Chapter 9

Temari took her seat next to Kiyoko as the game started. The game was... rough. Hinata had completely lost it, he was running into the other players, sending the ball flying out of the court. What had gotten into him? Every time he messed up Temari nervously glanced at Suda, a smug smirk on his face. He was in the starting lineup, a wing spiker which wasn't a surprise for his height. Along with Kindaichi he was probably one of the tallest on the team. He was powerful, his spikes shook the floor as the ball slammed onto the court. His blocks seemed un breakable. This wasn't him. This wasn't his personality at all. He hated being the center of attention just as much as she did. He wasn't athletic, he'd rather sit on the couch and watch movies with her. That's what they always did. That was her Suda. This was not. The set was going horribly and before she knew it, it was already set point for Aoba Johsai.

For match point, Hinata was up to serve. Crap! This wasn't going to go good. The nerves were getting to him, she could tell by his shaky stance and slumped shoulders. Hinata served and hit Tobio right in the back of the head. Oh no! Temari hid her face from the atrocity that just occurred. She could hear the laughs and snickers coming from Aoba Johsai. She looked up through her fingers to see Tobio talking to Hinata, though he wasn't yelling. Instead he had the wide eyed, tight lipped stare that intimidated anyone who it was directed to. She glanced over at Suda who was looking at her. Why was he still looking at her?

Her face turned hot with... embarassment...? anger...? both...? She didn't know but what she did know was that she hated this feeling. Like she wanted to run out of the gym and hide. She had to stay however, Kiyoko had given her the play book and it was her job to make notes of how well they worked or didn't work against Aoba Johsai.

"Come on guys, shake it off," Daichi said as they all approached the bench. She watched him, determination never leaving his face. His strong will was carrying this team. She watched the hard earned sweat drip down his knitted brow as he ran across the court receiving as many balls as he could. His hair damp with moisture, began to slug across his forehead and his white shirt grew more and more transparent. Taking a gulp of water to rehydrate her dry mouth Temari watched, eyes glued to him. How could he be so positive in the face of certain defeat? How could he let these mistakes pass? How was he not getting angry?

Aoba Johsai took the first match so now it was time to get water and reset. Temari jumped up and grabbed the yellow refillable water bottles. She handed them out to the players all while listening to their frustrated grumbles.

The whistle blew again signaling it was time for the next set. Nervous, Temari's eyes were glued to the ball. Fortunately something had changed. It seemed that the nerves were no longer getting to Hinata, maybe he just needed to get one really bad mess up out of his system. No he wasn't perfect, the team wasn't perfect. There were holes in the system, but that doesn't mean they couldn't be fixed. Temari made quick work, noting every hole and flaw as well as every perfection. They even ended up winning the set! However halfway through the set her worst nightmare walked through the gym doors. It was Toru Oikawa.

His pretty boy hair flowed perfectly as he walked, a half smirk lined his face, and his confident demeanor caused all the girls to swoon over him. She remembered a time when she had fallen for the kind eyes and gentle mannerisms. It was all a rouse. Under those kind eyes was a snake waiting to strike. Temari knew that all too well.

The same nerves that plagued Hinata at the beginning of the game now pained her own stomach as the third set began. Oikawa's serves were the most powerful serves she had ever seen. At first, it messed the team up, especially since he kept aiming for Tsukki who receives weren't the best. However, some how the team managed to make up the points. Tobio and Hinata finally got their quick attacks under control and took the set! Excitement and relief washed over her as the boys made their way back to the bench, excitement written on their own faces. She glanced over at Aoba Johsai to see Suda staring at them with a disappointed anger while Oikawa talked to him. Why was he even on the same team as Oikawa? He knew the hell Oikawa put her through! He knew what Oikawa had done to her! Clenching her fists, she forced herself to look away turning back to the team.

"Good job guys," Daichi laughed as the set ended finishing the game. Kurasuno had won and both Suda and Oikawa had looks of shock on their faces. Temari couldn't help but feel proud of the team for showing them up like they did. Eat you heart out Suda!

