Lupine
Disclaimer: I do not own Haikyuu!.
Warnings: Hurt/Comfort, Drama
Pairings: Hinata x Bokuto, Bokuto x Akaashi, Akaashi x Kuroo, Hinata x Kozume, Hinata x Miya Atsumu, Hinata x Miya Osamu, Hinata x Miya Atsumu x Miya Osamu, Haiba x Yaku, Kozume x Kuroo, Kuroo x Tsukishima, Kuroo x Bokuto, Kuroo x Akaashi x Bokuto, Sugawara x Sawamura, Iwaizumi x Oikawa, Sugawara x Sawamura x Iwaizumi x Oikawa, Oikawa x Hinata
Plot: Sugawara goes into labor. Hinata and Bokuto keep Akaashi company.
Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics
Ch 16: Aspire
As soon as Hinata opened the door, he could sense the urgency in the air. Bokuto stepped in just behind him, quickly closing the front door and walking hurriedly down the corridor, finding Kuroo on the phone in the kitchen, talking back and forth with the doctors at the hospital awaiting their arrival.
"Yes, he's in labor. His water broke about twenty minutes ago." He gestured towards the couch nearby, where Akaashi was sitting beside Sugawara, the dark-haired omega holding his companion's hand tightly and coaxing him gently to breathe.
Sawamura and Iwaizumi were rushing around the townhouse excitedly, gathering up an overnight bag and several other items to take with them before heading past Hinata towards the car, Hinata stepping out of their way before padding closer to the omegas on the couch hesitantly, perking his ears towards the strain of Sugawara's voice.
"You're alright, Koushi. Just breathe. They know you're coming, they're getting everything ready for you. It won't be long now."
"It hurts!" Sugawara gasped, trying desperately to follow the breathing pattern Akaashi was walking him through, inhaling rhythmically then exhaling in one long, rushed breath before going through the motions all over again.
"I know, darling. I know it must hurt." He glanced up towards Hinata and beckoned the younger omega closer, leaning in to nuzzle Sugawara's flushed cheeks as he whispered, "I'm so sorry I'm not going to be there with you, sweetheart. I wish I wasn't feeling so ill. I promise I'll spend every second I possibly can with you once I feel up to the car ride. I'll come tonight if I can, or tomorrow morning at the latest." He cupped Sugawara's cheeks, purring softly and kissing his brow. "I want you to promise me you'll try to relax, and that you'll listen to what the doctors tell you. Daichi, Hajime, and Tetsurou will be right beside you the entire time. There's nothing to fear. Rue will be with you soon."
Sugawara hiccupped on a sob softly, laughing through his tears and wincing painfully as he tried to breathe in and out deeply, Hinata kneeling beside Sugawara's trembling legs and petting over his knee reassuringly. "Koutarou and I will stay with Keiji to keep him company. You don't have to worry about that. Just focus on yourself, and your baby. All of us will be waiting to see you and meet your daughter once Rue has entered the world."
"Thank you so much for being here." Akaashi whispered to Hinata, reaching over and carding his fingers through his hair, stroking at the edge of his ear affectionately, turning his attention back to Sugawara when the other omega let out a shrill, pained cry, clasping onto Akaashi's hand desperately.
"Okay!" Iwaizumi's voice called from the doorway, and he trotted down the foyer into sight a moment later, panting unevenly, his entire face flushed. "Okay, we're good to go now! Daichi's waiting in the car, it's time to get up!"
Iwaizumi stepped over to the couch quickly, Kuroo ending the phone call and joining him a moment later, Bokuto hovering nearby and watching, ready to help if needed. The beta and Alpha were slow and careful with their movements, reaching out to Sugawara and grasping both of his arms tightly to gingerly help him to his feet.
"That's it, sweetheart. You're doing great." Iwaizumi coaxed softly as he cupped Sugawara's elbow and tugged at his forearm, offering Sugawara a gentle smile as he shakily got to his feet.
"Just lean on us. We've got you." Kuroo crooned softly, wrapping his arm around Sugawara's lower back as the omega's legs trembled, ensuring Sugawara wouldn't accidentally fall.
Akaashi frowned a little, his brow arching as he watched them go, Bokuto trailing after them and hovering in the doorway for a moment longer before closing the door behind them, letting out a nervous, deep sigh. He returned to the living room a few moments later, perking his ears towards Akaashi and Hinata, crooning softly as he took a seat at Akaashi's side, perking his ears towards the dark-haired omega and asking tentatively, "Are you feeling alright, Keiji? Tetsurou said you've been feeling sick since yesterday."
