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akalegos · 5 years

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Could you tell us a little about your characters?

Y E S !

but due to me having at least over a thousand characters I’ll just give a quick summary of the 25 I manage to dig up over 3 sketchbooks.

Y’all can pick and choose which of them interest yall or who you wanna hear more about!

Also because I’m extra, I made sketch icons for the 25 characters, info under the cut

I’ll talk a bit more about my actual Original Characters first, starting with

Aiko! Otherwise known as Echo

- A marked individual in a steampunk world that gets mixed with magic, because I like both of those things

- Echo runs an underground lab that does helps the underground world with replacing body parts, illegal surgeries etc etc

- Even though she marked, which puts a bounty on her head already, she is well respected by the community for not cheating for your money, stealing your cash, or shanking/killing you mid-surgery

- however, Echo does long for adventure and sometimes do get bored in the lab

oh yeah,, Echo like stealing eyeballs, so if you’re low on cash and wouldn’t mind losing an eye, you know who to call!!

Bonus:

Here’s Echo’s boring, undeveloped sidekick!! I don’t like her and I don’t know how to make her better. Yes, she doesn’t have a name.

here’s my god playboy that left “heaven” due to having an early mid-life crisis, I call him God boi cause;

- He goes by many names!

tbh, he’s probably the closest character I have to being genderfluid/-neutral? I’m not sure,,

- The god has many powers, from lightning to shapeshifting

- The shapeshifting part allows him to change every part of himself, allowing him to change depending on his situation.

- God boyo, or originally Aristide, is obsessed with the idea of perfection. A god should be perfect, if a god is out of line, he is no god.

- Same goes for him, which means whenever something is wrong with him, it affects him, extremely

However, leaving the land of gods to live among humans aren’t all perks

- Aris isn’t immune to diseases or injuries. In fact, he actually fell down and died on impact when he came to earth, being reborn into another child immediately.

- He doesn’t gain his memories back automatically tho!! He has to have a major shock to the brain in order for him to remember his previous lives

- Sometimes the shock isn’t enough either, when you have a thousand over lives, you won’t remember every single one of them. So forgotten lovers coming back to haunt because your brain hates you? That’s everyday for him!

i just,, i like playing with the concepts of god,,

Up next we got Ayeka Himura! A japanese student going to a neighborhood, but still a pretty good, school living close to poverty due to her father’s constant spending habits and obsession with art supplies. With the household lacking a mother due to wacky shenanigans, Ayeka takes care of her two younger siblings and the house, all while maintaining a very well-paid job and slowly loosing interest in actually studying for a good, honest job.

also she likes birds!!

Yes her design is heavily “based” off Toga but I love her current design too much to change it, h e l p

So like,, I suck at chinese and I made ocs that exclusively spoke in chinese to help with that but I’m still stuck at 40~marks

I forgot his scar but remembered his earring i hate myself

my og chinese kiddo! he was was first to come and I love his design ever since

he radiates fuck you energy except the girl below. He’s neighbors with her and they acknowledge each other existence ever since. he has a dumb cliche crush on her and is a bit protective of her because nothing says having issues than latching onto someone that makes you happy

Only this girl got named!! even tho she was the second character.

Li Shen, yes she doesnt have a surname, is apparently main ho now, according to my old oc chart of my “main” ocs

She’s the group’s resident sweetheart and really does not want you to do stupid shit, stop doing stupid shit. She tutors my son up there ^^ even though he’s actually smart and just refuses to do his work properly. But she still deeply cares for him.

As well as the girl below shdifhd

the last girl of the ching chong trio and the reason I had to switch up my son’s design is this girly over here! Her design was too business-y and formal so I enrolled all of them into college. A rich girl who doesn’t know how to deal with her g a y thoughts. Tried sending Li Shen some flowers once. She didn’t realize attaching her name would be a good idea and son got a good laugh.

i like paranormal stuff so they apparently look into that shit in their spare time. They’re all actually really fun characters to do prompts with I swear!! send some in and I’ll write them

I had a previous concept for son and Li Shen before last girl came and if yall want me to talk about it,,, i found my sketchbook with the old ideas,,

NEXT UP IS MY OLD GIRL ELORA!!

Elora herself used to be a fan character but I pulled her out and wow\

cant fucking believe she used to be straight for Vylad

shes the outgoing, fun adventure type! bit of mommy issues here and there tho,, I don’t want to say too much since I have an entire for her +

her now upgraded bro, Vincent

i really like the name vincent,,

also now he has mommy issues

Ead, the knight who used to have armor

I hate drawing armor

he also have issues

AND IRIS MY SWEET GIRL IM SO SORRY

she doesnt have that much issues tho

basically I made elora and her bro have mommy issues, I’m sorry in advance if that spoils anything

I, sometimes, post about these 4 over on @eloradiesismydocsname and its a gay ol’ time

not that gay tho because uhh,, medieval times,, but I need prompts for a modern au of them and I am happy to talk about their personalities and even go semi in-depth for any of them!!

here we have ghoster.png,, which is her file name cause I didn’t name her,,

A horror enthusiast + film student that goes to a supposedly haunted shack to film her upcoming project with the boys. wacky shenanigans occur and the boys left leaving ghoster here to starve and eventually fall to her death. But because it’s my oc i get to bring her back from the dead, now hungry as ever and will fucking eat you, its not a kink thing, shes just that hungry and angry

tax fraud.png

a robo girl that i created during social studies cause they were talking about taxes and i just went, “what if,, a robo runs on taxes,,, and like,, she haunts you down for not paying your taxes,,” thus she was born! I don’t know what to name her but she is set in the future so-

Time to go future-apocalypse style because I love that setting too and was upset that I didn’t have any ocs in that style. So I created Alex A. ! A cybrog filled with memories of the previous generations as a sad attempt to preserve human life.

He’s accompanied by his sister/cousin idr i didn’t draw an icon for her, didnt like her design. they go on a hunt for food and to return with nothing. She gets to meet this other dude who has a plant arm im pretty sure i based him off someone’s elses oc but i cant remember. The 3 are forgotten. Kinda want to bring them back tho.

Neon! A character set in the future utopia of lazy people, where gamers rise up. its the best I can describe her story without getting too deep. She the new hacker on the block, joining the underground gang of elite hackers. She’s another one of those wacky characters that just has fun. I mean, when you know your way around codes and the world you live in is full of it, would you not take advantage of that?

as for fan characters,, uhh,, i have em

STARTING WITH MY WIFE!

Alexzandra Zara oh my god i forgot to draw her necklace and shirt

anyways,, Alexzandra is one of the more older ocs I have that didnt get a big revamp. Only an au I develop to the point I forgot the actual shows and the original cast are a little different from the source haha what? She’s the emotionally unstable german war veteran, yes the wife thing isn’t mutual, and haha shes only 27~. I cling onto her so much?? She’s hits a lot of “edgy” points but I still love her cause idk,, the story I made for her is something I hold dear cause Alexzandra was one of my first ACTUALLY DEVELOPED CHARACTER. Is it wrong to say I hold her really close to my heart? Is that weird? probably a little cringy sorry haha. I probably project a little into her which might have strengthened my love for her ack. Her story delves more into the depression very unstable needs to talk to someone side and i get scared talking about my wife’s story online so uhh, idk ask me specific questions about her, I’ll be more inclined to talk.

Dr Watts! The spoiled ass dick that stole dst Wilson’s house and yes this is a dst oc, yes im slightly sorry.

