"Kageyama…."
Kageyama closed his eyes tighter and hugged the warmth in his arms closer. Something tickled his cheek as he fought to preserve the sweet peace of sleep.
"Kageyama…. Tired-yama, hey—"
Kageyama buried his face in soft, wild ginger hair and grumbled, not giving up on sleep yet.
"Tobio…."
"Hm…." Kageyama pressed a sleepy kiss to the top of Hinata's head.
"Tobio—my mom's gonna be here soon, you gotta get up."
That woke Kageyama up in a hurry. He didn't remember why Hinata's mom was coming over, but he remembered enough to realize that neither he nor Hinata were wearing anything, and he'd really like to keep living if possible. Last night came back in a rush—shared dinner, kisses in a snowstorm, and so much more—and Kageyama realized that he still had to pack. He was going to be staying with Hinata's family tonight—and Hinata's mom was going to be here soon? Neither of them had eaten, neither of them were dressed, and the adrenaline that rushed through him did absolutely nothing to help him remember what he needed to pack.
He bolted upright and Hinata fell into his lap with a yelp. Running a hand through his hair, Kageyama cursed. "I need to pack."
Hinata didn't seem to share his urgency, though. Instead, he giggled and sat up to steal a kiss. "Your hair is sticking up funny."
Kageyama huffed. "Yours looks the same as always." He ruffled the smaller boy's unruly hair, kissed him soft and sweet in return, and stepped out of bed. His room was a mess. Normally he kept it neat, but pieces of blue wrapping paper and a golden ribbon littered the floor, and dirty shirts were rolled up in the corner. Small empty giftboxes scattered here and there between discarded clothes, and the scarf he'd given Hinata was in the process of falling off his nightstand. "Shit…." How long did they have? He grabbed a pair of clean boxers and tugged them on before rummaging around for a pair of dark jeans and his favorite blue sweater.
Hinata stifled a yawn, and started collecting his clothes from the floor, making a face. Kageyama frowned. "If you need to borrow anything, it's fine." He gestured at the dresser, and Hinata's eyes lit up hopefully before he started rummaging through the drawers. Kageyama's boxers barely stayed up on Hinata's delicate hips—although watching them slide dangerously low was a mesmerizing sight. After finding that all of Kageyama's pants were too long and too wide, Hinata went with his own pants and one of Kageyama's smaller shirts. It still dwarfed the redhead.
He wasn't sure why, but the sight of Hinata in his clothes was pleasant in unexpected ways. It took every ounce of self-control not to get distracted—especially when Hinata noticed the way he was looking at him and sauntered over—sauntered—to pull him down for a lingering kiss.
By some miracle, he managed to get the dirty sheets in the wash, cleaned his room to an acceptable level, and made them both some toast before throwing the essentials into a bag. He was just zipping the bag up and wondering how much more time they had left when he felt something tighten around his neck. He froze, bag forgotten, and panic rose up inside of him like a behemoth. Cold swept over him as he reached up to his throat. Fingertips brushed over soft satin. "…What…."
"It's the ribbon! I thought it would look cute—and it does!" Hinata skipped to stand in front of Kageyama and admire his handwork, then stopped. His expression faltered. "…You okay?"
Kageyama reached back to feel the bow at the back of his neck—the ribbon wasn't even tight—he was fine. He took a deep breath and tried to chase away the dark memories that threatened to overwhelm him. He was safe here. It was just a ribbon. And Hinata… Hinata was just being Hinata. "I'm fine," he soothed.
He toyed with the idea of untying the ribbon. He was sure he looked ridiculous. Before he had the chance to do anything about it though, a knock came at his door. Mrs. Hinata! He panicked—he was going to make a bad impression, he was sure of it, and where the hell had he put his bag? He should be ready to go—he shouldn't keep her waiting especially on Christmas Eve, and oh fuck, what was he doing uselessly turning around instead of answering the door like he was supposed to—?
"Tobio!" Hinata caught him by the shirt, and stood on tip-toes, reaching up to run his fingers through Kageyama's hair and pat it down. Heat rose to Kageyama's face. He couldn't help feeling grateful for the small touches; it calmed him down a little, and he breathed a small sigh, kissing Hinata's forehead before reaching for the door.