"Oh, I'm sure I'm alright. Skye has been fussy for the past few days, and it's making it hard to eat or sleep properly. I'm sure everything is fine." He sighed and relaxed back against the pillows behind him, petting over his stomach slowly, the baby kicking against his fingertips, Akaashi laughing softly.
Hinata watched his belly with wide eyes, perking his ears up and leaning a little closer, Akaashi noticing his interest and reaching out to take Hinata's hand, placing it over those insistent kicks so he could feel Skye's movements, the younger omega exhaling softly and smiling from ear to ear.
"Wow, Skye is so strong already! That's amazing…"
Akaashi chuckled happily and nodded, his expression warm and tender as he squeezed Hinata's fingers. "Rowdy little thing, aren't they? Tetsu is convinced with how restless Skye is being, our pup will turn out to be an Alpha."
Bokuto grinned at that, nodding his agreement. "It's typically true! Alphas make the rowdiest pups!"
Akaashi smiled and nodded as well, coaxing Hinata closer and watching as the younger omega took a seat beside him, cuddling up under Akaashi's arm and resting against his side, petting over Akaashi's stomach in slow passes, completely in awe of the baby's movements.
They enjoyed the pleasant calm and quiet for a few moments before Bokuto's phone rang, the Alpha retrieving it quickly from his pocket before hurriedly answering, dipping his ears back a bit as he asked, "Tetsu? Is everything okay?"
Akaashi frowned a little, and Hinata watched his boyfriend's expressions closely, Bokuto letting out a soft sigh of relief and chuckling heartily, nodding and standing up from the couch. He padded through the townhouse for a moment before finding what he was looking for, picking up a folded pink baby blanket and a small stuffed rabbit, walking back towards the couch as he spoke back and forth with the other Alpha.
"Yeah, yeah I can do that. No, it's not a problem. Everything is good here." He looked pointedly towards the blanket and rabbit he was holding then towards the front door, Akaashi smiling and nodding quickly, gesturing for Bokuto to go. The Alpha smiled and glanced between Akaashi and Hinata before starting towards the door, his voice carrying through the townhouse as he went. "Yeah, no really it's fine. I'll be right there. Just text me the hospital room once you know where you're going, and I'll meet up with you."
Akaashi sighed affectionately, petting through Hinata's bright hair and purring happily, Hinata listening to the soft click of the front door closing behind Bokuto before relaxing again, closing his eyes.
"I'm so glad to have you in my life, Shouyou." Akaashi whispered, hugging the small omega tightly. "If it hadn't been for you, I might have never been able to experience Koutarou like this ever again. You're both so good to me. Being your friend, being companions with you, it touches my heart."
Hinata blushed lightly, humming and nuzzling into Akaashi's neck, breathing in his scent. "I'm happy that Kou has opened up to you again, you and Tetsurou both. He loves you both very much, as do I." He pulled back a bit, meeting Akaashi's eyes. "Have you and Kenma become closer as well, now that you've had the opportunity to spend more time together?"
"Yes." Akaashi smiled, nodding his head while petting Hinata's cheek. "He's such a sweetheart. I am more than happy to share Tetsurou with him, and I enjoy spending time with him as well. I was surprised at how easily I opened up to him."
Hinata smiled and laughed softly, thinking of his boyfriend fondly. "Kenma does tend to have that effect on people. I know that Koutarou has expressed the same ease with opening up to him. He's a great listener, and he's so selfless. I love him very, very much." He looked down towards Skye's movements again, smoothing his fingertips across Akaashi's rounded belly. "I want to give myself to him, to him and Koutarou, completely. I want us to have our bonding ceremony, but it just feels…" He arched his brow a little, exhaling shakily. "It feels...wrong, almost. Thinking about celebrations and dancing and lighthearted parties, when the last time we were all together was...was at Toru's funeral…"
"Shouyou." Akaashi whispered gently, tilting his face up once again. "Do you think, even for a moment, that Toru would ever want you to feel that way?"
Hinata blinked a few times, trying to hold back his tears, shaking his head slowly. "No, I know he wouldn't. I just can't help it. It hurts, thinking about laughing without him."