As the boys had their end-of-game huddle, Temari grabbed her bag and stood up.

"I'm going to go tell the bus driver were getting ready to leave," she told Kiyoko giving her the play book.

"Keep it, study it, you'll need to know it to help the boys practice." she answered then gave Temari a kind smile. Temari returned it then made her way out of the gym. She carefully navigated the large campus going the same way they had come in. At the large entrance gate she could see their bus with the bus driver standing outside smoking a cigarette. She started to make her way to him.

"Fancy meeting you here," the silky voice came out of nowhere and the white uniform suddenly blocked her path. She stopped herself before bumping into the overly sweet aromic body of Oikawa.

"Get away from me," she stated taking a step back however he didn't listen. Instead he took a step forward not allowing the space between them to widen. Instead he placed a hand on her chin grabbing her face so tightly she couldn't move.

"Come on now, don't you remember the fun we had?" he smirked letting his tongue slide across his lips.

"Let go of me," she said angrily trying to push herself away from him as tears welled in her eyes. Why did she come to this stupid game? She should've stayed home. She should've known she'd have to face too many demons. The touch of his skin made her own crawl as her heart began to race.

His deep chuckle haunted her ears. "Look at you, a little bug trying to play queen."

"I'm not playing anything Oikawa." she grumbled still pushing him away.

"That's not what you said that night remember?" he smirked. She didn't want to remember. She didn't want to remember the most humiliating night of her life. The night she actually thought she could be a normal girl with a normal crush. "Don't forget what you are..." his voice got deeper and more aggressive. "You and your brother, bugs under my feet-"

SLAP!

Before she knew it Oikawa was yanked off of her, the momentum sending her flying to the ground.

"Don't you dare talk to her like that," Tobio's voice boomed almost a yell.

"Tobio stop!" she exclaimed running to him. She grabbed his arm trying to pull him off of Oikawa who was laughing at Tobio only making him angrier and angrier.

"You worthless piece of shit," Tobio threatened holding Oikawa's collar, a vile smirk on his face.

"Oh now you want to step in and help her. What happened to turning a blind eye?" Oikawa chuckled.

Tobio grumbled gripping his collar tighter.

"Let him go Tobio he's not worth it," she pulled at his arm harder and harder.

"What's going on out here?" Daichi's voice sounded behind them.

With one last huff, Tobio let go of Oikawa shoving him away from the two.

"Remember your place, bug." Oikawa said quietly as Daichi and the rest of the team approached. Oikawa regained his composure slapping a fake smile onto his face. "My protégé... I will beat you... at an official game where we both play the setter." He dropped his hands and then walked off.

Tobio grumbled clenching his fists.

"Don't let him get to you," she said quietly holding onto her brother's arm. He looked down at her immediately relaxing. How had she learned to deal with Oikawa's antics better than he? He held up one of his fists and lightly bumped his knuckles against her head.

"Come on, lets go." he said.

"Okay," she nodded looking up at him. He didn't smile or look down at her. Instead just looked ahead to the bus. They walked to it, not speaking to the other team members. She sat in the back row of the bus closest to the window. The ride home was silent for the most part. No one wanted to say anything about what they had just witnessed. Which all in all was fine with her. She didn't want to talk about it. When they got back to Karasuno the team trudged into the gym, tired and sore they did a quick clean of the gym. Kiyoko went home almost immediately and Temari sat outside on the sidewalk holding her knees to her chest. She didn't want to face anyone, she just wanted to go home. Little by little the team trickled out of the gym.

"Hey Temari," Tanaka's cheerful voice sounded as he sat down next to her.

"I'm surprised you're still here," Suga answered standing on the other side of her.

"I have to wait for Tobio," she answered dropping her knees.

"Do you always wait for him?" Suga asked and she nodded.

"Well yeah, a beautiful girl like you shouldn't be walking home in the dark." Tanaka said and threw his arm around her shoulders. "You know I could walk you home,"

"Will you knock it off?!" Suga said swatting Tanaka's hand off of her shoulders.