Although Kageyama was sure he'd made a bad impression—he'd forgotten his bag until he was halfway out the door, and Hinata's mom had laughed at him when he'd bowed and introduced himself—had he messed up somehow?—Hinata and his mother both seemed in good spirits, and Kageyama was relieved to see that Hinata's younger sister, waiting in the car, didn't scream in terror at the sight of him. If anything she leaned forward to get a better look at him. When Hinata introduced them, Natsu straightened up with a smile as bright as her brother's.
"Oh! You're Tobio!"
Kageyama reddened a little. "Yeah," he agreed.
"I like your ribbon!"
Heat rose to Kageyama's cheeks as he realized in growing horror that he still had a golden ribbon tied around his neck like a spoiled kitten. Oh no. No wonder Mrs. Hinata had laughed at him.
"Big brother talks about you lots and lots! And he turns funny colors sometimes when he does," Natsu giggled, laughter intensifying when Hinata did a demonstration of exactly how red he could turn as the small car pulled out of Kageyama's driveway.
Somehow, Kageyama survived the long drive to Hinata's house. He relaxed as Natsu told him all about what she hoped to get for Christmas and what food they would eat and asked—to Kageyama's embarrassment and hopeful wishing—if he would be joining them for every Christmas now. He managed to somewhat-satisfactorily answer Hinata's mother's questions, most of them about his parents, and exchanged a few uncertain glances with Hinata in the process. How much had he told his mom? Natsu waved her arms dramatically as she spoke which reminded him of another redhead, and he couldn't help smiling because of it. Soon, Hinata's half-panicked glances to the back seat turned to warm smiles, and he chimed in when he could.
When they finally pulled into Hinata's driveway, the thing that floored Kageyama most was the realization that Hinata made this trip twice, by bicycle, nearly every day. It was long for a drive—it must take ages to bike up the steep mountain roads. He'd always known that Hinata was amazing—even if he was rough and unpolished around the edges at times—but this hammered the point home all over again.
"I'm home!" Hinata called as he stumbled through the door, shoes flung into the corner. Natsu shouted along with him, giggling and running to catch up.
In the wake of such chaos, Kageyama's "sorry for the intrusion" was all-but drowned out. Before he knew what was happening Hinata grabbed his hand—his cheeks burned and he shot a panicked look in the direction of Natsu and Hinata's mother, but they paid the two no mind—and dragged him around the house to give him an 'official tour.'
The Hinata house was different from his. It was humbler, drawings pinned up to the fridge and walls, plushies tossed haphazardously onto the couch and cushions askew. The corners of the walls were scuffed, and a small collection of dishes gathered in the sink; a small TV blared on in the background. A bowl had been commandeered from the kitchen to hold a kaleidoscope of colorful hair pins and ponytail holders in the bathroom, and most of the ornaments on the small Christmas tree were homemade. Some were crude, made from paper or clay, others impressionistic paint splotches on wooden balls. And yet, there was something indescribably warm about it. For all its chaos, it felt like a real home. It felt so much more welcoming than the cold, neat emptiness Kageyama returned to every day. Warm gratitude flowered in his chest, and his feet hesitated.
"And this is my room…. Tobio?"
It took Kageyama a minute to find his voice; he looked down at Hinata, feeling overwhelmed. "Shouyou," he whispered. "…thank you."
"For what?" Hinata frowned and peered up at him. "Hey, you doing okay? Did my mom and Natsu scare you that badly?"
Kageyama scrubbed at his eyes with a sleeve. "I'm fine, dumbass—just, thanks for inviting me over. It… it means a lot to me."
Hinata's brows furrowed even more—almost like when he would imitate Kageyama—and then he was tugging Kageyama harder, half-dragging him into his room and shutting the door behind him.
"What are you—?"
Hinata cut him off with a kiss, arms curling around Kageyama's shoulders as he stood on tiptoes. Kageyama kissed him back, pulling him close. When Hinata eased back after a minute, he brushed delicate fingers through Kageyama's hair. "I'm glad you came," he breathed.