"Toru would want you to live." Akaashi whispered, petting across Hinata's wet cheeks. "He would want you to enjoy your precious time with your partners. He would want you to celebrate your bond with Kenma and Koutarou, more than anything." He tilted one of his ears to the side, adding softly, "Allowing yourself to express yourself through laughter, and dancing, and happiness, that doesn't mean you've forgotten about Toru. That doesn't mean for a moment that you miss him or love him any less. He knows how much you care for him. He loved you from the bottom of his heart."
Hinata sniffed and nodded, leaning into Akaashi's palm, Akaashi brushing away his tears with his fingertips, leaning close to kiss Hinata's forehead sweetly.
They sat together for a while, Hinata's crying slowly evening out to soft hitches of breath, Akaashi purring and holding him while resting against the nest surrounding them, a soft smile teasing his lips.
"There's something I want to show you." Akaashi whispered, and he shifted from the pillow pile, carefully pushing himself to his feet, Hinata watching him with a worried, hesitant expression.
"Keiji?"
"Don't worry, I'm alright. Just stay right there." He pointed towards the kitchen, gesturing to the countertop nearby. "I need to grab my laptop, and one of the flash drives Toru left me."
Hinata watched him go for a moment, smiling affectionately as the other omega continued waddling slowly into the kitchen, turning away and gingerly wiping his eyes. He sniffed and blinked to clear his blurry vision, glancing towards the canvases along the wall nearby, smiling fondly as his eyes trailed over a series of small canvases that seemed to match one another, each painting making up a complete set once placed side by side, depicting a bouquet of bright flowers in full bloom.
He took a deep breath, letting out a sigh. Akaashi was right, and he'd known as much, that Oikawa would want him to continue living his life, to continue smiling and laughing wholeheartedly. He didn't need to feel guilty about continuing on without Oikawa there, it was okay for him to experience new things without his precious friend by his side. He closed his eyes briefly before tilting his face up towards the skylights, feeling a serene sense of calm settling over him, his mind filled with thoughts of Kozume and Bokuto, of the bonds they shared, of the vows they would exchange at their bonding ceremony.
He wanted to bond with them in the coming spring at the hanging gardens, surrounded by beautiful archways of countless flowers, just like the painting that he'd chosen for himself from Oikawa's beautiful collection.
Akaashi let out a sharp yelp and a glass shattered across the floor, Hinata jumping up immediately and racing to the other omega's side, carefully skirting around the fragments of glass here and there, reaching out to steady Akaashi worriedly. He'd managed to catch himself against the edge of the counter, his breathing ragged as he reached out for Hinata, his brow arched and his cheeks hot, a worried expression twisting his face.
"Keiji? Keiji, are you hurt? What happened?" Hinata asked worriedly, helping Akaashi navigate around the glass scattered across the kitchen floor, the dark omega blinking down at the puddle of water on the floor, Hinata perking his ears towards it. "Don't worry, I'll clean this up. Come sit with me, everything's alright-"
"No, that's not-" Akaashi's breath hitched, and he doubled over in pain, his voice rising as he clung to Hinata tightly, meeting his eyes with a terrified expression. "That's not from the glass that fell, my water...my water just broke!"
Hinata's eyes widened and he tugged Akaashi gently towards the couch, helping the older omega settle down again, glancing down Akaashi's frame and noting the distinctive wetness spreading down his thighs, Akaashi's voice coming in scared, quick pants.
"It's too early. I'm not due for another five to six weeks. I don't-" He gasped and cried out again, hunching over and holding onto his belly, whimpering as tears gathered in his eyes. "No baby, no not yet. You're not supposed to be here yet!"
Hinata immediately grabbed his phone, dialing Bokuto's number first, then Kuroo's, neither of the Alphas answering. His fingers were trembling as he dialed Kozume's number next, shivering and whining softly as he leaned over Akaashi and gave him his hand, the other omega clinging to him tightly, Hinata waiting for what felt like a small eternity before he heard the beta's voice.
"Kenma! Keiji's in labor!" Hinata cried, wincing as the other omega tightened his grip on his hand, Akaashi's voice ringing out through the townhouse loudly, tears streaking down his face. "Koutarou and Tetsurou aren't answering their phones, they're at the hospital with Koushi! I don't know what to do!"
"Hang up with me, and dial the emergency number. Now, Shouyou!"
Hinata shook his head quickly, trembling uncontrollably, "N-No I can't! No, Kenma I can't do this alone!"
"Put me on speakerphone." Kozume urged calmly, Hinata doing as he was told, the beta waiting a few moments before speaking again when both Hinata and Akaashi could hear. "Keiji? Keiji can you talk to me?"