"What?! I'm just offering to help a friend." Tanaka said. Temari giggled at their child-like banter.

"Don't you remember what Daichi said?" Suga said then stopped abruptly realizing what came out of his mouth. Temari examined his wide eyed face questioningly. What had Daichi said?

"Yeah whatever," Tanaka said. "Seriously though, you looked pretty stressed during the game. Everything okay?"

"Yeah," Temari said trying not to think about what Daichi could've told the two. "I'm fine,"

"Tanaka leave it alone, she probably doesn't want to talk about it." Suga spoke up noticing the blush of embarassment forming on her rosy cheeks.

"No I'm not going to leave it alone," Tanaka said his expression turning serious. Quickly, Tanaka turned his body to face Temari, the street light casting serious shadows across his face. "I don't know what happened between you and you're brother and the guys from Aoba Johsai, but whatever it is, you're apart of our team now. That means we stick together, we defend each other. If you ever have any trouble with those guys again, I'll kill em."

"Ha! Don't you think that's a bit dramatic?" Suga laughed sheepishly.

Temari smiled feeling the warmth of their affection in her chest. These people were her friends. These people were the ones that cared. Before she thought about it, she put her arms around Tanaka's neck and hugged him.

"Thanks Tanaka," she said then pulled back, a bright red blush appeared on his cheeks.

"Alright come on lover boy lets go." Suga laughed and began walking away.

"Wait seriously?! Right now?!" Tanaka exclaimed as Suga kept walking.

"Better hurry before I buy all the meat buns!" Suga called.

"Hey that's not fair!" Tanaka jumped up and ran to Suga. Temari giggled watching them argue. Maybe this had been a shitty day, but at the end of it she was beginning to realize more people cared about her than she thought.

"You're still here?" Temari looked up to see Daichi standing over her.

"Uh, y-yeah, I have to wait for Tobio," she said. "My grandpa would be furious if I walked home in the dark alone."

"Well, I think they're going to be awhile." he said sitting down on the curb next to her. Temari didn't bother to look at him. Ho could she face him after today? "Do you think he'd be mad if I gave you a ride home?"

"You don't have to do that," Temari said softly.

"I don't mind, unless you want to stay here all night with those two knuckle heads. It looked like they were blowing off steam, might take awhile." he smiled a warm smile that Temari could feel without even looking at him. She thought for a second. If it was just Hinata and Tobio here then Daichi was right. They were going to be practicing all night.

"I'll have to go tell Tobio." she spoke from her knees.

"Go ahead," he chuckled.

Temari nodded then stood up and walked back to the gym. Inside she could hear Tobio aggressively slamming the ball up into the air and then arguing with Hinata about not being able to hit it.

"Tobio," Temari said from the doorway. She didn't want to have to change her shoes to walk inside.

"Yeah?" he asked his back to her as he grabbed another ball from the bin.

"Daichi offered to drive me home since you're going to be awhile." she said.

"Okay, just tell grandpa I wanted to get some more practice in." he said then turned to her, his expression softening.

"I will," she said then turned back to the sidewalk. Daichi stood up and the two walked to his car in the parking lot. He grabbed the door handle to the passenger side opening it for her then closing it once she sat in its comfortable seat. She relaxed once the sweet smell hit her nostrils and let the seat engulf her, letting her tense body rest. When Daichi got in the car, she couldn't help but feel a closeness towards him. His arm just a center console away from her, his presence close enough to touch. He started the car and soft pop music played quietly over the radio adding to his charming demeanor. All the girls talked about him in class. They talked about how cool he was, quiet and selective. Kinjo laughed it off making fun of them. How would Kinjo feel if she found out Temari was just as captivated by him as the other girls in class?

"Are you hungry?" he asked.

"Um..." she responded. "A little bit."

"Good," he smiled putting a hand on the back of his head his shoulders relaxing. "Cause I'm starving."

The corner of her mouth curled in an involuntary smile.

"What are you in the mood for?" he asked dropping his head and turning to look at her.

"Um, I'm not sure, what place is still open this late?" she asked.

"Well I think Honkamado is," he answered.

