Chapter Text
Growing up, Karasu had always felt most comfortable alone. He wasn’t an outsider or anything, heck he wasn’t even the quiet type, but relationships seemed like such a flimsy connection once he managed to peel back all the layers. Undressing people with his eyes became his talent - metaphorically for the most part. It became his extraordinary-ness that bloomed from such an ordinary person like him. Once he reached middle school, he gathered a few acquaintances, mainly through football, although he had a loose group of school friends too. Despite this, he hadn’t found anyone too worth his while yet.
Now, Karasu for the most part likes to think of himself as honest. He knows what he’s capable of and can see exactly what other people are capable of. Although realistically he’s just a cocky bastard. He’s a weird amalgamation of characteristics and personality traits. Cold, calculating, seemingly reserved or at least aloof, yet also charismatic, cocky and kinda insecure. Kinda. His other amazing qualities make up for it. Supposedly.
Either way, a guy like Karasu Tabito definitely does not go unnoticed by the general high school population. He’s quite attractive; has more of a taller bone structure than most Japanese guys, sharp but inviting eyes, and most of all an absolutely winning smile. It’d be foolish to say he wasn’t one of the most rated guys in his school. Heck, even the town. There were a few more conventionally attractive guys according to Japanese standards sprinkled around, but his harsher contours and masculine jawline were definitely popular with the ladies. Now, this doesn’t even touch upon his stature. He’s a pretty tall dude; broad shoulders and an overall leaner build naturally, kinda skinny. But once he got to around 15 and started taking football and the gym more seriously, he basically got ripped as hell. Not to like a hulk level or anything, but he had a decent weight to him and luckily found it easy to build muscle in his arms (and pecs), gifting him with a more than aesthetic physique. This got everyone hooked - yes, even the guys.
Combined with his personality, demeanour, and overall hotness he was the target of quite a few confessions. Most of them were cute girls, to which he usually let down gently that he wasn’t interested, or would string on for a few dates only to realise they aren’t compatible. Although he did kinda get a confession from a guy on his football team one time.
“Fuck dude, what don’t you have? God, if I were any less jealous of you I’d be asking you out in a heartbeat.” His teammate said.
Honestly it caught Karasu off guard. For the first time in a while, the unexpected came along. Nothing really amounted from this statement except finding out the dudes bisexual. But it got him thinking about himself. Thinking about that same teammate on his knees, panting red and hot over his dick in the locker rooms, in the place a hot enough girl usually would be. He can’t say he didn’t like the idea, but it wasn’t something he would actually do with the guy. Wasn’t interested enough in him to actually reach out. Plus, he wasn’t actually gay. Just entertaining himself knowing there’s someone else who is.
From that, Karasu Tabito concluded he was like 95% straight, because no one on earth is ever 100% obviously. Since that encounter, his life followed the same ebb and flow. Get roughly average grades, hang out with friendly faces he felt less than friendly towards, and play football. Rinse and repeat. That was until that fated day at 18 when a letter came through the mail inviting him to blue lock, turning his life completely in the opposite direction.
-
Walking into a crowded room with 299 others just as athletically inclined as yourself was definitely something. He stood towards the back, scanning the room from his vantage point. He saw a lot of fairly unremarkable faces, and a handful of really attractive ones.
Damn, what’s a girl doing here? Wait, never-mind. Not a girl.
Unsurprisingly he caught his eye on Chigiri Hyouma, who from the side, definitely looked like a girl. But he turned all the way facing Karasu’s direction, revealing his more athletic albeit slim physique. The absence of a particular asset most girls tend to have was the biggest giveaway.
He continued his observations, spotting a tall blue head sticking out of the commotion. It was none other than Hiori You, his friend from a bit way back.
Woah, nice to see Hiori’s here too. He’s a pretty decent guy I guess, at least I have someone here.
Before he could carry on any further, the lights dimmed and the screen turned on to reveal a gangly, kinda hermit looking guy.
Jeezz he’s in need of some sleep.
Karasu mainly tunes out a lot of the spiel, listening more intently towards the end. He knew he was going regardless so why bother wasting his skill.
He gets allotted onto a team with quite a few unremarkable people from what he can tell. Although some first impressions are deceiving. One guy catches his eye the most. Stark white hair, with a questionably placed green streak right down the centre of his bangs. The expression on his face is well, an expressionless one.
God, he seems like the overly arrogant but wanna-be nonchalant types. And that hair? Interesting choice.
Karasu presses further, trying to slip past the layers of this mysterious man. On the outside, he’s actually quite a looker. More of a softer face, with small but plump lips and fox like eyes that seem to shoot daggers wherever they look. It makes for a nice contrast in all honestly, making him more of a pretty-boy archetype rather than the more rugged look Karasu sports. He’s still handsome of course, but he has a slight androgyny to him that adds to the allure. His physique is even similar in that regard. He’s quite slender, not quite skinny but not muscular either. He packs most of the muscle on his thighs rather than upper body, Must be a speedster or somethin’ Karasu mentally notes. His core looks quite tight, although he can’t tell if he’s got abs or not through the blue lock suits. Either way, he’s got a killer waistline, probably the same size as some of the girls he knows. His torso forms a nice, aesthetically pleasing V shape, leading down into strong hips and thighs.