"It's too soon!" The distressed omega wailed, letting out a series of choked sobs and trying to remember to breathe. "I'm only thirty-four weeks, Skye needs more time!"
"Find Keiji's phone." Kozume instructed, Hinata prying his fingers from Akaashi's grasp and running back into the kitchen, jumping over clusters of glass and carefully avoiding the water on the floor before finding the device sitting beside the laptop and flash drive Akaashi had been after before. He gathered them all up and brought them into the living room, returning to his place beside Akaashi and quickly dialing the emergency number on Akaashi's phone, putting it on speakerphone as well so Kozume could hear the operator when she answered the call.
"What is your emergency?" The operator greeted, Hinata's voice trembling as he forced himself to speak.
"M-My friend is in labor! We need an ambulance!"
"Just breathe, Shouyou. You're doing great."
Akaashi yelped and wailed again, squirming against the couch and tugging at his clothes, quickly shoving down the wet material clinging to his thighs and reaching between his legs, his breath hitching as he quickly shook his head, Hinata watching him with a terrified expression. "The baby is coming, the baby is coming! There isn't enough time!"
The operator was asking questions, but Hinata couldn't focus, Kozume speaking up loudly enough for her to hear and relaying the address needed to send the ambulance before returning to speaking with Hinata. "Shouyou, what do you see? Can you see the baby's head crowning?"
Hinata shifted between Akaashi's legs, helping him out of his leggings quickly and carefully parting his thighs, his breath hitching as he nodded quickly, calling out over Akaashi's shrill cries, "I-I can see something! I-It's-" He carefully pressed his fingertips against the strange protrusion, realizing after a moment that what he was seeing was the baby's slick, dark hair. "Y-Yes, it's definitely the baby's head! Skye is definitely coming! Right now!"
Kozume's tone was still calm as his voice met Hinata's ears, the beta continuing to give instructions to the panicked omega. "Shouyou you need to find something to wrap the baby with. A blanket, a shirt, anything you can, so long as it's soft and clean. You're going to deliver this baby."
Hinata shook his head, his breath coming so quickly he felt light-headed. "N-No Kenma, no I can't, I don't know how to do this!"
"I'm right here." Kozume reassured, urging Hinata into action. "If Skye is crowning already, you have to act quickly so you can be ready to catch this baby. Find something now, Shouyou. I'm going to count down from ten!"
Hinata scrambled to his feet, running through the living room and disappearing down the hall, skidding into the bathroom and opening the linen closet. He gathered up an armful of clean towels before rushing back to Akaashi's side, listening as Kozume's voice echoed through the townhouse, Hinata's chest heaving as he crouched down between Akaashi's thighs.
"-two, one! Shouyou, are you there?"
"I'm here! I'm here! I got-" He gasped in a breath, letting out a trembling exhale, "I got lots of towels!"
"Good boy, Shouyou." Kozume reassured, calling out to Akaashi as well. "Try to breathe for us, Keiji. Remember how you taught Sugawara? Inhale five counts, then exhale nice and slow. Can you do that for me and Shouyou?"
Akaashi cried out and nodded miserably, forcing himself to breathe, inhaling in stuttering gasps before exhaling loudly, trilling his lips before whimpering and repeating the steps again.
"The ambulance will be arriving in six minutes." The emergency operator said, listening to their interactions quietly in the background, Kozume thanking her for her diligence before speaking to Hinata and Akaashi again.
"I'm so proud of both of you, you're doing so well. I'm getting in the car right now, I'm on my way. Shouyou, if you need to leave before I get there, I'll meet you at the hospital. They're taking you to where Koutarou and Tetsurou are. I've already texted them both."
"O-Okay!" Hinata called back, coughing wetly and taking a few calming breaths, layering towels over the couch and on the floor at his knees, holding another soft towel across his arms. "D-Do you think the ambulance will be here in time? I don't know how much longer-"
Akaashi screamed and gripped onto the couch cushions tightly, already starting to push, Hinata gasping and pressing closer as he watched more and more of that dark hair appear from within Akaashi, moving instinctively to support the baby's head as Skye's shoulders started to appear as well. He continued watching breathlessly with impossibly wide eyes as Akaashi pushed and pushed again, and suddenly the entire baby sipped into his arms along with a rush of fluid, tiny insistent cries filling the room, Akaashi laying back his head against the pillows behind him and letting out a tired sound of absolute relief.
