Midorima – Kiss #30

Thanks to ririnontherescue for answering my “selfish request”
for some Midorima last weekend! I went a bit angsty with this one but I hope
you all like it!

Shintaro Midorima – Kiss #30 – a gentle “I love you” whispered
after a soft kiss, followed immediately by a stronger kiss

Standing in the corridor of the arena near the locker room
assigned to Shutoku High you bite back your tears; it was so heartbreaking
watching them lose to Rakuzan High. One by one the boys exit, giving you slight
nods of thanks for your support. Finally, Takao walks out, sniffling and his
eyes red. Looking at you, he tries to smile but it falls immediately.

You don’t even have to ask. “He’s still in there, just…just
staring at the floor,” he says shrugging his shoulders.

Nodding, you take a step forward, arms outstretched into
which he collapses, giving you a long hug. “Thanks,” he whispers, “I can’t help
him right now.”

“It’s ok, what do you think girlfriends are for?” you ask
trying your own smile. He returns it briefly then walks away, head down.

Walking into the locker room, you see Shintaro sitting on
one of the benches leaning on his knees, head hanging. He’s still in his
uniform, hair slightly matted down from sweat and water. Kneeling before him, you
touch his hands. He flinches slightly, clearly uncomfortable with you seeing
him like this but you don’t care; you’re here for him.

“Taro-kun,” you say softly, “I…I won’t pretend to know how
you’re feeling, but what I can do is tell you how proud I am of you.” Gently,
you move one hand up, caressing his face; he won’t look at you but you know he’s
listening. “I’m so proud of you for standing up to Akashi, for finally really trusting your team; especially
Takao. I can’t imagine how much that meant to him.”

You stand up, one hand carding through his green hair. To
your surprise, he wraps his arms around your waist, his head nestled against
your stomach as you continue to stroke his hair. After a few minutes of silent
comfort, you tug on the back of his jersey’s collar making him look up at you.
His expression breaks your heart but you force yourself to smile at him.

Leaning down, you press your lips to his in a soft kiss,
pulling back to whisper, “I love you.”

You’re unprepared when he surges up, head shooting past
yours before he swoops down to capture your lips once more, hands holding the
sides of your face firmly. His kiss is hot and heavy, glasses sitting askance
on his face. With an impatient hand he tugs them away, allowing them to clatter
on the bench as he kisses you even deeper.

He pulls away, inhaling deeply as he rests his forehead against
yours. The taste of salt startles your eyes open, where you’re presented with
the sight of Midorima with tear trails slowly making their way down his cheeks as
his body starts quivering with the effort to hold in his emotions.

You wrap your arms around his neck, ending up on tip toes
because of his height, rubbing your hand down the back of his head once more as
you say, “It’s ok, my love, you did the best you could. And,” you pull back,
waiting until he meets his eyes to yours before going on, “next time you’ll
kick his ass.”

For the first time since the end of the game, Shintaro
smiles genuinely. His arms wrap around the back of your shoulders, tucking you
against his chest, his chin resting on the top of your head. Barely audibly he
whispers, “I love you too.”