The white haired man turns around, back facing to Karasu.
Wow, okay. That’s definitely his greatest asset. Haha, ass-et. Karasu chuckles mentally.
Otoya, in simple words, kinda had a fat ass. Like it wasn’t insanely big, but it was a really round shape, and seemed to be a mix of firm and soft, perfectly suiting the rest of his body. It was definitely noteworthy - and not just to Karasu. He noticed the lingering stares of a few other teammates looking exactly where he was, to no surprise.
Damn, he’s actually a catch. Probably has quite a few girls and probably guys chasing after him. Sucks he seems like an asshole. At that, Karasu exits his deep train of thought to notice iridescent green eyes staring back at his ultramarine indigo ones. His expression doesn’t change, except for the glint in his eye. Karasu, for once, cannot read someone’s intentions.
Well this outta be excitin’.
Ego’s maniacal voice blares through the speakers and on the screen, explaining the rules of the first selection.
-
The first selection ended in the way Karasu predicted - a dude who was pretty much unremarkable ended up hit in the balls with a second to spare. Nonetheless, he’s glad it wasn’t him. After that little round, he’s managed to grasp the basics of most of his team’s abilities. Except for that guy. He just stayed in the shadows - lurking, waiting. Other than that, there wasn’t much the guy did other than jump around once or twice to dodge. One thing Karasu can at least say for sure is that his reflexes are insanely good. Useful. Karasu remarks to himself.
Ego announces that this is now his team, and basically says they better cozy up and start acting like a team for the second selection whilst also being rivals.
Great. What an informative guy.
Karasu mentally scoffs as he scans the room. It’s a little quiet but some people are starting to talk. He’d rather not get involved, but if this is who he’s gonna be shacking up with.. then he guesses it’s best to be on everyone’s good side.
He starts by talking to some of the more “unremarkable” ones - or at least those he deemed had more weaknesses to exploit than others.
“Hey guys, do ya’ll know what’s up with that Ego guy?” Karasu remarks, walking over to a group of 3 guys.
“Nah man, he just seems like some run of the mill wash up or looney. Not my problem though. This place is kinda sick.” One of them comments.
“Gotta agree with you there dude,” Karasu says naturally, letting it roll of his tongue, “Name’s Karasu by the way.”
“Oh cool, mine’s…”
Karasu ends up chatting to the guys a bit more - long enough to leave an impression, but short enough to keep them at arms length. He decides to pursue the weird one next. Walking over, the guy’s eyes rake over Karasu, not revealing anything about what he’s actually thinking.
“Sup.” The white haired one says first.
“Names Karasu. Thought I’d get to know ya since we’re on a team and all.”
“Coolio. I’m Otoya.” He says, throwing up a little hand sign he’s unsure the meaning of.
A beat passes between them and it threatens to turn into an awkward silence.
“Err so where ya from Otoya. You look like a city boy, although everyone’s got their surprises.”
“Bingo. I come from the city but I descended from ninjas. Pretty cool right.” Otoya says, throwing up yet another ninja hand-sign, expression unchanging.
“Wow what a history you got there. I don’t come from nothing special like that.” Karasu chirps up.
“You from Kansai? Nice accent bro.”
“Eh yeah, Osaka more specifically. Gotta represent you know.”
“For sure.”
Another beat passes between them. And another. Then Karasu speaks up.
“Imma head off yeah? Catch you later.”
“See ya dude.” The other guy hums.
What a weirdo, both of them think in unison.
-
Karasu heads off to the showers, then for food, then to sleep for the first night in their dorms. He lays awake on the thin mattress, sprawled out and frequently tossing around to find the right position to sleep in. He recalls the days activities - critiquing, analysing, obsessing, until his brain gives up on him and he passes out.
The next 2 days go by relatively slow, as they’re just training up right now. Some guys seem to be getting along alright on his team, with Karasu sometimes tagging along and that Otoya fella too. He still can’t get an accurate read on the guy, which is why he’s so unsettled by him at the moment. Maybe he just needs to break through.
Otoya seems like a man of few words, at least upon first impression. And honestly, so far it’s remained that way. But that’s about to change.
Karasu invites a group of him and 5 others including Otoya to a training exercise. It’s roughly 6PM now so this should be the last big activity of the day.
“Yo guys, I suggest we run drills with each-other. Like, test out plays and stuff. You guys want in?”
The group they’ve conjured up all nod in agreement, a few “Sure”’s thrown in there. They move from the gym to the training rooms, back on the astroturf with a ball between his feet. Feels right. Karasu comments to himself. Some of the guys already started partnering up to test out combo plays, giving Karasu the bright idea to investigate this green and white anomaly in his system.