Hinata drew the baby closer against his chest, shaking lightly and settling back on his heels, looking down at the small bundle in his arms and carefully shifting the edge of the towel closer to clean the fluid from Skye's nose and cheeks, brushing the soft fabric across that tiny forehead and through thick, inky curls, those little ears twitching towards Hinata's voice as he started to laugh softly, Skye blinking up at him with brilliant blue eyes.
"Shouyou? Shouyou can you hear me?" Kozume called, then asked again, "Is everything alright? Is the baby breathing okay?"
Skye's cries started to quiet the longer Hinata laughed, and warm tears poured down his cheeks and dappled the baby's chest and face, Skye reaching out and grasping onto one of Hinata's fingers tightly.
He laughed more than he had in the past six months, his voice rising and brightening the atmosphere hanging heavy in the air, Akaashi pushing himself up weakly and perking his ears towards Hinata, panting quietly and watching him with a tired smile. Hinata stayed where he was for a few long moments before shifting to rise from the floor and sit beside Akaashi on the couch, leaning closer so Akaashi could peer down at the baby as well.
"So beautiful…" Akaashi whispered, Kozume listening quietly, the operator announcing the ambulance's arrival just as a knock sounded at the front door.
Hinata lingered there for several moments before his laughter quieted, and he gave Akaashi the baby in his arms, padding quickly towards the front door and allowing the paramedics inside, the operator disconnecting with them. Hinata padded closer to the couch slowly, his arms crossed over his chest lightly as he watched the paramedics attend to Akaashi, eventually reaching for his phone and changing back the speaker, pressing Kozume against his cheek and closing his eyes as he listened to his boyfriend's gentle, calming voice.
"I'm almost there, Shouyou. I'll be there in just a few minutes." Kozume reassured, Hinata listening to the sounds of the wind rushing against the car windows, the crunch of the road beneath Kozume's wheels, the omega smiling and nodding his head, letting out a soft, relieved sigh.
"I want to bond with you this spring." Hinata murmured gently, tears starting to slip down his cheeks. "I want to bond with you and Koutarou at the hanging gardens, when the flowers are in full bloom. Is that okay?"
Kozume's laughter filled him with warmth, and the beta hummed his approval softly, whispering gently against Hinata's ear, "I would love to hold our bonding ceremony at the hanging gardens. That sounds perfect, Shouyou. I know Koutarou will love the idea, too."
"Thank you." Hinata whispered, trailing after the paramedics as they helped Akaashi into the ambulance, stepping closer to the street and watching for Kozume's car, perking his ears up when he recognized the vehicle turning at the end of the street. "Thank you so much, Kenma. For being patient with me. For supporting me. For loving me."
"Always." Kozume whispered affectionately, hanging up the phone as he turned into the driveway, parking next to the ambulance and quickly getting out of the car, wrapping Hinata in a tight embrace.
They drove behind the ambulance to the hospital, Hinata purring softly and resting his cheek against Kozume's shoulder, the beta taking care to find a spot near the appropriate entrance before parking. Kuroo and Bokuto were already at the door, Akaashi laughing merrily as the Alphas fussed over him, reassuring them both that he was alright, Skye crying loudly as he was shifted from Akaashi's chest and handed to Kuroo, the Alpha perking his ears up and laughing happily as he cradled the newborn against his chest.
"A perfectly healthy baby boy." Akaashi said to his intended gently, looking towards Hinata as the omega and beta approached, reaching out for the younger omega and taking his hand gently. Hinata returned his smile with a bright burst of bubbly laughter, squeezing Akaashi's fingers while looking up at Bokuto and Kuroo, the Alphas completely entranced with the baby in Kuroo's arms.
Once they were inside, they found the wing where Sugawara was in labor, the nursing staff ensuring the omegas were placed in adjacent rooms so they could be close to one another. They found comfortable seats surrounding Akaashi's hospital bed, waiting patiently for Rue to enter into the world while doting over the unexpected early arrival of Skye.
Kuroo was overwhelmed with gratitude at everything Hinata and Kozume had done to help Akaashi through his birth, hugging them both tightly while Bokuto watched over them, smiling at Hinata's sweet laughter as the omega hugged Kuroo back just as tightly. Hinata was giddy with bubbly energy unlike anything Bokuto had experienced since the night he had discovered Oikawa, and when Kozume glanced up at him and held his eyes Bokuto knew Kozume was thinking the exact same thing.