"Honkamado..." she spoke. That was her mother's favorite restaurant. Every year on her mother's birthday they walked through the modern sliding doors and sit at their usual table in the corner by the bar. From this table, Temari could watch the chefs masterfully make the ramen and it captivated her. The owners were a young couple, Mr. Honkamado was an old college buddy of her dad's and was like an uncle to Temari. On her mother's birthday, they would always give her mother a chocolate cake with strawberries on top with sparkling candles. All the employees would gather around and they would all sing happy birthday to her. She would laugh embarrassed but secretly love it.

A warm familiarity washed over Temari as Daichi pulled up to its doors. She could see Mrs. Honkamado's warm smile from outside the glass doors. Temari stepped out of the car throwing her bag over her shoulders following Daichi into the restaurant. She stared at the corner both as Daichi took a seat at the bar. Temari could almost hear the laughter of a family.

"Do you want to sit somewhere else?" Daichi asked.

"Uh, no right here is fine," She smiled sitting down next to Daichi.

"Welcome in, what can I-" Mrs. Honkamado's voice sounded then stopped as soon as she laid eyes on Temari.

"Temari," she gasped then ran around the counter throwing her arms around Temari who stood to greet her. "Oh you poor thing why haven't you come to see me?!" Her small arms choked Temari as Daichi watched mortified.

"I'm sorry Mrs. Honkamado," Temari spoke.

"We miss seeing you guys too you know!" When Mrs. Honkamado pulled away tears were streaming down her face. Truth was they hadn't been back because it was too painful to come back. "Honey get out here its Temari!"

"Temari?" a burley voice sounded around the corner in the kitchen.

"Kageyama!" Mrs. Honkamado exclaimed angrily because her husband hadn't come out the first time she called.

"Temari?!" Mr. Honkamado came running from the kitchen. He was a tall man, about the same height and build as her father. The two were best friends, always joking around and messing with each other. One day, her dad came in for a visit to catch up with his best friend after graduation and met her mom sitting in the same corner booth. Temari had seen them at the funeral, and for awhile after the funeral they would stop by the house to bring them food. "Oh honey you've finally come to visit us!" he grabbed her in his arms lifting her out of her seat. "Wait a minute what are you doing out so late? Don't you have school tomorrow? And who the hell is this guy?!" Mr. Honkamado set her down back in her seat and turned angrily towards Dacihi.

"It's okay Mr. Honkamado, Daichi is a friend of mine from school. We just got back from a volleyball game." Temari answered throwing her hands out to stop Mr. Honkamado. "Daichi, this is Mr. Honkamado, my dad's best friend." Daichi looked nervous as he stared at the towering Mr. Honkamado.

"Temari you didn't tell me you knew the owners," Daichi nervously said out of the corner of his mouth, still glancing at Mr. Honkamado, a small amount of fear in his eyes.

"Oh knock it off will you?" Mrs. Honkamado exclaimed hitting her husband's arm.

"What?" Mr. Honkamado shrugged. "I can't just sit by when our little Temari brings a guy over."

"Honey she just said they're friends." Mrs. Honkamado said pushing her husband away from the two. "Just enjoy your meals okay and promise you'll come visit us soon, and bring Miwa and Tobio."

Temari nodded with a smile as Mrs. Honkamado pulled her husband back to the kitchen.

"Okay what the hell just happened?" Daichi chuckled turnign to Temari as shehoisted herself into the stool just next to him.

"Mr. Honkamado was my dad's best friend in college. My dad used to come visit often after Mr. Honkamado opened this place up. One of those visits he just so happened to meet my mom. We used to come every year on her birthday because it was her favorite place to eat." she said.

"Oh, I'm sorry, if I had known," he sat up raising his eyebrows.

"No it's okay, its kind of nice... being here." she said looking around the restaurant taking in the wood decorations. "I haven't been in here since before they died."

"I'm sorry-" Daichi began.