He’s just fun?? almost ran a blog with him and a friend’s oc. He’s your typical uptight old science gramps that took advantage of the fact that no one knows his real name that he calls himself a doc. He’s not. I put everything about him up to a 9-10? He’s one of those wacky characters and I love him for it! His story is really wonky tho so might need help solidifying that part

and from the angry old man to my sweet man that will adopt you even if you’re noisy or call him ginger. Pilot here is a TF2 OC I made to interact with other tf2 OCs cause some of them are fun and i wanna join in :((

He’s the Canadian stereotype, and yes, he adopted scout, that was one of my character notes.

Like the actual cast of tf2, there’s barely any real story to him. I only gave him a vague I don’t know my past but hey, i fly really really well. He participated in war unlike certain men but he’s still really nice and will only kill you if you hurt his family. Which he doesn’t know so he just considers the cast his family. He keeps mentioning a wife though, pretty sure he doesn’t have one but you do what makes you happy son.

Ai! an oc I HEAVILY revamped oh my god i hate her old vers. So if yall remember my random shouting of missing my og son, Aru. Here’s his bff. cause he barely has any actual friends that give a shit. And I just cant have that. but here’s your yandere revamped into a last minute addition. I actually feel like I did Ai a lot of justice. I don’t want to delve too deep cause I will start making charts. I’ll do that in a separate post if yall are keen

Isamu Aena! a mp100 oc I made by accident cause idk,, I was thinking about lolita fashion and all of a sudden, the actual oc I was going to make turned into a mob psycho oc. She’s one of my few ocs where her sexuality matters (she’s gay yeah) cause it plays a role in her storyline. She went from being “manipulated”/used to Mob’s wingwomen. She spots out things that can help him in the romantic department cause she’s into romance. A student of the school Mob infiltrated and a fantastic tailor, not to mention a pretty decent pyschic. wait where do models get their lolita stuff from,,

im gonna ignore that and move onto Lillian Yi! Who, i swear i did not meant for it, is very close to lloyd. I mean,, none of the ninjas were with him after s3, who you think he’d meet. Lillian is a survivor from the Great Devourour and yes I’m still pissed LEGO stole my backstory for Lillian to use for Harumi. FUCK YOU LEGO, i still love both of em tho,, The event did leave a big scar and it made Lillian job jumping for a bit, ending at Chen’s Noodles in S6~, where ya know,, stuff got better. She was a medalist for gymnastics and continue the activity, even after her parents’ death, to please others. She was already lost at the time so staying in the sport would help, right? Needless to say, after being rejected at a cop academy for youths, or something similar, she gave up for a while but got back into the idea of saving people by using her skills she already had. It helped with the weight and feelings and meeting the green ninja was a very big bonus. Also Lloyd dubbed her the “mysterious stranger” when she refused to speak in fear of her identity, slight shame, and maybe a bit of being star struck. It helped Lloyd too in a sense where he had something to distract him from Zane’s passing.

Their relationship was eventually formed, strong and almost unbreakable, except for harumi but uhh thats a different story. Throughout the seasons, they stayed close and lloyd was always comforted by Lillian went times get ruff.

Also Lillian is my most light-hearted characters and I think that says a lot

Then there’s Nite “I don’t want to be your dad”. A character that is supposed to be in the ninjago world but barely interacts with the main story and only stays in his self contained plot. He was supposed to get a bf but uhhh idk. He’s the master of shifting and streams that online, taking out small crimes, and is actually really shy and doesn’t like interacting with people.

also haha fortnite

Nora Akino, the sin of despair! its an ad thing, I think. She speaks only in a foreign language that only Odin understands and is either big gay for Ava or Maggi, she can’t pick. And yes she did drink the vial, when TITAN attacks your planet and you accidentally die, how else can you meet your family again? also my grandpa walked in and said she looks like royalty. cool-

she wouldn’t leave my hand for like,, 3 days or something

Petri, a fellow troublemaker at camp campbell’s music camp. She managed to pick the camp because apparently a parent who doesn’t acknowledge your hard work don’t read the fine print! Please let David adopt her,,

LASTLY! Yukimaru Atsuko, hero name; Gummie. She goes by Yuki and is a big dick. She’s a studious student but gets more thrills on the actual battlefield. Living with her uptight grandma and her big bottom energy bro, she has the dom energy thing going. and apparently folks on G+, or the people who comment about her, thinks she’s really pretty, which was oddly a thing back before UA. She’s the dick you can like, not like Bakugou but she will definitely want to fight Bakugou.

A gum-related quirk is not full of perks when its only your hands. I’d dive more into her like her insecurities and stuff but I’ve been here for probably 3hrs. Sorry anon.

Also I’m so sorry to anyone who reads this all the way through.

#not an ask #bkanvas' ocs #ocs

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you-arevalid · 7 years

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hi hi hi!!! could i get a pronoun validation for tetsurou with ne/nyr, they/them, its/its, ast/aster, azu/azur and glit/glitter pronouns seperately? B3 im trying to figure out what i prefer! could the theme maybe be coming out to my volleyball team as agender? i'm a middle blocker and the captain, so coming out to my team is pretty important to me! i dont mind masculine terms like boy/man/dude/bro (everyone on my team calls me bro) but i /prefer/ gender neutral ones. thank you in advance! B3c

They

Slam!

The powerful crack of the volleyball against smooth wood floor echoed around the gym.

Tetsurou landed back on the ground a second after the ball did, wearing their familiar shit-eating grin. They clenched their palms, both pink with a satisfying sting from yet another perfect shutout block.

A chorus of unhappy groans could be heard from the other side of the net, while Tetsurou’s own team cheered and taunted their opponents.

Tetsurou’s vice captain and close friend walked up and playfully slapped them on the back. “Nice one, Captain. What is that now- five shutouts in a row?” The vc grinned. “However, you might want to start easing up. Our poor first years are going to lose all their confidence never being able to spike past you.”

Tetsurou raised an eyebrow. “What’s this? You want me to go easy on the other team?” They dramatically threw a hand over their heart. “I never thought I would see the day when I was betrayed by my own vice captain. This may only be a practice match against our own teammates but how will they ever learn to win if they aren’t forced to give their all against a volleyball master such as I?” Tetsurou sniffled as if broken-hearted, all the while trying to not break into a grin. “ No, no, I’m afraid this won’t do. I’m just going to have to find a new vice captain!”

“Hey!” Tetsurou’s friend punched them in the arm and Tetsurou cracked up at the sight of their scowl.

“If you don’t mind,” one of the second years on the other side of the net drawled, “Could we resume practice now? I can’t possibly fathom how in the world you two were put in positions of responsibility.” The whole team started laughing now, and Tetsurou grinned at the good-natured ribbing.

“All right,” they called, “ I see how it is. But be prepared to lose epically. There’s no way I’m going easy on you now!”

The gym once again filled with the familiar song of sneakers squeaking on polished floor and palms smacking against the worn leather of the ball.

Tetsurou geared up to play like the rest of the team, but their mind wandered to the exchange that had just occurred and the effortless, comforting camaraderie it had shown. Tetsurou had been thinking quite a lot recently about what their team meant to them. Tetsurou loved volleyball and the people that they played it with. The team was like family. They were all ridiculously close friends that practiced together and joked together, had each other’s backs and always looked out for each other. But Tetsurou wondered… would the team still treat Tetsurou the same if they all knew? If Tetsurou ever just worked up the courage to tell everyone who they really were- what they truly were. Unfortunately, Tetsurou had a pretty good idea already of what would happen if that day ever came. They had played the scenario through a billion times in their head, and each time all they were left with was disgusted glares and mocking laughter. Tetsurou couldn’t bring themself to do it. Hiding who they were hurt, but facing the idea of losing the people most important to them was so much worse. Tetsurou grimaced at the mental image and dragged their attention back to the game just in time to hear a panicked- “Look out!”- and see the ball hurtling towards their face.

