Disclaimer: I don't own jack!

Summary: It'd started from a simple offer. Everything that happened afterwards was just his sheer determination.

Pairing: Kuro/Kagome

Suggested Listening: Could Have Been Me by The Struts

Touch of Red

Part I: Offer

Kuro yawned into the palm of his hand. Tears bleared his vision for a moment before he blinked them away. He was bored. Too bored. How long had it been since he'd last done something of worth?

He picked up an easy job coaching at a local gym. Most of his days were spent giving one-on-one personal training sessions for stay-at-home moms. More often than not they had nothing better to do with their time. So flirting with him seemed to have become a favorite past time of the neighborhood mom association. The attention they showered him with was nice but ultimately boring. He missed the days of his youth, competing against teams both stronger and more skilled than his own.

He tipped his head towards the sky. What he wouldn't give to relive those glory days.

"Excuse me!" A feminine voice called out from behind him. Kuro took a breath through his nose. Just great, right when he didn't want to deal with a bored house wife. He really ought to have a word with Ono. The guy couldn't keep his mouth shut for the life of him.

"Might you be Kuro Tetsurou?" She was closer now. The young man craned his neck back, lifting himself from the grassy knoll partially to see who was calling him. Much to his surprise it wasn't a middle aged woman in the usual leggings and tank standing in front of him. Instead it was young woman dressed in a nice dress suit. Complete with a black pencil skirt and white professional style blouse. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear the second it fell into her face. Too bad, it looked somewhat cute loose like that.

"Depends on who's asking." He shot back playfully. A small smile pulled at the edge of her lips.

"Higurashi Kagome," Was it just him or did that smile just get a bit wider? "I teach at Nekoma." Suddenly he had a feeling that he knew where this was going. He gave her the benefit of the doubt, allowing her to continue first. "I understand that you were the Captain of the Volleyball Club when you went there, correct?" A direct question that required a simple yes or no answer.

Kuro sat up. He turned to face her before placing his elbows over his propped knees.

"That's pretty easy to figure out. You wouldn't be here if you didn't already know that answer." He kept his tone light and playful. "So let's cut straight to the chase, shall we?"

If she was offended by his direct method then she didn't show it. Kagome gave a small laugh, "Perceptive. I'm sure you're fully aware of Nekoma's current standing." His expression soured. Of course he did. Not four years after he'd graduated, the school's team fell into a state of decline. Over time their powerhouse collection of players became just barely average. It wasn't that they lacked talent. The real problem came with Coach Nekomata's retirement. Large shoes had been left unfilled. As it stood the school still hadn't found anyone that could measure up to his shadow.

"Is there a request in that statement?" Kuro teased. It'd been a while since he last had the chance to talk to someone his age like this. Most of his peers moved off in far away districts. The only ones he kept in close communication with were Kenma and Hinata.

Kagome flashed a knowing smile in his direction, "Alright then, I'm officially inviting you to be the new coach. Our season will be starting soon." Azure eyes narrowed with determination. "Our team has the skills necessary to win. They're strong and determined but they lack direction."

"So you think bringing on someone with winning experience will change that?" He knew it. It wasn't like he hadn't thought about returning to Nekoma. He'd been invited before but he'd always turned it down. Volleyball had been an amazing experience for him, but it deserved to remain where it belonged: in his past.

"More or less." She admitted openly. He had to give the woman credit. She had guts. "Ultimately this request boils down to two reasons. The first is because of your experience leading Nekoma to the Nationals. You were an amazing Captain to your team and that's what they need right now."

"You flatter me," Kuro grinned widely. He pushed his palms against his knees, standing from his crouched position. "So what's the other reason?" He was curious.

An odd glint entered her eyes, "Because the boys admire you. If anyone can get through their thick skulls it'd be you."

He blinked once then twice. He laughed. Perhaps a bit too loudly but the situation was one that was rather amusing.

"I'm not joking when I say that they respect you." A small smirk pulled at her lips. "It'd be a good learning experience for them to practice with an coach who'd taken their team to the top before."

His laughter slowly subsided. She made valid points. He would be the prime recruit to coach the team, but did he want to do it? That was a difficult question.