Hinata took turns with everyone when it came to holding Skye, but for whatever reason the fussy pup was only quiet when resting in either Akaashi or Hinata's arms, Kuroo pouting about it begrudgingly while Kozume and Bokuto soothed him, the other Alpha laughing heartily while Kozume pet across the dark Alpha's chest.
"I'm the father." Kuroo snorted softly, ducking his ears back a bit, clearly jealous of how easily Hinata could quiet Skye whenever the baby was handed to him, Bokuto crooning and nuzzling at one of his ears, smiling and wiping happy tears from his eyes.
"So grumpy." Bokuto teased, the other Alpha huffing and snorting again, turning his face to hide against Bokuto's neck, allowing Bokuto and Kozume to soothe him. The beta was humming softly, perking his ears towards Skye and Hinata, watching the way the baby clung to Hinata's fingers and cooed up at him curiously.
Hinata was giggling merrily while showering Skye with attention and affection, looking towards Akaashi and watching the dark-haired omega with a soft smile. Akaashi was smiling as well, sighing contentedly as he rested in bed, more than happy to have someone else there to hold the baby for him while he recovered. He may have been in pain before, but he certainly wasn't now. The nurses had given him quite a few generous doses of medication to help him rest peacefully in light of his stressful and painful home birth.
Several hours passed by before they heard familiar voices down the hallway, and the nurses attending to Sugawara peeked their heads inside Akaashi's room briefly before stepping back, Sawamura stepping in, a bundle of soft pastel pink wrapped securely in his arms.
"Oh, Daichi. She's absolutely beautiful." Akaashi sighed dreamily, reaching out and smiling up at the Alpha fondly, Sawamura stepping closer and leaning down to carefully rest his daughter in Akaashi's arms, perking his ears towards Hinata who was holding Skye and rocking back and forth gently.
"We had a boy." Kuroo crooned softly, standing up to greet the other Alpha, Sawamura embracing him while they exchanged happy, relieved laughter, Kuroo and Sawamura redirecting their attention to the baby in Hinata's arms, Hinata smiling up at the Alphas and offering Skye to them gingerly.
"What a handsome young man." Sawamura crooned, grinning from ear to ear and taking the baby in his arms, Skye's face scrunching up almost instantly as he started to cry, the Alpha dipping back his ears apologetically and chuckling while offering the baby to Kuroo instead. The other Alpha sighed deeply, frowning lightly while taking his son from Sawamura's arms, Skye continuing to cry as Kuroo crooned and rocked him gently, Hinata standing back and watching them while biting his lip, trying to muffle his laughter.
Sawamura watched Kuroo curiously, the other Alpha pouting for a moment before stepping over to Hinata and offering the baby back again, Hinata giggling and cradling Skye against his chest, the pup falling silent once more. Sawamura burst out into heartily laughter at the irritated frown across Kuroo's face, clapping him on the back a few times and sighing audibly as his laughter quieted.
"Ah, cheer up old man." Sawamura teased, nudging Kuroo's shoulder. "This means you'll have every excuse to ask Hinata to babysit for the indefinite future. You should see this as a win, you know. Good babysitters are hard to come by!"
Hinata grinned up at Kuroo apologetically, nodding his head and replying brightly, "I don't mind babysitting! For either of you!" He glanced towards Akaashi, perking his ears towards the quiet pup resting against his chest. "Though it seems like Rue isn't nearly as fussy as Skye. You should try to hold her, Tetsu!"
Kuroo grumbled for a moment before letting out a soft snort, turning to face Akaashi, leaning down and giving his intended a gentle kiss on the forehead before carefully scooping up the larger pup, marveling at the difference in her weight and size compared to Skye. She had been carried to full-term, arriving right on schedule, whereas Skye had arrived nearly six weeks before he was due.
"Goodness." Kuroo said softly, finding a comfortable position to hold her in his arms, smiling down at her when she blinked up at him slowly, perking her ears towards his voice, perfectly content to be cradled in his arms. "Hello, little Rue. It's nice to meet you."
She blinked up at him again, her ears tilting towards his voice and a soft little sound escaping her, Kuroo's heart practically melting as he lifted her a bit higher against his chest, leaning in to nose at her gently, the little pup reaching up and grasping at his face, pawing at his nose and cheeks.
"There." Sawamura said gently, watching over Kuroo with a soft smile. "That's what you wanted, isn't it?"
"Yeah." Kuroo whispered quietly, his voice quivering with emotion.