When Tetsurou blinked their eyes open, the first thing they saw was a ring of concerned faces hovering around them. Tetsurou grunted, bringing a hand up to prod gingerly at their head.

“Tetsurou?” The vice captain’s head popped into view right above their own, voice laced with worry.

Tetsurou sat up cautiously. Though they were originally a bit dizzy, the world seemed to center itself once more and the throbbing pain on the side of their head slowly abated. “I’m good. Did I pass out?”

The vice captain shook their head. “I don’t know for sure, but I don’t think so. That spike hit you right in the head and took you down pretty hard. We all rushed over here and you opened your eyes a second after that.”

A hand fell gently on Tetsurou’s shoulder and they turned to see their coach crouching beside them. “How are you feeling? Any nausea? Pain? You’ve seen enough sport-related injuries to know what I’m looking for here.”

Tetsurou shook their head. “Really, I feel fine. I’ve gotten a lot worse on the court before. I know how important it is to look after these things. If I don’t feel well, I’ll get it checked out.”

The coach gave them a searching glance for a moment before nodding, seemingly satisfied, and walking back to the assistant manager at the side of the court.

Tetsurou looked back at their teammates and spotted a gangly first year that was hovering nervously, nearly on the brink of tears.

“Was that your ball?”

The poor spiker looked like someone had just called them out on running over a puppy. They gave a small jerky nod, somewhere between terrified and miserable.

Tetsurou just grinned and made sure to look them in the eye as they said, “Nice kill. With spikes like that, we just might make it to nationals.”

The first year’s face immediately transformed into one of surprise and wonder.

Everyone’s attention was transferred quickly yet again as the vice captain clapped their hands and said, “Alright, I think that’s enough excitement for one day. We were close to the end of the match anyways, so why don’t we all call it for today. First years, pack up the equipment, everyone else can head over to start changing. Remember we have practice this weekend!”

As the other members of Tetsurou’s team slowly began to file away to fulfill their various duties, their vice captain turned back to them. They offered a hand up and Tetsurou took it, righting themself then walking together at a slow pace towards the changing rooms.

“What’s been up with you lately, bro?”

Tetsurou cringed a bit internally at the masculine name. They knew it was a term of endearment, but they still far preferred to be addressed neutrally.

“…Hey!”

Tetsurou realized with a start that their friend had still been talking to them and they had missed most of it.

“Hey, what’s up with you lately? You’ve been super zoned out and preoccupied. It’s not really great to worry that much about things in general, but you saw what happened on the court. You know it can be dangerous when you’re not paying attention.” Concern shone in their friend’s eyes.

By now the two had arrived in the dressing rooms so Tetsurou took the opportunity to turn away and hide their face under the pretense of changing shirts.

“I…it’s nothing, really. I’m fine.”

“You’re not though, and that’s a problem.” Their friend had now stepped around so they were face to face once more. “I know you. How long have we been friends? I know that you’ve been stressing hardcore about something and that it’s really been affecting you, even if you try not to show it.”

By now the confrontation had begun to attract the attention of the other teammates gathered in the small changing room. Tetsurou found it hard to meet their eyes as they grabbed their bag and closed the locker. Everyone was waiting to see what their captain would do, waiting to support Tetsurou, but Tetsurou wasn’t so sure that support would last through the revelation of their actual worry. They were so scared. Revealing something like this was such a risk. But then, a niggling doubt proposed, maybe Tetsurou wasn’t giving their teammates the credit they deserved? This team had spent so much time together. They were all so extremely close. Tetsurou thought back to the moment they had looked up from the floor to see everyone’s faces full of concern and care. Would all of that really disappear so easily?

The entire locker room seemed to have gone quiet as each player devoted their attention to Tetsurou’s look of agonized indecision. Finally, the vice captain reached out to rest a hand on their shoulder. “We’re here for you, man.”

“Not.” Tetsurou choked out.

“What?”

Tetsurou raised their eyes to look directly at their team. “I’m not a man.”

The declaration was met with surprised faces all around and Tetsurou’s heart seemed to stop as they waited for the inevitable wall of hatred to finally fall and crush them. However, as their teammate’s faces changed it wasn’t into looks of disgust but instead curiosity, support, and even some understanding.

The grip on Tetsurou’s shoulder tightened supportively and they looked over to see that their friend was still beside them. Shocked, maybe, but definitely not getting ready to punch them either.

“Umm, ok. Ok, yeah.” their friend nodded their head to themself and seemed to regain surety as they talked. “Uh, what are you then?”

Tetsurou took a shuddering breath, never before quite believing they could make it this far. In a quiet, shaky voice they explained, “I’m agender. It uh, it’s basically like I don’t really have a gender. I’m not a guy or a girl or anything else like that. Does…does that make sense?”

Some of Tetsurou’s team still looked a little confused, but others were starting to slowly nod, as if they were processing the idea.

One of the team’s wing spikers spoke up. “I’ll admit that I’ve never really heard of something like this before, and I don’t fully understand it, but I’m definitely willing to try and learn.” Many of the team nodded in agreement.

Another added sympathetically, “Wow. That’s pretty big. You must have been super nervous to share that. Thanks for trusting us.”

“I was really scared,” Tetsurou agreed. “I didn’t know how you guys would react, and so many people are really horrible or even violent about this kind of thing. I- I’m glad I did though. It feels really good being able to tell all my friends about who I really am instead of bottling it up.”

The room filled with a chorus of support.

“Of course we’re here for you! We’re a team!”

“We would never act like those judgy assholes!”

“Hey, If anyone gives you shit I’ll take them down myself! I mean, not that you probably couldn’t take them on your own anyways.”

One of Tetsurou’s closest friends from the team walked up and gave them a short hug, looking slightly embarrassed at the display of affection, but determined nonetheless. “You may not be our bro anymore, but you’re definitely still our sibling.”

The team once again nodded together and threw out more words of encouragement.

“Umm…” Tetsurou looked up to see the timid first year from before had their hand raised. “My sister’s actually trans. I mean, I know it’s not exactly the same thing, since she’s a girl and you’re not a gender at all, but it does mean that I kinda know some things about this. Is there any specific pronouns you want us to use for you?”

“I’m not exactly sure yet, to be honest. I’m still kind of figuring that stuff out.”

“Well,” the vice captain started, finally removing their hand from Tetsurou’s shoulder, “We’ll be here for you the whole time. Just feel free to talk to us instead of bottling it all up again, alright? We want to learn more and support you.”

Tetsurou smiled, feeling the last of their worries drift away. Of course their team was there for them. They had no reason to be worried this whole time. As the team finally resumed dressing and collecting their things, Tetsurou slung their bag over their shoulder and felt the warm glow of assurance deep in their chest. They were loved and valid, and their friends had just shown them how much that was true. They knew that whatever came, they would have the support of many wonderful people right behind them, helping them laugh and grow the whole way; and for now, that was all they needed.

WHew! Alright there’s a lot of different pronoun sets here so I placed all the other ones under the cut so no one had to deal with a mile long post on their dash.

(Also holy shit I have no idea how this turned into literally 2,000 words long for each individual set. It seems like every time I tried to sit down and write this validation my computer did its damndest to delete the whole thing and I guess in my writer’s rage I just powered through a whole lot more than usual without noticing.)

Slam!

The powerful crack of the volleyball against smooth wood floor echoed around the gym.

Tetsurou landed back on the ground a second after the ball did, wearing its familiar shit-eating grin. It clenched its palms, both pink with a satisfying sting from yet another perfect shutout block.

A chorus of unhappy groans could be heard from the other side of the net, while Tetsurou’s own team cheered and taunted their opponents.

Tetsurou’s vice captain and close friend walked up and playfully slapped it on the back. “Nice one, Captain. What is that now- five shutouts in a row?” The vc grinned. “However, you might want to start easing up. Our poor first years are going to lose all their confidence never being able to spike past you.”