"Really Daichi its okay," she said instinctively grabbing his warm rough hand. He sat with his body facing her, his right arm propped on the back of the stool and his left arm against the bar, his hand resting on the bar. He looked down at it surprised and her face grew hot as she immediately took it back. "Thank you for bringing me here, after today... I guess I kind of needed it." she smiled laying her hands in her lap.

"I have to admit I did it for a selfish reason." Daichi said turning his shoulders square against the bar leaning his elbows onto it, looking down at the bar.

"What would that be?" she asked curiously.

"I wanted to get the chance to hang out with you a little more." A warm feeling spread through her cheeks as butterflies fluttered in her stomach. Daichi wanted to hang out with her more? But why?

"Well, you don't have to make an excuse for that," she said nervously pulling hair from the side of her face to the back of her ear. "I like hanging out with you too," she said softly only loud enough for him to hear. His face turned to her, a warm smile on his lips, his face was genuine and sincere.

Mrs. Honkamado brought interrupted as she brought out two big bowls of ramen and set it down in front of the two.

"Enjoy," she sang out as she walked away.

"Wait I don't remember ordering," Daichi sat up confused.

"It's okay," Temari giggled as she turned to face the bar. "Mrs. Honkamado always knows what you want just by looking at you."

"That's impossible," Daichi said pulling apart his chopsticks and using them to bring ramen to his lips. As soon as he tasted it he was amazed. "Okay, maybe not impossible,"

Temari giggled. "I told you,"

"Alright you win this one," he said slurping more of his ramen. "Man this is delicious!"

Temari giggled as she watched Daichi slurp the noodles as quickly as politely possible. She too ate, savoring its taste as it brought back memories of her parents laughs. They always looked so in love with each other and when they came here the night was filled with stories of how they met. Her father had tried to impress her mother with all his degrees and accomplishments, however her mother didn't buy a second of it. Sure her dad had been a very successful man, but that's not what her mother cared about. When they had finished eating, Daichi happily sipped down the broth then grabbed his belly.

"I think if I eat anything else I might explode." he said making her giggle. Daichi let out a chuckle listening to her sweet innocent giggle. It was a relief hearing it now. A part of him felt like he was breaking inside when he saw her clinging to her brother like a scared little girl. "Hey Temari can I ask you something?"

"Sure," she said after slurping the last of her noodles.

"What happened between your brother and Oikawa?" he asked.

"Oh that," she looked down trying to let her hair hid her face. "It's stupid,"

"You seemed so upset earlier," he responded. "You didn't say a word the whole bus ride home."

"Just stuff that happened in middle school," she answered.

"It doesn't have anything to do with what you told me the other day? About the team not being nice to you?" he asked curiously.

Temari just nodded.

"You know you can tell me," he said a sincerity in his voice the comforted her. She stopped swirling her ramen and looked at him.

"It's kind of embarrassing." she said.

"I promise I won't judge you." he said placing his large warm hand on top of hers. For a minute she stared at it. Daichi was actually holding her hand!

"Oikawa, Kindaichi, they both hated my brother they were jealous of him and they took it out on me. Kindaichi would trip me in the halls and shove me into lockers, slap books out of my hands. He always called me mean names. Oikawa humiliated me in front of the entire school. Tobio didn't do anything about it. Since our parents passed away our relationship hasn't been very good. Most of the time he would ignore me. He would throw himself into volleyball and forget I existed. But... since being at Karasuno... I think its changing him." she spoke. "I think he's opening up again. He grabbed Oikawa because Oikawa was saying mean things, trying to get into my head. But this time, Tobio didn't just ignore it. He stood up for me for once."

Daichi let out a breath. "Well, I'm glad that's all it was. I was worried something had happened to you."

"No," she said pulling her hair back with her other hand. She didn't dare move hers from Daichi's touch. "I've learned to not let Oikawa's or Kindaichi's words hurt me."

"Good," he said after a moment he smiled at her. "You know you're a strong girl Temari,"

"I wouldn't say that," she smiled looking down at the bar. "I can barely keep it together sometimes."

"That's not what it looks like to me." he said. "From over here you're the strongest girl I know."