"I appreciate the offer but," He couldn't finish his sentence. Kagome was in front of him suddenly. A fierce expression set upon the lines of her lips and forehead.

"I understand if you have previous arrangements. However I cannot allow those boys to lose their best opportunity." The ferocity in her tone took him by surprise. For such a tiny woman, she commanded authority with all the force of a lioness. He was interested.

"Here's my work contact." She pushed a card into his palm without waiting for an answer. "You don't have to give me an answer now but just think about it for a couple of days. Our first practice is on Saturday at seven." Kagome flashed one last smile at him. "I'll return after Saturday for your answer."

With that she turned on her heel. His eyes observed as her back slowly disappeared from sight.

Coach, huh? That was a thought he hadn't had for some time. A slow smile spread across his lips. What could watching one practice hurt? Besides, she was pretty cute. Sharp witted to boot. He flipped the card over. Beneath her name was an office number, work email and her title:

Mathematics and Boy's Volleyball Sponsor

Another laugh bubbled out from his throat. No wonder she was so pushy. Those kids were probably begging her to bring him on. His smirk grew wider. What the hell. He'd just go see one practice. What would be in the harm in that?

Of course the days leading up to the weekend progressed more slowly than he'd like to admit. Each hour crawled as if three had passed. Kuro glanced at his watch. It was six thirty which meant he still had half an hour to get to Nekoma's gym to observe the new team in action. The young man tucked his hands into the pockets of his pants. He kept his clothing basic; just a simple short sleeve shirt and jogging gear. He knew himself well enough that if he'd take an interest in this opportunity then he'd want to be prepared to jump in.

His eyes focused on the familiar outline of the gym off in the distance. There weren't many students on campus due to the early hour and weekend. This was a perfect chance for him to explore.

Kuro's hand brushed against the card in his pocket. Oh right, he'd forgotten to call her. Would she answer if he did now? The young man shook his head. No, that wouldn't work. She was probably already with the team to help them warm up.

He pressed forward. Oh well, it was probably better if he surprised them anyways. Nothing better than getting someone when the were unaware. A wide grin spread across his lips. The doors came into view and he couldn't slow the quickened pace he'd started.

He strolled onto the court silently. No one noticed his entrance at first. The boys were too focused on their stretches to see him slink in. So his gaze slid across the floor, seeking out the woman who'd recruited him. Now where could she be?

"Alright boys, gather up!" Kagome's voice rang out clearly. He paused mid stride out of habit. The teens ran forward without further urging. Their eyes trained on the young woman intently. "We have a special guest joining us today. He'll be observing your practice. I expect that you will treat him with respect. Have I made myself clear?"

"Yes ma'am!" A chorus of male voices chimed together.

Kuro was tempted to whistle in amazement. She had them under control. Had he been that obedient in school? He sincerely doubted it. His eyes lifted to meet hers from across the gym.

"I'm not late, am I?" He couldn't help himself.

Kagome lifted her hand to signal for him to approach. He didn't need any other encouragement. He strolled to the center of the court, coming to a stop by her side.

Kuro took a moment to scan the crowd of hopeful teens. Once he'd been young like them. So full of energy and sarcasm. Well, the sarcasm hadn't left him at least.

Glancing over the members more seriously, he counted a roster made up of nine people. Five of which appeared to be third years. This was bad already. They'd need more players. There were barely enough to form a team. In a year they wouldn't have enough for simple practices either. His expression darkened.

About the only thing they had going for them at the moment was their collective height. Nearly everyone on the team was a veritable giant. He could work with that. An ultimate defense should be well in the making with a group like this.

"Allow me to officially introduce you," Kagome turned up her palm towards him in an introductory manner. "This is Kuro Tetsurou. He'll be observing you today."

Kuro had expected excitement. He even anticipated a bit of shouting. What he hadn't seen coming was the explosion of energy.

The young man hadn't the chance to breathe before the wind was knocked from him. Nine pairs of arms tackled him at once, pushing him off balance. He tumbled to the ground heavily from the weight of their joined effort.

He screwed up, hadn't he?