Tetsurou raised an eyebrow. “What’s this? You want me to go easy on the other team?” It dramatically threw a hand over its heart. “I never thought I would see the day when I was betrayed by my own vice captain. This may only be a practice match against our own teammates but how will they ever learn to win if they aren’t forced to give their all against a volleyball master such as I?” Tetsurou sniffled as if broken-hearted, all the while trying to not break into a grin. “ No, no, I’m afraid this won’t do. I’m just going to have to find a new vice captain!”

“Hey!” Tetsurou’s friend punched it in the arm and Tetsurou cracked up at the sight of their scowl.

“All right,” it called, “ I see how it is. But be prepared to lose epically. There’s no way I’m going easy on you now!”

The gym once again filled with the familiar song of sneakers squeaking on polished floor and palms smacking against the worn leather of the ball.

Tetsurou geared up to play like the rest of the team, but its mind wandered to the exchange that had just occurred and the effortless, comforting camaraderie it had shown. Tetsurou had been thinking quite a lot recently about what its team meant to it. Tetsurou loved volleyball and the people that it played the game with. The team was like family. They were all ridiculously close friends that practiced together and joked together, had each other’s backs and always looked out for each other. But Tetsurou wondered… would the team still treat Tetsurou the same if they all knew? If Tetsurou ever just worked up the courage to tell everyone who it really was- what it truly was. Unfortunately, Tetsurou had a pretty good idea already of what would happen if that day ever came. It had played the scenario through a billion times in its head, and each time all it was left with was disgusted glares and mocking laughter. Tetsurou couldn’t bring itself to do it. Hiding who it was hurt, but facing the idea of losing the people most important to it was so much worse. Tetsurou grimaced at the mental image and dragged its attention back to the game just in time to hear a panicked- “Look out!”- and see the ball hurtling towards its face.

When Tetsurou blinked its eyes open, the first thing it saw was a ring of concerned faces hovering around it. Tetsurou grunted, bringing a hand up to prod gingerly at its head.

“Tetsurou?” The vice captain’s head popped into view right above its own, voice laced with worry.

Tetsurou sat up cautiously. Though it was originally a bit dizzy, the world seemed to balance out once more and the throbbing pain on the side of its head slowly abated. “I’m good. Did I pass out?”

The vice captain shook its head. “I don’t know for sure, but I don’t think so. That spike hit you right in the head and took you down pretty hard. We all rushed over here and you opened your eyes a second after that.”

A hand fell gently on Tetsurou’s shoulder and it turned to see their coach crouching beside it. “How are you feeling? Any nausea? Pain? You’ve seen enough sport-related injuries to know what I’m looking for here.”

Tetsurou shook its head. “Really, I feel fine. I’ve gotten a lot worse on the court before. I know how important it is to look after these things. If I don’t feel well, I’ll get it checked out.”

The coach gave it a searching glance for a moment before nodding, seemingly satisfied, and walking back to the assistant manager at the side of the court.

Tetsurou looked back at its teammates and spotted a gangly first year that was hovering nervously, nearly on the brink of tears.

“Was that your ball?”

The poor spiker looked like someone had just called them out on running over a puppy. They gave a small jerky nod, somewhere between terrified and miserable.

Tetsurou just grinned and made sure to look them in the eye as it said, “Nice kill. With spikes like that, we just might make it to nationals.”

The first year’s face immediately transformed into one of surprise and wonder.

As the other members of Tetsurou’s team slowly began to file away to fulfill their various duties, its vice captain turned back to it. They offered a hand up and Tetsurou took it, righting itself then walking together at a slow pace towards the changing rooms.

“What’s been up with you lately, bro?”

Tetsurou cringed a bit internally at the masculine name. It knew that was a term of endearment, but it still far preferred to be addressed neutrally.

“…Hey!”

Tetsurou realized with a start that its friend had still been talking to it and it had missed most of the conversation.

By now the two had arrived in the dressing rooms so Tetsurou took the opportunity to turn away and hide its face under the pretense of changing shirts.

“I…it’s nothing, really. I’m fine.”

“You’re not though, and that’s a problem.” Its friend had now stepped around so they were face to face once more. “I know you. How long have we been friends? I know that you’ve been stressing hardcore about something and that it’s really been affecting you, even if you try not to show it.”

By now the confrontation had begun to attract the attention of the other teammates gathered in the small changing room. Tetsurou found it hard to meet their eyes as it grabbed its bag and closed the locker. Everyone was waiting to see what their captain would do, waiting to support Tetsurou, but Tetsurou wasn’t so sure that support would last through the revelation of its actual worry. It was so scared. Revealing something like this was such a risk. But then, a niggling doubt proposed, maybe Tetsurou wasn’t giving its teammates the credit they deserved? This team had spent so much time together. They were all so extremely close. Tetsurou thought back to the moment it had looked up from the floor to see everyone’s faces full of concern and care. Would all of that really disappear so easily?

“Not.” Tetsurou choked out.

“What?”

Tetsurou raised its eyes to look directly at its team. “I’m not a man.”

The declaration was met with surprised faces all around and Tetsurou’s heart seemed to stop as it waited for the inevitable wall of hatred to finally fall and crush it. However, as its teammate’s faces changed it wasn’t into looks of disgust but instead curiosity, support, and even some understanding.

The grip on Tetsurou’s shoulder tightened supportively and it looked over to see that its friend was still beside it. Shocked, maybe, but definitely not getting ready to punch them either.

“Umm, ok. Ok, yeah.” their friend nodded their head to themself and seemed to regain surety as they talked. “Uh, what are you then?”

Tetsurou took a shuddering breath, never before quite believing it could make it this far. In a quiet, shaky voice it explained, “I’m agender. It uh, it’s basically like I don’t really have a gender. I’m not a guy or a girl or anything else like that. Does…does that make sense?”

Some of Tetsurou’s team still looked a little confused, but others were starting to slowly nod, as if they were processing the idea.

Another added sympathetically, “Wow. That’s pretty big. You must have been super nervous to share that. Thanks for trusting us.”

The room filled with a chorus of support.

“Of course we’re here for you! We’re a team!”

“We would never act like those judgy assholes!”

“Hey, If anyone gives you shit I’ll take them down myself! I mean, not that you probably couldn’t take them on your own anyways.”

One of Tetsurou’s closest friends from the team walked up and gave it a short hug, looking slightly embarrassed at the display of affection, but determined nonetheless. “You may not be our bro anymore, but you’re definitely still our sibling.”

The team once again nodded together and threw out more words of encouragement.

“I’m not exactly sure yet, to be honest. I’m still kind of figuring that stuff out.”

Tetsurou smiled, feeling the last of its worries drift away. Of course its team was there for them. It had no reason to be worried this whole time. As the team finally resumed dressing and collecting their things, Tetsurou slung its bag over its shoulder and felt the warm glow of assurance deep in its chest. It was loved and valid, and its friends had just shown it how much that was true. It knew that whatever came, it would have the support of many wonderful people right behind it, helping it laugh and grow the whole way; and for now, that was all it needed.

Slam!

The powerful crack of the volleyball against smooth wood floor echoed around the gym.

Tetsurou landed back on the ground a second after the ball did, wearing nyr familiar shit-eating grin. Ne clenched nyr palms, both pink with a satisfying sting from yet another perfect shutout block.

A chorus of unhappy groans could be heard from the other side of the net, while Tetsurou’s own team cheered and taunted their opponents.

Tetsurou’s vice captain and close friend walked up and playfully slapped nem on the back. “Nice one, Captain. What is that now- five shutouts in a row?” The vc grinned. “However, you might want to start easing up. Our poor first years are going to lose all their confidence never being able to spike past you.”

