head over heels

7 ~ I'll join the team

Evan walked home. It took hours. He didn't have his phone, nor did he have a jacket, so he was shivering as he walked dejectedly up his road, the high of playing had well and truly worn off.

He was pissed off at himself. Why was he having a moment right now? Why was playing a stupid game, seemingly too much for him? He didn't understand it, his body and his brain were betraying him in tandem.

It was like a fucking joke, and his head was deciding to not let him in on it. He was left thoroughly in the dark, unaware of what was happening with him.

He sighed as he approached the house, finding Ethan's and his car parked in the driveways, alongside Dads. He dreaded the encounter, almost considering turning and walking the other way again.

But his stomach growled, and his teeth were beginning to chatter from the mounting cold of the night.

So, much to his own chagrin, he stumbled up the steps, and slid into the house as quietly as he could. He heard the clink of cutlery, and the murmur of voices. He sighed. His nerves froze him at the door.

He found his discarded bag sitting in the hallway. Eventually, he moved to pick it up, slinging it over his shoulder. The voices at the table grew louder, and he paused.

Was that Kei?

He moved, peeking his head around the doorframe to find Ethan and Kei sitting at the table with the rest of the family. He blinked. It wasn't like Ethan having his teammates over was unusual, Evan just usually avoided it when he did.

Now, he felt the urge to run even more.

Though unfortunately, as if sensing a magnet, Kei's head slid up to lock eyes with him.

"Evan," he mumbled.

Ethan whipped his head up, and with him went the rest of the family.

"What are you wearing?" Emma shot out in horror, "You look like Ethan?"

Evan winced.

"Where did you go?" Ethan called, concern clear in his voice.

"Evan stop right there," his father barked. Evan froze, turning slowly to meet his fathers agitated gaze. "What is this about you doing volleyball again boy?"

Evan shrugged, "Dad it was just Ethan, it was only for a day—"

"I won't have you slowing down your brother Evan," Dad muttered in a clipped tone, and the table stilled. "While you quit, he has worked very hard to get where he is."

Ethan's eyes widened. Kei looked flabbergasted. Mom looked sad, and Emma looked offended.

"Seriously dad?" Emma bit out.

Ethan's eyes narrowed, "Dad, I'm the captain. If I choose Evan, it's because he's good enough to be there."

The man shook his head, "Ethan i know you think you're doing your brother a kindness here but this is not the way to do it—"

"No—" Ethan butt in, "I'm not being kind. I'm being logical Dad. Evan is the best setter I have. I want him on the team, not because he's my brother, but because he's good."

His twin actually looked offended, glaring at Dad with a furrowed brow.

Dad only sighed, shaking his head. "Fine, Ethan, i can't stop you but—"

Anger surged in Evans chest, raging like a hearth. "Do you actually think I'm not worth putting on the team," he muttered.

The man bristled. "Really Evan? Of course not, just look at you, always in your room, reading those silly books. You're a nerd, you always have been, not an athlete." His father said it so simply. So matter of fact that Evan almost believed it.