Kageyama smiled. Even if he was intruding… being here meant more to him than he dared try to say. Instead, he just rested his forehead against Hinata's and hugged the smaller boy close.
The moment didn't last long. A series of knocks came at the door—right behind Kageyama. He nearly jumped out of his skin, cursing under his breath as Hinata doubled over laughing.
"What—what is it, Natsu?" he managed between giggles. Kageyama shot him a half-glare and moved out of the way of the door right as Natsu plowed through.
"Big brother, big brother! Can we go outside to play, please, I'll throw your ball for you! And we can make a snowman and a snow bunny! Tobio can come, too! Come on, come on!"
Hinata frowned, looking over at Kageyama. Natsu clung to the doorknob, looking up at both of them with big brown eyes and a wobbly pout, and even if Hinata could endure that pleading look, Kageyama couldn't.
"It's okay," he told Hinata. He reached down for the old volleyball near his feet, the lettering worn off from use, and handed it to Shouyou. "I'll grab my gloves really quick, okay, Natsu?"
"Okay! Yay!" Natsu smiled up at both of them, and ran off—in the distance, Kageyama could just make out "Momma, Momma—Shou and Tobio are gonna make a snowman and a snow bunny with me!" and the slam of a door.
"You didn't have to," Hinata reminded him as Kageyama pulled his gloves out of his bag and tugged them on, wrapping his scarf close. He grabbed Shouyou's new scarf out of his bag, too, draping it over Hinata's neck. Hinata grinned and pulled the soft material close as he looked up at Kageyama fondly.
"I know," Kageyama told him. He ruffled Hinata's hair, and started out the door. "Coming?"
"Of course! Race you!"
"Wait—"
But Hinata was already bolting through the house to his mother's alarm, disappearing through a back door with Kageyama fumbling to put his shoes on and following after him. "Oi—Shouyou!"
"Beat you!" Hinata sang, tugging at Kageyama's scarf once he'd made it outside.
"Beat you, beat you!" Natsu echoed, laughing.
"Not like I even knew where the door was, that was obviously cheating," he grumbled.
"Oooohh," Natsu hummed dramatically, before a snowball crashed into Kageyama's stomach. He blinked down at his tiny assailant, half-offended and uncertain if it was even right for him to toss one back at her.
Not a moment later, another snowball smacked into his shoulder. Hinata grinned devilishly, and scooped up more snow, and the battle was on—Shouyou and Natsu joined forces against him, giggling as Kageyama whipped around with a "Hey!" and scooped up a handful of snow, throwing it straight at Hinata's face. Hinata ducked. Cursing, Kageyama threw another—and another—and it wasn't long before all three were half-laughing, half-gasping for breath, exhausted and covered in snow. Hinata grinned, reaching over to brush snow out of Kageyama's hair. Natsu collapsed into the snow, wiggling around in an attempt to make what Kageyama could only guess was supposed to be a snow angel.
After a few minutes she grew bored, and started mounding up a pile of snow into some sort of mini-mountain.
"Whatcha doing, Natsu?" Hinata hummed, leaning against Kageyama. Kageyama hid his smile in his scarf, and dusted some of the snow off of Hinata's shoulders.
"Makin' a bunny," she called back. The pile of snow was easily as big as she was.
"That's… a really big bunny," Kageyama commented, raising an eyebrow.
"Thanks!" Natsu giggled, arms spread out as she tried to smooth the snow into a less deformed shape. "You guys can get leaves for the ears and stuff okay?"
"Okay, you can count on us!" Hinata proclaimed. He grabbed Kageyama's hand, pulling him over to the bushes near the fence. The rhododendrons looked worse for wear after last night's blizzard, but they still managed to find two long leaves. Hinata dug under the snow like an excited pup until he surfaced with his treasure—a handful of dark pebbles. "We don't have berries right now—but these should work!"
"Good job," Kageyama told him, patting him on the head. Hinata stuck his tongue out and laughed.
"You're too formal, Kageyama-kun, you might try being a bit more familiar with your boyfriend, you know." And he winked. He winked. And ran off, leaving Kageyama clutching two big leaves, face burning as he wondered what the hell he'd done wrong.