Tetsurou raised an eyebrow. “What’s this? You want me to go easy on the other team?” Ne dramatically threw a hand over nyr heart. “I never thought I would see the day when I was betrayed by my own vice captain. This may only be a practice match against our own teammates but how will they ever learn to win if they aren’t forced to give their all against a volleyball master such as I?” Tetsurou sniffled as if broken-hearted, all the while trying to not break into a grin. “ No, no, I’m afraid this won’t do. I’m just going to have to find a new vice captain!”

“Hey!” Tetsurou’s friend punched nem in the arm and Tetsurou cracked up at the sight of their scowl.

“All right,” ne called, “ I see how it is. But be prepared to lose epically. There’s no way I’m going easy on you now!”

The gym once again filled with the familiar song of sneakers squeaking on polished floor and palms smacking against the worn leather of the ball.

Tetsurou geared up to play like the rest of the team, but nyr mind wandered to the exchange that had just occurred and the effortless, comforting camaraderie it had shown. Tetsurou had been thinking quite a lot recently about what nyr team meant to nem. Tetsurou loved volleyball and the people that ne played it with. The team was like family. They were all ridiculously close friends that practiced together and joked together, had each other’s backs and always looked out for each other. But Tetsurou wondered… would the team still treat Tetsurou the same if they all knew? If Tetsurou ever just worked up the courage to tell everyone who ne really were- what ne truly were. Unfortunately, Tetsurou had a pretty good idea already of what would happen if that day ever came. ne had played the scenario through a billion times in nyr head, and each time all ne were left with was disgusted glares and mocking laughter. Tetsurou couldn’t bring nemself to do it. Hiding who ne were hurt, but facing the idea of losing the people most important to nem was so much worse. Tetsurou grimaced at the mental image and dragged nyr attention back to the game just in time to hear a panicked- “Look out!”- and see the ball hurtling towards nyr face.

When Tetsurou blinked nyr eyes open, the first thing ne saw was a ring of concerned faces hovering around nem. Tetsurou grunted, bringing a hand up to prod gingerly at nyr head.

“Tetsurou?” The vice captain’s head popped into view right above nyr own, voice laced with worry.

Tetsurou sat up cautiously. Though ne were originally a bit dizzy, the world seemed to center itself once more and the throbbing pain on the side of nyr head slowly abated. “I’m good. Did I pass out?”

A hand fell gently on Tetsurou’s shoulder and ne turned to see nyr coach crouching beside nem. “How are you feeling? Any nausea? Pain? You’ve seen enough sport-related injuries to know what I’m looking for here.”

Tetsurou shook nyr head. “Really, I feel fine. I’ve gotten a lot worse on the court before. I know how important it is to look after these things. If I don’t feel well, I’ll get it checked out.”

The coach gave nem a searching glance for a moment before nodding, seemingly satisfied, and walking back to the assistant manager at the side of the court.

Tetsurou looked back at nyr teammates and spotted a gangly first year that was hovering nervously, nearly on the brink of tears.

“Was that your ball?”

The poor spiker looked like someone had just called them out on running over a puppy. They gave a small jerky nod, somewhere between terrified and miserable.

Tetsurou just grinned and made sure to look them in the eye as ne said, “Nice kill. With spikes like that, we just might make it to nationals.”

The first year’s face immediately transformed into one of surprise and wonder.

As the other members of Tetsurou’s team slowly began to file away to fulfill their various duties, their vice captain turned back to nem. They offered a hand up and Tetsurou took it, righting nemself then walking together at a slow pace towards the changing rooms.

“What’s been up with you lately, bro?”

Tetsurou cringed a bit internally at the masculine name. Ne knew it was a term of endearment, but ne still far preferred to be addressed neutrally.

“…Hey!”

Tetsurou realized with a start that nyr friend had still been talking to nem and ne had missed most of it.

By now the two had arrived in the dressing rooms so Tetsurou took the opportunity to turn away and hide nyr face under the pretense of changing shirts.

“I…it’s nothing, really. I’m fine.”

“You’re not though, and that’s a problem.” Nyr friend had now stepped around so they were face to face once more. “I know you. How long have we been friends? I know that you’ve been stressing hardcore about something and that it’s really been affecting you, even if you try not to show it.”

By now the confrontation had begun to attract the attention of the other teammates gathered in the small changing room. Tetsurou found it hard to meet their eyes as ne grabbed nyr bag and closed the locker. Everyone was waiting to see what their captain would do, waiting to support Tetsurou, but Tetsurou wasn’t so sure that support would last through the revelation of nyr actual worry. Ne were so scared. Revealing something like this was such a risk. But then, a niggling doubt proposed, maybe Tetsurou wasn’t giving nyr teammates the credit they deserved? This team had spent so much time together. They were all so extremely close. Tetsurou thought back to the moment ne had looked up from the floor to see everyone’s faces full of concern and care. Would all of that really disappear so easily?

The entire locker room seemed to have gone quiet as each player devoted nyr attention to Tetsurou’s look of agonized indecision. Finally, the vice captain reached out to rest a hand on nyr shoulder. “We’re here for you, man.”

“Not.” Tetsurou choked out.

“What?”

Tetsurou raised their eyes to look directly at their team. “I’m not a man.”

The declaration was met with surprised faces all around and Tetsurou’s heart seemed to stop as ne waited for the inevitable wall of hatred to finally fall and crush them. However, as nyr teammate’s faces changed it wasn’t into looks of disgust but instead curiosity, support, and even some understanding.

The grip on Tetsurou’s shoulder tightened supportively and ne looked over to see that nyr friend was still beside them. Shocked, maybe, but definitely not getting ready to punch them either.

“Umm, ok. Ok, yeah.” nyr friend nodded their head to themself and seemed to regain surety as they talked. “Uh, what are you then?”

Tetsurou took a shuddering breath, never before quite believing ne could make it this far. In a quiet, shaky voice ne explained, “I’m agender. It uh, it’s basically like I don’t really have a gender. I’m not a guy or a girl or anything else like that. Does…does that make sense?”

Some of Tetsurou’s team still looked a little confused, but others were starting to slowly nod, as if they were processing the idea.

Another added sympathetically, “Wow. That’s pretty big. You must have been super nervous to share that. Thanks for trusting us.”

The room filled with a chorus of support.

“Of course we’re here for you! We’re a team!”

“We would never act like those judgy assholes!”

“Hey, If anyone gives you shit I’ll take them down myself! I mean, not that you probably couldn’t take them on your own anyways.”

One of Tetsurou’s closest friends from the team walked up and gave nem a short hug, looking slightly embarrassed at the display of affection, but determined nonetheless. “You may not be our bro anymore, but you’re definitely still our sibling.”

The team once again nodded together and threw out more words of encouragement.

“I’m not exactly sure yet, to be honest. I’m still kind of figuring that stuff out.”

Tetsurou smiled, feeling the last of nyr worries drift away. Of course nyr team was there for nem. Ne had no reason to be worried this whole time. As the team finally resumed dressing and collecting their things, Tetsurou slung nyr bag over nyr shoulder and felt the warm glow of assurance deep in nyr chest. Ne were loved and valid, and nyr friends had just shown nem how much that was true. Ne knew that whatever came, ne would have the support of many wonderful people right behind nem, helping nem laugh and grow the whole way; and for now, that was all ne needed.

Ast

Slam!

The powerful crack of the volleyball against smooth wood floor echoed around the gym.

Tetsurou landed back on the ground a second after the ball did, wearing asters familiar shit-eating grin. Ast clenched asters palms, both pink with a satisfying sting from yet another perfect shutout block.

