCaptain: yuuichi loves me watch me

MatsukazeCaptain: hes gonna have a talk with you after school about abusing me

FlameStrikerTsurugi: i hate you so much right now

MatsukazeCaptain: yuuichi asked when your heart disappeared

Shindou-excappie: he had one?

Hamanooooo: not anymore apparently XD

FlameStrikerTsurugi: tenma you better run

MatsukazeCaptain: thats a soccer thing and im denying any involvement with that sorry

Shindou-excappie: *chokes*

Hamanooooo: wait u were serious

MatsukazeCaptain: of course I was

Hamanooooo: oh my gooooooooooooooooooooooooood

--------You have 21 new messages--------

Hamanooooo: OH MY FREAKING GOD TENMA NEVER PRANK US LIKE THAT AGAIN

Shindou-excappie: SHINSUKE WAS CRYING TENMA WHAT IS WRONG WITH U

MatsukazeCaptain: i was feeling unappreciated

Shindou-excappie: THAT IS NO REASON TO FAKE A RESIGN LETTER

MatsukazeCaptain: it obviously is B)

DinoKingShinsuke: TENMAAAAAAAAAAAAAA DONT EVER DO THAT AGAIN D':

MatsukazeCaptain: i make no promises

FlameStrikerTsurugi: YOU BASTARD I WILL KILL YOU WHEN I GET MY HANDS ON YOU

FlameStrikerTsurugi: WHY IS MY BROTHER YOUR PRANKING PARTNER

MatsukazeCaptain: taking my leave now~

FlameStrikerTsurugi: NO COME BACK HERE YOU BASTARD

FlameStrikerTsurugi: IM NOT DONE WITH YOU YET

FlameStrikerTsurugi: TENMA

FlameStrikerTsurugi: COME BACK

FlameStrikerTsurugi: STUPID CAPTAIN

FlameStrikerTsurugi: MY BROTHER IS CALLING FOR A HEART-TO-HEART TALK BASTARD

FlameStrikerTsurugi: I KNOW UR LAUGHING RIGHT NOW TENMA

FlameStrikerTsurugi: TOMORROW I WILL KILL YOU

FlameStrikerTsurugi: WHY ARE YOU MY BEST FRIEND I HATE U SO MUCH RIGHT NOW

CaptainMatsukaze: u know u love me kyou~ ;)

FlameStrikerTsurugi: I. Will. Kill. You.