"Tobio…! Mister bunny needs ears, come on…!" Natsu cried out dramatically, flopping back into the snow as if her very life depended on it.
"C-coming…!" Sure his face was still bright red, Kageyama made his way back over to Natsu. He presented her with the two big leaves, earning a shriek of delight. 'Mister bunny' already had two little pebble eyes and a pebble nose, and the long, tapered leaves were poked in for ears, finishing her masterpiece. He was wildly disproportionate. The enormous mound of snow dwarfed the leaves Kageyama brought, making the snow bunny look more like a snow cat or snow beetle with teeny tiny beady eyes, but Natsu hugged him and laughed.
"He's beautiful!" she cried.
Kageyama couldn't help smiling. "He looks really nice," he agreed—and Hinata stared at him with a mixture of disbelief and adoration. "Ready to work on receives… Shouyou?"
"Yeah!" Hinata scrambled for the volleyball, throwing it in Kageyama's direction.
Practicing in the snow proved to be more interesting than Kageyama had anticipated. Kageyama and Hinata took turns slipping in the snow, and their coats interfered with bumping, sending the volleyball ricocheting off in random directions. The ball went flat in the cold, and after awhile of trying to pass it back and forth (and providing entertainment to Natsu, who burst out laughing every time one of them slipped), Kageyama and Hinata agreed to save practice for the gym. Instead, they helped Natsu make a small snowman to keep her bunny company. As they put the finishing touches on him, the door to the house opened.
"Lunch time!" Hinata's mom called.
Before Kageyama knew what was happening, Hinata and Natsu were racing for the door, leaving him to chase after them. He hurried back inside, slipping off his coat and shoes as Natsu and Hinata's chopsticks dove into their curry. Mrs. Hinata chastised them for not waiting and reminded them to chew before they swallowed before shooting Kageyama an apologetic look. He didn't mind though. If anything, Hinata's usual antics put him at ease. He accepted a plate of curry and rice gratefully from Mrs. Hinata, mumbling his thanks as he took a seat beside his boyfriend.
The sharp tang of spice filled the air, warm and welcoming. Two soft-boiled eggs sliced in half sat on top of the small mountain of curry, vegetables, chicken, and rice. He smiled down at his lunch. "Thank you for the meal," he mumbled, before digging in.
He worried at first that he didn't really belong at the table. He stood easily a head above anyone here, all awkward nerves and stiff politeness as Natsu poked Hinata with dripping chopsticks and they bartered loudly over bites of chicken and favorite vegetables. It didn't last, though. Hinata's chopsticks found their way into his lunch, sneaking out morsels of chicken as the redhead stuck his tongue out rebelliously.
"Hey, if you're gonna take that, I'm taking this," Kageyama huffed, grabbing the last half of a soft-boiled egg off of Hinata's plate. The other half had been snatched by Natsu early on.
"Fine, I like this more anyway," Hinata teased, grinning.
Mrs. Hinata looked strangely relieved.
In the wake of lunch, things settled down. Hinata asked Kageyama what he thought about some of the schools they would be going up against—and about more famous volleyball teams that were up-and-coming with frequent televised matches. Natsu commandeered the remote to the TV, finding a spot right in front to stare in awe at the young protagonist and his ghostly friends. Mrs. Hinata retreated to the kitchen to finish dishes, and then disappeared entirely, although the suspicious noise of crinkled paper gave Kageyama a clue as to why she'd vanished.
Hinata slid a hand into his, tugging. "Come on."
"Where?"
"To my room! Come on, I want to give you your gift, too."
Kageyama let Hinata lead him, squeezing the shorter boy's hand. "Christmas isn't until tomorrow," he reminded him.
Hinata wrinkled his nose. "Didn't stop you! You gave me my gift early, so I get to give you your gift early."
He had a point. Hinata pulled and pushed Kageyama into his room, exerting a comical amount of effort to do so, before shutting the door behind them. He vaulted onto his bed, and when Kageyama looked around, not sure if it was too forward for him to join Hinata, the redhead patted the spot beside him. "Well, don't just stand there!"