A chorus of unhappy groans could be heard from the other side of the net, while Tetsurou’s own team cheered and taunted their opponents.

Tetsurou’s vice captain and close friend walked up and playfully slapped ast on the back. “Nice one, Captain. What is that now- five shutouts in a row?” The vc grinned. “However, you might want to start easing up. Our poor first years are going to lose all their confidence never being able to spike past you.”

Tetsurou raised an eyebrow. “What’s this? You want me to go easy on the other team?” Ast dramatically threw a hand over asters heart. “I never thought I would see the day when I was betrayed by my own vice captain. This may only be a practice match against our own teammates but how will they ever learn to win if they aren’t forced to give their all against a volleyball master such as I?” Tetsurou sniffled as if broken-hearted, all the while trying to not break into a grin. “ No, no, I’m afraid this won’t do. I’m just going to have to find a new vice captain!”

“Hey!” Tetsurou’s friend punched aster in the arm and Tetsurou cracked up at the sight of their scowl.

“All right,” ast called, “ I see how it is. But be prepared to lose epically. There’s no way I’m going easy on you now!”

The gym once again filled with the familiar song of sneakers squeaking on polished floor and palms smacking against the worn leather of the ball.

Tetsurou geared up to play like the rest of the team, but asters mind wandered to the exchange that had just occurred and the effortless, comforting camaraderie it had shown. Tetsurou had been thinking quite a lot recently about what asters team meant to aster. Tetsurou loved volleyball and the people that ast played it with. The team was like family. They were all ridiculously close friends that practiced together and joked together, had each other’s backs and always looked out for each other. But Tetsurou wondered… would the team still treat Tetsurou the same if they all knew? If Tetsurou ever just worked up the courage to tell everyone who ast really was- what ast truly was. Unfortunately, Tetsurou had a pretty good idea already of what would happen if that day ever came. Ast had played the scenario through a billion times in asters head, and each time all ast was left with was disgusted glares and mocking laughter. Tetsurou couldn’t bring asterself to do it. Hiding who ast was hurt, but facing the idea of losing the people most important to aster was so much worse. Tetsurou grimaced at the mental image and dragged asters attention back to the game just in time to hear a panicked- “Look out!”- and see the ball hurtling towards asters face.

When Tetsurou blinked asters eyes open, the first thing ast saw was a ring of concerned faces hovering around aster. Tetsurou grunted, bringing a hand up to prod gingerly at asters head.

“Tetsurou?” The vice captain’s head popped into view right above asters own, voice laced with worry.

Tetsurou sat up cautiously. Though ast was originally a bit dizzy, the world seemed to center itself once more and the throbbing pain on the side of asters head slowly abated. “I’m good. Did I pass out?”

A hand fell gently on Tetsurou’s shoulder and ast turned to see asters coach crouching beside aster. “How are you feeling? Any nausea? Pain? You’ve seen enough sport-related injuries to know what I’m looking for here.”

Tetsurou shook asters head. “Really, I feel fine. I’ve gotten a lot worse on the court before. I know how important it is to look after these things. If I don’t feel well, I’ll get it checked out.”

The coach gave aster a searching glance for a moment before nodding, seemingly satisfied, and walking back to the assistant manager at the side of the court.

Tetsurou looked back at asters teammates and spotted a gangly first year that was hovering nervously, nearly on the brink of tears.

“Was that your ball?”

The poor spiker looked like someone had just called them out on running over a puppy. They gave a small jerky nod, somewhere between terrified and miserable.

Tetsurou just grinned and made sure to look them in the eye as ast said, “Nice kill. With spikes like that, we just might make it to nationals.”

The first year’s face immediately transformed into one of surprise and wonder.

As the other members of Tetsurou’s team slowly began to file away to fulfill their various duties, their vice captain turned back to aster. They offered a hand up and Tetsurou took it, righting asterself then walking together at a slow pace towards the changing rooms.

“What’s been up with you lately, bro?”

Tetsurou cringed a bit internally at the masculine name. Ast knew it was a term of endearment, but ast still far preferred to be addressed neutrally.

“…Hey!”

Tetsurou realized with a start that asters friend had still been talking to aster and ast had missed most of it.

By now the two had arrived in the dressing rooms so Tetsurou took the opportunity to turn away and hide asters face under the pretense of changing shirts.

“I…it’s nothing, really. I’m fine.”

“You’re not though, and that’s a problem.” Asters friend had now stepped around so they were face to face once more. “I know you. How long have we been friends? I know that you’ve been stressing hardcore about something and that it’s really been affecting you, even if you try not to show it.”

By now the confrontation had begun to attract the attention of the other teammates gathered in the small changing room. Tetsurou found it hard to meet their eyes as ast grabbed asters bag and closed the locker. Everyone was waiting to see what their captain would do, waiting to support Tetsurou, but Tetsurou wasn’t so sure that support would last through the revelation of asters actual worry. Ast was so scared. Revealing something like this was such a risk. But then, a niggling doubt proposed, maybe Tetsurou wasn’t giving asters teammates the credit they deserved? This team had spent so much time together. They were all so extremely close. Tetsurou thought back to the moment ast had looked up from the floor to see everyone’s faces full of concern and care. Would all of that really disappear so easily?

“Not.” Tetsurou choked out.

“What?”

Tetsurou raised asters eyes to look directly at asters team. “I’m not a man.”

The declaration was met with surprised faces all around and Tetsurou’s heart seemed to stop as ast waited for the inevitable wall of hatred to finally fall and crush aster. However, as asters teammate’s faces changed it wasn’t into looks of disgust but instead curiosity, support, and even some understanding.

The grip on Tetsurou’s shoulder tightened supportively and ast looked over to see that asters friend was still beside aster. Shocked, maybe, but definitely not getting ready to punch aster either.

“Umm, ok. Ok, yeah.” asters friend nodded their head to themself and seemed to regain surety as they talked. “Uh, what are you then?”

Tetsurou took a shuddering breath, never before quite believing ast could make it this far. In a quiet, shaky voice ast explained, “I’m agender. It uh, it’s basically like I don’t really have a gender. I’m not a guy or a girl or anything else like that. Does…does that make sense?”

Some of Tetsurou’s team still looked a little confused, but others were starting to slowly nod, as if they were processing the idea.

Another added sympathetically, “Wow. That’s pretty big. You must have been super nervous to share that. Thanks for trusting us.”

The room filled with a chorus of support.

“Of course we’re here for you! We’re a team!”

“We would never act like those judgy assholes!”

“Hey, If anyone gives you shit I’ll take them down myself! I mean, not that you probably couldn’t take them on your own anyways.”

One of Tetsurou’s closest friends from the team walked up and gave aster a short hug, looking slightly embarrassed at the display of affection, but determined nonetheless. “You may not be our bro anymore, but you’re definitely still our sibling.”

The team once again nodded together and threw out more words of encouragement.

“I’m not exactly sure yet, to be honest. I’m still kind of figuring that stuff out.”

Tetsurou smiled, feeling the last of asters worries drift away. Of course asters team was there for aster. Ast had no reason to be worried this whole time. As the team finally resumed dressing and collecting their things, Tetsurou slung asters bag over asters shoulder and felt the warm glow of assurance deep in asters chest. Ast was loved and valid, and asters friends had just shown aster how much that was true. Ast knew that whatever came, ast would have the support of many wonderful people right behind aster, helping aster laugh and grow the whole way; and for now, that was all ast needed.

Azu

Slam!

The powerful crack of the volleyball against smooth wood floor echoed around the gym.

Tetsurou landed back on the ground a second after the ball did, wearing azurs familiar shit-eating grin. Azu clenched azurs palms, both pink with a satisfying sting from yet another perfect shutout block.

