[He’s gotta say, of all the things Iwaizumi might have been expecting to come of this, getting grabbed wasn’t one of them. It’s enough to momentarily break him out of his little fit, eyes going slightly wide as Hinata faces him with bared teeth.

[It makes sense that he’d be mad - of course it makes sense that he’d be mad, and no, he doesn’t have any reason to trust him, but...

[Iwaizumi again places his hands on top of Hinata’s, again gently tries to pry him off. His voice is quiet when he speaks again, and his eyes are cast to the floor.]

You’ve got no reason to trust me, kid. But I’m trying to help you. I really am.

[He looks at Hinata again then, and his eyes have a fire burning in them too - it’s just a little harder to see, dulled by a month of fruitless effort. He wouldn’t be able to express how much he wishes Hinata were right even if he wanted to, but this kid has something Iwa’s barely holding onto now - hope.]

Let me tell you what I know at least. That can only help you, right?

Let go of me, kid. I’m not here to fight with you.