"Yeah, yeah." Easy for Hinata to say, this was his house. Kageyama still worried he was intruding. He gave in and sat beside his boyfriend though. It earned him a quick kiss that left him smiling as Hinata dug around for something under his bed. He emerged with two slightly battered packages wrapped in pastel yellow paper with pink sticker-backed bows. Hinata turned almost as pink as they were as he pushed the packages into Kageyama hands.
"Merry Early Christmas, Tobio."
Kageyama reached over to brush fingers through Hinata's hair and press a kiss to his forehead. Hinata giggled a little and pushed him away. "No, no, open it first okay?"
"All right." Kageyama ruffled Hinata's hair before returning his attention to the packages in his lap. He picked up the smaller one, unwrapping it carefully.
Hinata groaned through the whole process, urging him to hurry up and reminding him that "it's just paper, Tobio, you can just rip it you know."
When he'd untaped enough of the paper, Kageyama slid out its contents: a DVD. More specifically, a movie featuring a dramatic teenage superhero spiking a flaming volleyball at a monster. It was the most ridiculous thing he'd ever seen, but Hinata's eyes lit up with excitement. He gushed about how much he'd wanted to watch it—and about how maybe they could watch it together, tonight. Kageyama laughed and shook his head. "If you want to," he agreed, more for Hinata's benefit than his own.
"I do! Okay, open the other one, come on—" Hinata nudged the bigger package and scooted closer to lean against Kageyama's side.
Kageyama pressed a kiss to the smaller boy's temple, earning an impatient huff as Hinata nudged the package again. Removing the pink stick-on ribbon, Kageyama pressed it into Hinata's hair and grinned at the sight. Hinata reddened but crossed his arms, waiting. "I'm opening it, settle down." Within a few seconds he had the paper off of a white paper box. Frowning curiously, he lifted the lid and was greeted with a heavenly scent. The sweet aroma of vanilla, chocolate, and brown sugar rose up from so many chocolate-chip cookies that he couldn't even begin to count them. He wondered how many batches were in the box. A lot. Some of the chocolate had smudged on the inside of the box and the cookies were abstract shapes, each one a little different. "You made these?"
Hinata fidgeted, looking down sheepishly. "I know they aren't as pretty as the chocolates you gave me," he grumbled. "But, I worked really hard on them, so… I hope that you like them."
"Of course I like them!" Kageyama stared in shock. He wondered if Hinata realized that the box of endless cookies meant so much more knowing that Hinata had made them himself. He'd made them just for Kageyama. Kageyama hugged the box a little closer.
"You haven't even tried one yet!" Hinata sulked, unconvinced.
Kageyama picked up one of the cookies. Chocolate smudged onto his fingertips, but he didn't mind. He took a bite and closed his eyes, breathing out a soft sigh. They were every bit as sweet and buttery as they smelled. He finished the cookie off, savoring it. "They're good," he told Hinata. "Really good."
"Really?" Hinata perked up a little.
Kageyama grinned, and leaned over to steal a deep, lingering kiss. "Really. Thanks, Shouyou."
Hinata hummed into the kiss, leaning closer as Kageyama brushed his tongue over his lower lip. Pulling back, Kageyama picked up another cookie and popped it into Hinata's mouth, muffling the redhead's giggles. He stole a bite off the other end, and reached over to pull Hinata close. Hinata protested though, grabbing his wrists and holding them out. "Wait, no! Your hands are all chocolatey, Tobio!"
"So? Come here."
"Don't get it on my clothes, hey!" Hinata tugged his hand closer, taking each chocolate-covered finger into his mouth. He sucked the chocolate off one-by-one, the heat of his mouth and long licks of his tongue enveloping each one. Kageyama bit back a soft, appreciative sound and shot a half-hearted glare in Hinata's direction. Hinata lapped over his palm and gave him a coy look.
"Not fair," Kageyama growled, nuzzling into Hinata's throat. He pressed kisses down the length of it. Sinking his teeth where Hinata's neck met his shoulder earned him a shuddering sound from the smaller boy. He soothed the spot with his tongue, blowing over the spot until Hinata squirmed and protested. Putting the lid back on his giant box of cookies, Kageyama set them safely in the corner with the unusual movie on top. He returned his attention to Hinata and pulled him close, stealing another heated kiss. "Don't get me all riled up when I can't do anything about it," he warned.