A chorus of unhappy groans could be heard from the other side of the net, while Tetsurou’s own team cheered and taunted their opponents.

Tetsurou’s vice captain and close friend walked up and playfully slapped azu on the back. “Nice one, Captain. What is that now- five shutouts in a row?” The vc grinned. “However, you might want to start easing up. Our poor first years are going to lose all their confidence never being able to spike past you.”

Tetsurou raised an eyebrow. “What’s this? You want me to go easy on the other team?” Azu dramatically threw a hand over azurs heart. “I never thought I would see the day when I was betrayed by my own vice captain. This may only be a practice match against our own teammates but how will they ever learn to win if they aren’t forced to give their all against a volleyball master such as I?” Tetsurou sniffled as if broken-hearted, all the while trying to not break into a grin. “ No, no, I’m afraid this won’t do. I’m just going to have to find a new vice captain!”

“Hey!” Tetsurou’s friend punched azur in the arm and Tetsurou cracked up at the sight of their scowl.

“All right,” azu called, “ I see how it is. But be prepared to lose epically. There’s no way I’m going easy on you now!”

The gym once again filled with the familiar song of sneakers squeaking on polished floor and palms smacking against the worn leather of the ball.

Tetsurou geared up to play like the rest of the team, but azurs mind wandered to the exchange that had just occurred and the effortless, comforting camaraderie it had shown. Tetsurou had been thinking quite a lot recently about what azurs team meant to azur. Tetsurou loved volleyball and the people that azu played it with. The team was like family. They were all ridiculously close friends that practiced together and joked together, had each other’s backs and always looked out for each other. But Tetsurou wondered… would the team still treat Tetsurou the same if they all knew? If Tetsurou ever just worked up the courage to tell everyone who azu really was- what azu truly was. Unfortunately, Tetsurou had a pretty good idea already of what would happen if that day ever came. Azu had played the scenario through a billion times in azurs head, and each time all azu was left with was disgusted glares and mocking laughter. Tetsurou couldn’t bring azurself to do it. Hiding who azu was hurt, but facing the idea of losing the people most important to azur was so much worse. Tetsurou grimaced at the mental image and dragged azurs attention back to the game just in time to hear a panicked- “Look out!”- and see the ball hurtling towards azurs face.

When Tetsurou blinked azurs eyes open, the first thing azu saw was a ring of concerned faces hovering around azur. Tetsurou grunted, bringing a hand up to prod gingerly at azurs head.

“Tetsurou?” The vice captain’s head popped into view right above azurs own, voice laced with worry.

Tetsurou sat up cautiously. Though azu was originally a bit dizzy, the world seemed to center itself once more and the throbbing pain on the side of azurs head slowly abated. “I’m good. Did I pass out?”

A hand fell gently on Tetsurou’s shoulder and azu turned to see azurs coach crouching beside azur. “How are you feeling? Any nausea? Pain? You’ve seen enough sport-related injuries to know what I’m looking for here.”

Tetsurou shook azurs head. “Really, I feel fine. I’ve gotten a lot worse on the court before. I know how important it is to look after these things. If I don’t feel well, I’ll get it checked out.”

The coach gave azur a searching glance for a moment before nodding, seemingly satisfied, and walking back to the assistant manager at the side of the court.

Tetsurou looked back at azurs teammates and spotted a gangly first year that was hovering nervously, nearly on the brink of tears.

“Was that your ball?”

The poor spiker looked like someone had just called them out on running over a puppy. They gave a small jerky nod, somewhere between terrified and miserable.

Tetsurou just grinned and made sure to look them in the eye as azu said, “Nice kill. With spikes like that, we just might make it to nationals.”

The first year’s face immediately transformed into one of surprise and wonder.

As the other members of Tetsurou’s team slowly began to file away to fulfill their various duties, their vice captain turned back to azur. They offered a hand up and Tetsurou took it, righting azurself then walking together at a slow pace towards the changing rooms.

“What’s been up with you lately, bro?”

Tetsurou cringed a bit internally at the masculine name. Azu knew it was a term of endearment, but azu still far preferred to be addressed neutrally.

“…Hey!”

Tetsurou realized with a start that azurs friend had still been talking to azur and azu had missed most of it.

By now the two had arrived in the dressing rooms so Tetsurou took the opportunity to turn away and hide azurs face under the pretense of changing shirts.

“I…it’s nothing, really. I’m fine.”

“You’re not though, and that’s a problem.” Azurs friend had now stepped around so they were face to face once more. “I know you. How long have we been friends? I know that you’ve been stressing hardcore about something and that it’s really been affecting you, even if you try not to show it.”

By now the confrontation had begun to attract the attention of the other teammates gathered in the small changing room. Tetsurou found it hard to meet their eyes as azu grabbed azurs bag and closed the locker. Everyone was waiting to see what their captain would do, waiting to support Tetsurou, but Tetsurou wasn’t so sure that support would last through the revelation of azurs actual worry. Azu was so scared. Revealing something like this was such a risk. But then, a niggling doubt proposed, maybe Tetsurou wasn’t giving azurs teammates the credit they deserved? This team had spent so much time together. They were all so extremely close. Tetsurou thought back to the moment azu had looked up from the floor to see everyone’s faces full of concern and care. Would all of that really disappear so easily?

“Not.” Tetsurou choked out.

“What?”

Tetsurou raised azurs eyes to look directly at azurs team. “I’m not a man.”

The declaration was met with surprised faces all around and Tetsurou’s heart seemed to stop as azu waited for the inevitable wall of hatred to finally fall and crush azur. However, as azurs teammate’s faces changed it wasn’t into looks of disgust but instead curiosity, support, and even some understanding.

The grip on Tetsurou’s shoulder tightened supportively and azu looked over to see that azurs friend was still beside azur. Shocked, maybe, but definitely not getting ready to punch azur either.

“Umm, ok. Ok, yeah.” azurs friend nodded their head to themself and seemed to regain surety as they talked. “Uh, what are you then?”

Tetsurou took a shuddering breath, never before quite believing azu could make it this far. In a quiet, shaky voice azu explained, “I’m agender. It uh, it’s basically like I don’t really have a gender. I’m not a guy or a girl or anything else like that. Does…does that make sense?”

Some of Tetsurou’s team still looked a little confused, but others were starting to slowly nod, as if they were processing the idea.

Another added sympathetically, “Wow. That’s pretty big. You must have been super nervous to share that. Thanks for trusting us.”

The room filled with a chorus of support.

“Of course we’re here for you! We’re a team!”

“We would never act like those judgy assholes!”

“Hey, If anyone gives you shit I’ll take them down myself! I mean, not that you probably couldn’t take them on your own anyways.”

One of Tetsurou’s closest friends from the team walked up and gave azur a short hug, looking slightly embarrassed at the display of affection, but determined nonetheless. “You may not be our bro anymore, but you’re definitely still our sibling.”

The team once again nodded together and threw out more words of encouragement.

“I’m not exactly sure yet, to be honest. I’m still kind of figuring that stuff out.”

Tetsurou smiled, feeling the last of azurs worries drift away. Of course azurs team was there for azur. Azu had no reason to be worried this whole time. As the team finally resumed dressing and collecting their things, Tetsurou slung azurs bag over azurs shoulder and felt the warm glow of assurance deep in azurs chest. Azu was loved and valid, and azurs friends had just shown azur how much that was true. Azu knew that whatever came, azu would have the support of many wonderful people right behind azur, helping azur laugh and grow the whole way; and for now, that was all azu needed.

Glit

Slam!

The powerful crack of the volleyball against smooth wood floor echoed around the gym.

Tetsurou landed back on the ground a second after the ball did, wearing glitters familiar shit-eating grin. Glit clenched glitters palms, both pink with a satisfying sting from yet another perfect shutout block.