Sawamura chuckled softly and reached over to pet across Kuroo's upper back and shoulders, squeezing his nape gently and resting their foreheads together for a few brief moments before pulling away, looking down to Hinata and the swaddled baby resting quietly in his arms.
"Would you like to come with me to see Koushi?" The Alpha asked, perking is ears up slightly. "He's been asking to see Skye from the moment he realized Keiji was here."
Hinata glancing towards Akaashi briefly, the sleepy omega humming and nodding his approval, Hinata smiling up at Sawamura and eagerly nodding his head.
They walked to the adjacent room, Sawamura stepping closer to his bonded's side and leaning down to nuzzle him, Iwaizumi sitting beside Sugawara quietly and holding his hand, watching Hinata with interest as he reached out and offered the baby he was holding to Sugawara.
The pale omega trilled excitedly, holding Skye carefully against his chest and laughing when the baby started to cry, Sawamura chuckling and shrugging lightly, Iwaizumi ducking his ears back a bit with mild concern. Sugawara continued speaking calmly to the fussy baby until his cries eventually quieted and he was resting peacefully against Sugawara's neck, his face tucked lightly over Sugawara's scent glands, the baby babbling quietly and grasping at his soft, cream colored curls.
"How strange." Sawamura mused, Sugawara looking up at him, the Alpha chuckling softly and reaching down to pet over the baby's back gently. "It seems as if Skye only likes being held by omegas. I wonder if that means something."
"It's a common trait for dominant Alphas, isn't it?" Iwaizumi asked, Sugawara humming his agreement, Hinata making a soft sound of understanding and smiling down at the omega in bed.
"Keiji and Tetsu didn't want to know the baby's gender beforehand, so they would have had no way of truly knowing if Skye was carrying a dominant gene."
Sugawara nodded his agreement, humming softly and petting through the baby's dark curls, giggling softly as Skye started nursing against his neck, gesturing for Hinata to take him back to Akaashi, Sawamura staying at Sugawara's side while Iwaizumi returned to the other room with Hinata, the friends that had gathered there greeting him warmly.
"Hey, pops!" Kuroo crooned, pulling the beta into a happy embrace, Iwaizumi groaning and rolling his eyes, smiling over at Akaashi fondly.
"Congratulations. He's beautiful." Iwaizumi said, Akaashi purring softly as he accepted his son from Hinata, the dark-haired omega perking his ears towards Bokuto and Kozume who were sitting nearby.
The tawny-haired beta was holding Rue carefully, rocking the quiet, calm baby gently while singing to her softly. Hinata stepped closer to listen, warmth twisting in his chest, Bokuto reaching out to the petite omega to tug him into his lap, nuzzling into his hair affectionately as Hinata rested back against him.
"You did such a great job today, Sho." Bokuto whispered, Hinata closing his eyes while Bokuto kissed at his nape, shivering pleasantly at the sensation of his Alpha's lips trailing over their bondmark. "I'm so proud of you. I can't wait for next spring. I can't wait to bond with you and Kenma. You two mean everything to me."
Hinata blushed and glanced back over his shoulder at Bokuto, his eyes drifting to Kozume, the beta looking up and meeting Hinata's eyes, smiling and nodding his head. "Kou agreed the hanging gardens would be a lovely venue. It's perfect, I'm surprised neither of us ever considered it before. I'm sure we could make arrangements for our bonding ceremony to be held there. We still have a few months to plan everything."
"Oh, you decided when to hold your ceremony?" Akaashi gasped, Kuroo and Iwaizumi turning their attention towards them as well, Hinata blushing brightly and nodding his head, his bubbly laughter filling the hospital room.
"We'd love for you all to be there." Hinata said happily, tears gathering in his eyes, Bokuto kissing his shoulder once again while Kozume rested against his shoulder, purring quietly, Rue babbling softly as she rested in the beta's arms.
The pack shared in their joy and their relief, exchanging smiles and basking in their happiness, celebrating the two precious babies who had entered into their lives.
With cheery thoughts and open hearts, they awaited the upcoming spring.
-x-x-x-
Hinata hummed to himself quietly, flipping through his phone for a few moments before opening one of the playlists Oikawa had left for him. He'd had the same song stuck in his head all day, since leaving the hospital. Kozume was in the kitchen cooking dinner, and Bokuto was sitting nearby with Yaku and Haiba, leaving the omega to his own devices. Typically Hinata would be sketching or painting, he had a small workspace at both his apartment and Kozume's, but tonight something felt different. Tonight, he couldn't sit still.
