[Anything he could have said in reply is interuppted by a soft press of Shindou's lips to his own, brushing against them so gently that you could almost miss the touch if you didn't lean into it. Tsurugi did, his neck craning down to meet those seeking lips and holding on that kiss for as long as he can. His head tilts, allowing his chapped lips to take a new angle and glide a second time across the softer ones of his partner. Shindou may have felt that he was the weak and unreliable one, but he'd seen what the boy could do on the field. Captaincy or not, he led the team in his own way, with God's Baton directing them and ensuring their victory in ways Tsurugi could never even dream of. The idea of being that and captain at the same time...it puts a sense of security in Tsurugi, and a security in their victory on the field.

It was because of God's Baton, Shindou himself that they could win Holy Road.

The kiss lasts as long as his breath can hold itself, putting every ounce of affection into it before lifting up, only giving himself an inch between them as they curl together between the blankets. His voice tickles Shindou's ear as he speaks, it's low tone almost too soft to catch.]

You've never been one to stand down once you believe in something. Not since I showed up in your life.

[It was true, the moment Tsurugi appeared, he'd awakened the Maestro in the boy, and (unintentionally at the time) his fighting spirit. A choice when, looking back on it, was probably one of the only positive things to come out of his behaviour back then. How much longer would Shindou have continued to play a soccer so lifeless?]

This year, starting today, we'll be by each others sides.