A chorus of unhappy groans could be heard from the other side of the net, while Tetsurou’s own team cheered and taunted their opponents.

Tetsurou’s vice captain and close friend walked up and playfully slapped glit on the back. “Nice one, Captain. What is that now- five shutouts in a row?” The vc grinned. “However, you might want to start easing up. Our poor first years are going to lose all their confidence never being able to spike past you.”

Tetsurou raised an eyebrow. “What’s this? You want me to go easy on the other team?” Glit dramatically threw a hand over glitters heart. “I never thought I would see the day when I was betrayed by my own vice captain. This may only be a practice match against our own teammates but how will they ever learn to win if they aren’t forced to give their all against a volleyball master such as I?” Tetsurou sniffled as if broken-hearted, all the while trying to not break into a grin. “ No, no, I’m afraid this won’t do. I’m just going to have to find a new vice captain!”

“Hey!” Tetsurou’s friend punched glitter in the arm and Tetsurou cracked up at the sight of their scowl.

“All right,” glit called, “ I see how it is. But be prepared to lose epically. There’s no way I’m going easy on you now!”

The gym once again filled with the familiar song of sneakers squeaking on polished floor and palms smacking against the worn leather of the ball.

Tetsurou geared up to play like the rest of the team, but glitters mind wandered to the exchange that had just occurred and the effortless, comforting camaraderie it had shown. Tetsurou had been thinking quite a lot recently about what glitters team meant to glitter. Tetsurou loved volleyball and the people that glit played it with. The team was like family. They were all ridiculously close friends that practiced together and joked together, had each other’s backs and always looked out for each other. But Tetsurou wondered… would the team still treat Tetsurou the same if they all knew? If Tetsurou ever just worked up the courage to tell everyone who glit really was- what glit truly was. Unfortunately, Tetsurou had a pretty good idea already of what would happen if that day ever came. Azu had played the scenario through a billion times in glitters head, and each time all glit was left with was disgusted glares and mocking laughter. Tetsurou couldn’t bring glitterself to do it. Hiding who glit was hurt, but facing the idea of losing the people most important to glitter was so much worse. Tetsurou grimaced at the mental image and dragged glitters attention back to the game just in time to hear a panicked- “Look out!”- and see the ball hurtling towards glitters face.

When Tetsurou blinked glitters eyes open, the first thing glit saw was a ring of concerned faces hovering around glitter. Tetsurou grunted, bringing a hand up to prod gingerly at glitters head.

“Tetsurou?” The vice captain’s head popped into view right above glitters own, voice laced with worry.

Tetsurou sat up cautiously. Though glit was originally a bit dizzy, the world seemed to center itself once more and the throbbing pain on the side of glitters head slowly abated. “I’m good. Did I pass out?”

A hand fell gently on Tetsurou’s shoulder and glit turned to see glitters coach crouching beside glitter. “How are you feeling? Any nausea? Pain? You’ve seen enough sport-related injuries to know what I’m looking for here.”

Tetsurou shook glitters head. “Really, I feel fine. I’ve gotten a lot worse on the court before. I know how important it is to look after these things. If I don’t feel well, I’ll get it checked out.”

The coach gave glitter a searching glance for a moment before nodding, seemingly satisfied, and walking back to the assistant manager at the side of the court.

Tetsurou looked back at glitters teammates and spotted a gangly first year that was hovering nervously, nearly on the brink of tears.

“Was that your ball?”

The poor spiker looked like someone had just called them out on running over a puppy. They gave a small jerky nod, somewhere between terrified and miserable.

Tetsurou just grinned and made sure to look them in the eye as glit said, “Nice kill. With spikes like that, we just might make it to nationals.”

The first year’s face immediately transformed into one of surprise and wonder.

As the other members of Tetsurou’s team slowly began to file away to fulfill their various duties, their vice captain turned back to glitter. They offered a hand up and Tetsurou took it, righting glitterself then walking together at a slow pace towards the changing rooms.

“What’s been up with you lately, bro?”

Tetsurou cringed a bit internally at the masculine name. Glit knew it was a term of endearment, but glit still far preferred to be addressed neutrally.

“…Hey!”

Tetsurou realized with a start that glitters friend had still been talking to glitter and glit had missed most of it.

By now the two had arrived in the dressing rooms so Tetsurou took the opportunity to turn away and hide glitters face under the pretense of changing shirts.

“I…it’s nothing, really. I’m fine.”

“You’re not though, and that’s a problem.” Glitters friend had now stepped around so they were face to face once more. “I know you. How long have we been friends? I know that you’ve been stressing hardcore about something and that it’s really been affecting you, even if you try not to show it.”

By now the confrontation had begun to attract the attention of the other teammates gathered in the small changing room. Tetsurou found it hard to meet their eyes as glit grabbed glitters bag and closed the locker. Everyone was waiting to see what their captain would do, waiting to support Tetsurou, but Tetsurou wasn’t so sure that support would last through the revelation of glitters actual worry. Glit was so scared. Revealing something like this was such a risk. But then, a niggling doubt proposed, maybe Tetsurou wasn’t giving glitters teammates the credit they deserved? This team had spent so much time together. They were all so extremely close. Tetsurou thought back to the moment glit had looked up from the floor to see everyone’s faces full of concern and care. Would all of that really disappear so easily?

“Not.” Tetsurou choked out.

“What?”

Tetsurou raised glitters eyes to look directly at glitters team. “I’m not a man.”

The declaration was met with surprised faces all around and Tetsurou’s heart seemed to stop as glit waited for the inevitable wall of hatred to finally fall and crush glitter. However, as glitters teammate’s faces changed it wasn’t into looks of disgust but instead curiosity, support, and even some understanding.

The grip on Tetsurou’s shoulder tightened supportively and glit looked over to see that glitters friend was still beside glitter. Shocked, maybe, but definitely not getting ready to punch glitter either.

“Umm, ok. Ok, yeah.” glitters friend nodded their head to themself and seemed to regain surety as they talked. “Uh, what are you then?”

Tetsurou took a shuddering breath, never before quite believing glit could make it this far. In a quiet, shaky voice glit explained, “I’m agender. It uh, it’s basically like I don’t really have a gender. I’m not a guy or a girl or anything else like that. Does…does that make sense?”

Some of Tetsurou’s team still looked a little confused, but others were starting to slowly nod, as if they were processing the idea.

Another added sympathetically, “Wow. That’s pretty big. You must have been super nervous to share that. Thanks for trusting us.”

The room filled with a chorus of support.

“Of course we’re here for you! We’re a team!”

“We would never act like those judgy assholes!”

“Hey, If anyone gives you shit I’ll take them down myself! I mean, not that you probably couldn’t take them on your own anyways.”

One of Tetsurou’s closest friends from the team walked up and gave glitter a short hug, looking slightly embarrassed at the display of affection, but determined nonetheless. “You may not be our bro anymore, but you’re definitely still our sibling.”

The team once again nodded together and threw out more words of encouragement.

“I’m not exactly sure yet, to be honest. I’m still kind of figuring that stuff out.”

Tetsurou smiled, feeling the last of glitters worries drift away. Of course glitters team was there for glitter. Glit had no reason to be worried this whole time. As the team finally resumed dressing and collecting their things, Tetsurou slung glitters bag over glitters shoulder and felt the warm glow of assurance deep in glitters chest. Glit was loved and valid, and glitters friends had just shown glitter how much that was true. Glit knew that whatever came, glit would have the support of many wonderful people right behind glitter, helping glitter laugh and grow the whole way; and for now, that was all glit needed.

#validation #Tetsurou #they/them #it/its #ne/nyr #ast/aster #azu/azur #glit/glitter

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