Hinata was giddy with excess energy, bouncing on the balls of his feet, overwhelmed with the flood of emotions rushing through him. He wanted to laugh, he wanted to sing, he wanted to dance.
He slipped his phone into his pocket, tucking his headphones into his ears as he closed his eyes, swaying back and forth to the music, his heart fluttering as the song began.
"Welcome to the planet,
Welcome to existence.
Everyone's here...
Everyone's here...
"Everybody's watching you now,
Everybody waits for you now.
What happens next?
What happens next?"
He smiled, bubbly laughter escaping him, spinning in a circle as he lifted his hands above his head, his toes curling against the soft carpet beneath his bare feet, shivering with the intensity of the music as the feelings inside of him started to swell.
"I dare you to move,
I dare you to move,
I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor.
I dare you to move,
I dare you to move,
Like today never happened,
Today never happened before."
Kozume had turned to stare at him, his eyes wide with amazement, watching as Hinata danced and sang quietly to himself, Bokuto watching in similar disbelief from the couch.
It had been months since Hinata had laughed like he used to, months since Hinata had sung aloud and danced. Bokuto was breathless with emotion, Kozume smiling and laughing softly, reaching up to cover his mouth as he started to cry, marveling at how beautiful Hinata looked, how happy and content he seemed.
This was it. This was what they had both been waiting for. It was as if Hinata had somehow found a way back, back to a time before he knew what it felt like to have a broken heart.
"Welcome to the fallout,
Welcome to resistance.
The tension is here,
The tension is here.
Between who you are and who you could be,
Between how it is and how it should be, yeah~
I dare you to move,
I dare you to move,
I dare you to lift yourself up off the floor.
I dare you to move,
I dare you to move,
Like today never happened,
Today never happened~"
Haiba and Yaku were laughing together about something the younger beta had said before, but as they noticed Bokuto and Kozume's sudden quiet they focused their attention on Hinata as well.
The omega wasn't watching them, lost in his own little world, jumping on the balls of his feet and spinning in circles again and again, his voice growing as he smiled, warm tears spilling down his flushed cheeks.
He had heard this song before, a long time ago. It had been playing quietly in the background of the photoshoot he had shared with Oikawa. He had heard the beta singing the lyrics to himself quietly while he repositioned Hinata's arms and face, his fingertips trailing over the omega's rosy cheeks lightly.
It ached, it ached because it reminded him of Oikawa, but at the same time it felt wonderful to share those same feelings once again. It felt amazing, nearly perfect. Hinata had never realized that once he surrendered himself to his emotions, and accepted everything Oikawa had left behind for him, through the pain that he had experienced he could also remember all those fleeting moments that were irreplaceable. The emotions he felt now, they were breathtaking, and while there was a hint of pain lingering in the back of his heart, for the most part thinking about Oikawa now felt impossibly good.
He could almost hear Oikawa's voice as he laughed and sang along to the lyrics, pressing one of his hands tightly over his heart.
"Maybe redemption has stories to tell,
Maybe forgiveness is right where you fell
Where can you run to escape from yourself?
Where you gonna go?
Where you gonna go?
Salvation is here~"
Kozume walked over to him quietly, reaching out and taking his other hand, Hinata blinking open his eyes and offering his partner a warm, gentle smile, sniffing and reaching up to wipe his cheeks before taking Kozume's other hand as well, pulling him close and swaying along with the music.
"I dare you to move,
I dare you to move,
I dare you to lift yourself,
To lift yourself up off the floor."
Bokuto watched them with a soft laugh, his fingers trembling as curled them against the arm of the couch, wanting to go to them, but not wanting to intrude upon the moment Hinata was sharing with Kozume.
When Hinata turned and spun them again, he caught Bokuto's eyes, perking his ears up and reaching out his hand instantly, holding his palm out in offering, Bokuto's breath hitching as he finally pushed himself up from the couch and went to Hinata's side. The omega continued laughing brightly, smiling through his tears and tugging both of his partners closer, nuzzling against Bokuto's chest as the Alpha wrapped him in a warm embrace, Oikawa's gentle voice ringing melodically in his ears.
"I dare you to move,
I dare you to move,
Like today never happened.
Today never happened,
Today never happened,
Today never happened before."
Lyrics: Dare You to Move by Switchfoot
Thanks for reading! More to come!