"Who says you can't do anything about it?" Hinata kissed him back. Their tongues met in slow, languid sweeps and Hinata leaned into him, shifting closer into his arms and onto his lap.
"Dumbass…" Kageyama managed between heady kisses. His fingers found their way into Hinata's hair. "Your mom and sister could hear us—what if," Kageyama bit back a soft sound as Hinata's hands slid under his shirt, playing along the hem of his jeans before brushing higher over his stomach and chest. "What if Natsu barges in again—we should wait, Shouyou." He hated saying that. He didn't want to stop, and Hinata clearly didn't either. But he also didn't want to get thrown out of Hinata's house and forbidden to ever see him again.
Hinata glared up at him petulantly. His hands retreated. Kageyama had a point, and they both knew it. Kageyama stroked fingers through Hinata's hair apologetically, and pulled him close for a softer, sweeter kiss. Heat rose to his face as he told Hinata, "you can visit my house sometimes, if you want. And we don't have to hold back then, okay?"
Realization dawned over Hinata's features. His eyes widened, and he asked, "can I really?"
"Of course. Though if we have a test coming up you have to help me study, too." Not that it helped much. Usually study sessions between the two ended with both of them lost and finding something else to entertain themselves with.
Hinata wrinkled his nose. "Still worth it."
Grinning, Kageyama pressed kisses into Hinata's hair and wrapped his arms around him. "Good."
He leaned back, pulling Hinata down with him. Hinata scooted as close as he could, throwing an arm around Kageyama's waist. Kageyama kept both arms around the smaller boy and relaxed. He sifted fingers through Hinata's wild red hair. Hinata's breathing evened out, and he snuggled close against him with a content sound. Before long, Hinata's eyes drifted closed, expression peaceful. Kageyama pressed a light kiss to his forehead. Pulling a nearby blanket over both of them, he listened to the slow rhythm of Hinata's breaths and closed his eyes.
"…I love you, Shouyou," he whispered.
He closed his eyes, already close to joining Hinata in sleep when he heard the unexpected reply.
"I love you too, Tobio."
His eyes snapped open, and he looked down in shock at Hinata. The redhead smiled and peeked one eye partway open. Heat rose to Kageyama's cheeks. His voice caught in his throat. "I didn't know you were still—" He swallowed, trying again. "…you do?"
"'M glad I was," Hinata mumbled, leaning up to press his lips to Kageyama's. "And I do."
The threat of tears burned at Kageyama's eyes, and he hugged Hinata tighter, kissing him back. "Me too," he whispered.
They shared soft, sleepy kisses, curled close under the blanket before dozing off. When sleep finally claimed Kageyama, butterflies still fluttered in his chest, and his cheeks and ears still burned. He nuzzled into Hinata's hair, hugging him closer. A content sigh escaped him as he relaxed.
Peace stole over the two as warm slumber claimed them, and they napped all the way until dinner.
Hours later, Natsu's voice came from the other side of the door. "Dinner, dinner! Come on, aren't you guys hungry?" She knocked and sighed dramatically.
"Coming, Natsu," Hinata mumbled. He nuzzled closer to Kageyama. Kageyama hugged him, blinking as he worked to wake up. He stifled a yawn into Hinata's shoulder. Natsu groaned on the other side of the door.
Reluctantly, Kageyama sat up. He pulled Hinata with him and stumbled out of bed. His stomach rumbled approvingly. Hinata grumbled at being pulled upright and leaned against Kageyama, swaying a little.
"Oi, wake up." Hinata planted his face in Kageyama's chest and didn't answer.
"Shou…." Natsu keened outside, something like the sound of small feet hitting against the door.
"Shouyou," Kageyama echoed, peppering kisses over Hinata's head and throat until the redhead squirmed ticklishly. "We shouldn't keep your mom and sister waiting."
Hinata groaned but didn't budge. "Wha's for dinner?" he called out, mostly muffled by Kageyama's sweater.
"Hot pot!" Natsu chirped. "Hurry, Shou, I'm hungry!"