“Yo Otoya, wanna try out something with me?”
“I guess yeah.” He says with a shrug.
“I’ve gathered that yer a speedster, not in a conventional way but like fast reflexes and tight turns typa guy. True ninja type. Am I right on the money?”
“Holy shit, yeah dude. That was kinda awesome. How’d you gather all that?” Otoya comments, an eyebrow raise being his expression of surprise.
“Cus I’m awesome duh. Nah, okay jokes aside, thats my skill. Seeing through people, exploiting em, using em - no matter if it’s a teammate or rival. Sorry, sounds a bit evil out loud. Promise I’m yer average guy.” Karasu scratches the back of his head.
“Nah all good bro. That’s pretty dope actually. Kinda sadistic. Calculating and witty. I like it.” Otoya says, the last few phrases finally breaking the classic “bro” script he seems to follow. At least from Karasu’s perspective.
Bingo. Karasu finally sees Otoya for who he actually is. He’s not really arrogant or anything, more so just actually relaxed.
Otoya carries on, “I kinda just follow the beat of my own drum, always have done. Do some ninja moves here and there, and have fun. That’s my priority”he says very objectively, “Ya know, I’m a simple guy. What you see is what you get.”
“What ya see is whatcha get…” Karasu mumbles to himself, entering a deep thought process.
Damn, my read on this guy was all wrong. Dude’s really just nothing but a pretty face and some passion. Fuck was I thinking all deep for. Anyway…
“You good Karasu?” Otoya asks, seemingly actually a little concerned.
“Oh shit yeah sorry. Was just thinking.”
“When are you not.” Otoya says with a sarcastic roll of his eyes, a minuscule upturn to the corner of his mouth.
“He… can smile..??” Karasu says in fake shock, placing a hand over his chest for dramatic effect.
Otoya’s little smirk dropped, letting out an actual eye roll at that. “Realll funny little birdy. Crow even.” Otoya jabs, seeing where it lands.
“Now who are yer calling little? I’m bigger than you in every way imaginable.” Karasu says, half meaning innocently, half meaning less so. Why not play around, He thinks.
“Bigger in every way imaginable huh?” Otoya says with a slight brow raise and lips pressed into a thin line, eyes quickly skimming Karasu’s body. “I doubt that. Oh well, only time will tell.” He says with a peace sign and a smirk.
To think Karasu didn’t see the quick look he gave would be idiotic, of course he noticed. And Otoya knows this more than anyone else in Blue Lock.
Sizing me up eh, well kinda literally I guess. This guys playing at some weird game, but…
It was the most fun Karasu’s had talking to someone for a while. Someone who can keep up with his innuendo and less than serious phrases. Rare to find.
Not letting him get the last laugh though.
“Really? I’d love to know what time entails.” Karasu says offhandedly, quirking his eyebrows up.
Otoya just shrugs, stare blank, but the little turn at the corner of his mouth is a giveaway that he’s keeping it playful too. Biting back even, in his own way.
“Speechless I see, whatever weirdo. I wanna see whatcha got ninja. Let’s go - you, me, and the ball.”
“Alrighty big boy.” Otoya says waving his hand passively, adding a new nickname to his recently born mental bank of ‘Karasu nicknames’.
Something clicks in Karasu’s mind. It’s only subtle, like if someone were to flip the light on in the room next to you when there’s thin walls. But damn, hearing that. It sent a small twang through his heart and right down to his…Not. Happening. Karasu mentally checks himself. What the actual fuck? God I must be touch starved if that did something. Fuck there’s no girls here though… Shit.
Now, Karasu hadn’t had a lot of sexual experience, so being touch starved was more to do with being a teenage guy than not getting some in a while. Although, he had had sex twice. Both with different girls in different circumstances, but both felt the same to him in terms of intensity or meaning. It was good, well, any sex is good to dudes. But it’s not like it was mind blowing or with people he thought were “special”. It was just good. And he was alright with that. But fuck, he actually hadn’t jacked off in a while either due to being busy with football matches and the gym. All whilst juggling his last year of high school.
Damn. I need to get a grip. He reminds himself. Coming back to his senses, he follows Otoya.
-
The next 2 hours are, somehow, some of the most remarkable moments to have occurred in Karasu’s sheltered little life. Otoya was a fucking powerhouse. Silent and stealthy sure, but he packed a punch when it came to dashing through enemy lines. What was even better was their insane compatibility. Karasu felt like he was reading his damn mind: Weave, pass, receive, Their bond strengthening the more they played. He saw Otoya’s eyes shining more and more as they played.
I know you feel it too, Otoya.
Karasu sends in a knowing stare and smirk thrown the others way.
Could even say we’re made for each other.
Otoya signals back. And from that point onwards, Karasu knew he hit a jackpot. He found someone worthwhile.
——