Temari let out a nervous chuckle. He was kidding right? Her? Strong? Was he talking about the same Temari?

"And now for the best part about dinner!" Mrs. Honkamada exclaimed appearing behind them interrupting her thoughts. Immediately she grabbed her hand back from Daichi's laying in her lap as Mrs. Honkamada set down a small chocolate cake with strawberries on top. Temari gasped covering her mouth.

"But we didn't order dessert," Daichi said confused as Mrs. Honkamada walked away giving Temari a wink.

"I can't believe it," Temari awed.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Daichi asked alarmed.

"On my mom's birthday, my dad would always order a chocolate cake with strawberries on top." Temari awed. Daichi stared at her unsure of what to do. She grabbed the fork Mrs. Honkamado set down carving out a large piece and excitedly stuffing it into her mouth. "It tastes exactly the same!" she exclaimed carving out another piece. "Daichi you have to try it!" She held out the fork to Daichi. He smiled at her enthusiasm allowing her to feed him the cake.

"Wow that is delicious," Daichi smiled.

"Right!" Temari smiled taking another chunk for herself. Daichi laughed at her childlike joy. He had never seen someone so happy over chocolate cake. What was this feeling in his chest as he watched her, chocolate frosting smeared across her face. What was it that he felt towards her? Why did she make him feel so happy?

After they had finished eating Temari hugged both of the Honkamado's and thanked them for the meal. Temari walked out towards the door holding it open for Daichi. Daichi went to pay and Mr. Honkamado wouldn't allow it.

"If you can put a smile on that wonderful girls face, that is payment enough." Mr. Honkamada said nodding towards Temari.

"No please sir, the food was delicious let me pay you." Daichi refused.

"Son let me tell you something," Mr. Honkamada said putting a meaty hand onto Daichi's shoulder. "Temari is an amazing and beautiful girl whose light was stolen by the same dirtbag who killed her parents. No matter how many people have tried, no body's been able to bring that light back. Until you... I haven't seen her smile like that in a very long time."

Daichi didn't know what to say he just stood their shocked. He knew Temari was a special girl, he knew the pain she must've gone through. She was surrounded by so many people who loved her and wanted to see her happy. Yet he was the one she trusted to be by her side. He didn't want to mess that up. He wanted to know more, he wanted to grow closer to her.

"Thank you," Daichi bowed putting away his wallet and following Temari out to the car. He drove her home and walked her up to the door as much as she refused it.

"Seriously, you didn't have to walk me to the door." she said pulling back pieces of her hair.

"I don't think your grandpa would like me anymore if I didn't." He joked.

"You may not be wrong," she laughed.

"Thank you for hanging out with me tonight." he said looking down at her.

"Thank you for offering to take me home." she responded shyly fiddling with the end of her skirt. "I had a lot of fun. Thank you for cheering me up."

"You have a pretty smile, I like to see it." he said without realizing. A blush appeared on his cheeks as he sheepishly grabbed the back of his head. Temari let out a giggle. He was so cute when he got flustered. "Um anyway here," he held out his hand with a piece of paper.

"What is it?" she asked taking it into her hand. When she opened the paper up a phone number was revealed.

"It's my phone number," Daichi said shyly. "In case you ever need some cheering up."

Temari smiled wider than she had ever smiled before. Daichi just gave her his number! Without thinking she threw her arms around Daichi's neck. Stunned for a moment he eventually wrapped his arms around her waist. His strong embrace brought comfort to her heart and the soft chuckle she heard in her ears sent butterflies through her stomach. She stood there for what felt like forever, drinking in the very scent of his body. But then it was interrupted all to soon by the sound of the door unlocking. She jumped back from Daichi just in time for Miwa to open the door.

"There you are!" Miwa exclaimed. "What happened to sending a text I was worried sick about you!"

"I'm sorry we stopped to get something to eat. I should've reminded Temari to let you know." Daichi spoke up. She looked at him confused. Why was he taking the blame? "Anyway I should get going. I'll see you later Temari." Daichi turned giving her a wink as he left, then walked out the gate to his car.