"Oh," Hinata peeked up with growing interest. "Mom's hot pots are really good…." He looked up at Kageyama, and tugged on his arm. "Come on Kageyama, let's go!"
"That's what I've been saying," Kageyama reminded him. Natsu tumbled into the room as soon as they opened the door, then somersaulted back up to run ahead to the table with frantic cries to hurry. Before they made it out of the hall, something crossed Hinata's expression. He shoved Kageyama up against the wall. "What?" Kageyama gave Hinata a weak glare as the redhead pressed close against him on tip toes and stole a quick kiss. Hinata's fingers worked through Kageyama's hair, brushing and smoothing it as the smaller boy fought back laughter.
"Your hair is messed up again. Mom's gonna get suspicious, come here."
"We didn't even do anything, no thanks to you—we just took a nap."
"Yeah, well, still." Hinata let out a satisfied hum, stroking Kageyama's hair a couple more times before he released him. "Okay, come on."
By the time they arrived at the table, the savory scent of simmering meat and vegetables and tangy broth filled the home, chasing away any remnants of sleep. An enormous pot sat in the center of the table, fragrant steam wafting up from cooking vegetables, meat, mushrooms, and eggs. Natsu squirmed, chopsticks in hand, waiting with impatient sounds. As soon as Kageyama and Hinata took their seats, she snatched a few piece of meat. Mrs. Hinata poured tea for each of them before taking a seat of her own. They made short work of dinner—Hinata and Natsu argued over prized morsels and Mrs. Hinata disappeared now and again with more vegetables and sliced meat.
"Hinata, could you pass the…." Kageyama stopped, and reddened as all three of the others looked at him. Heat rose to his cheeks as he amended himself. "Er, Shouyou, could you pass the soy sauce?"
After the table had been cleared, Natsu excused herself with an armful of crayons and Hinata started up the DVD he'd given Kageyama after dinner. He found a spot on the couch, patting the spot beside him. Kageyama joined him, pulling a blanket from where it was half-tucked into the cushions and wrapping it around both of them. He rested an arm around Hinata's waist and pressed a kiss to the top of his head when he was sure Natsu and Mrs. Hinata weren't around.
"I like it when you call me Shouyou," Hinata murmured, pressing butterfly-light kisses to Kageyama's jaw. "Do you like it when I call you Tobio?"
Kageyama hid a smile against Hinata's hair. "Yeah."
On TV, a masked superhero introduced himself, palming a flaming volleyball toward the screen. Hinata let out an appreciative "oooh," and Kageyama bit back a laugh. He enjoyed seeing Hinata's reactions more than the movie itself, eyes darting to the smaller redhead every time Hinata straightened with suspense or grinned with delight. When the volleyball superhero's prized volleyball burst to shreds of leather against the villain's swords Hinata hid his face against Kageyama's chest, peeking out worriedly. Kageyama hugged him closer.
"He'll figure something out," he reassured him.
"But his volleyball…."
As Kageyama predicted, things worked out in the end. A young fan of the masked volleyball hero offered her own much-loved volleyball in a tearful scene and begged him to save her dad. The superhero didn't disappoint, and soon dad and daughter were reunited, safe once more.
"That movie made no sense," Kageyama mused. It had been amusing enough to watch, though, and a nice excuse to hold Hinata close and admire the smile that flashed across his features at each new exciting scene.
"Bakageyama, it's a superhero movie! It doesn't have to make sense! What's important is that good wins and everyone gets a happy ending!"
"Except the villain."
"Well, obviously. He was a bad guy."
Kageyama rested his head on top of Hinata's and hummed. He wanted to say that life wasn't like that at all. That sometimes bad guys got their way. That sometimes there wasn't a hero to save those who suffered. And that hard work wins above all else. But he didn't want to spoil the mood so he ran his fingers through Hinata's hair instead. Even if he knew the world wasn't always fair or right, maybe Hinata was right about happy endings. Being here, with Hinata curled up close in his arms was the happiest ending he could ask for. Well, except… "let's win Nationals together, Shouyou."
Hinata looked up, surprised. He searched Kageyama's expression before breaking into a bright smile. "Yeah," he agreed. "Let's win. Together."