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, Shimizu x Atsumu, Shimizu x Osamu, Atsumu x Shimizu x Osamu, Kageyama x Atsumu, Kageyama x Osamu, Kageyama x Atsumu x Osamu, Atsumu x Kageyama x Shimizu x Osamu, Kageyama x Shimizu, Kageyama x OC, Bokuto x Kuroo x OC, Hinata x Kozume x OC, Atsumu x Osamu x OC, Hinata x Akaashi, Hinata x Kuroo, Hinata x Bokuto x Kuroo x Akaashi

Plot: Hinata spends time with Kageyama. Akaashi reveals his feelings to Hinata.

Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics


Ch 22: Arrhythmia

There were two days remaining before their bonding ceremony was to take place.

Hinata hadn't heard from Kageyama once, not in the time that had elapsed since their brunch together and the present moment, despite the numerous texts he had sent to try and start a conversation with the withdrawn beta.

He stood before the flower shoppe with a light frown, tilting his ears towards the window and watching the patrons speaking with Shimizu, taking a step closer and peering through the glass for any sign of Kageyama within. Hinata lingered by the door, waiting until the other patrons had completed their transactions and Shimizu was once again alone before deciding to enter the shoppe. He wasn't sure what he could do to convince Kageyama to speak with him, but if nothing else he wanted to make sure his band was still planning on performing for their ceremony.

Shimizu looked surprised to see him, but smiled kindly and folded her hands over her apron, tilting her head slightly to the side as she watched the omega's slow approach. "Hinata, it's nice to see you again." She watched him quietly, waiting to see if he would speak. When he didn't opt to explain his unexpected arrival, Shimizu hesitated for a moment longer before asking curiously, "Is there something I can help you with?"

"I umm…" He watched her shyly, dipping back his ears a bit and laughing softly, his nervousness clearly evident in his tone and body language. He tugged at the shoulder strap of his satchel absently, glancing over Shimizu's shoulder towards the back room of the shoppe before asking tentatively, "Kageyama's not working with you today?"

She blinked, offering Hinata a smile and humming softly while shaking her head. "No, I'm afraid he's been under the weather a bit lately." She paused briefly before adding, "It's not a physical sickness. He'll definitely be able to perform at your ceremony this weekend, you don't have to be concerned about that. He's…" She glanced towards the flowers nearby, flexing her fingers against her apron lightly before continuing quietly, "He's mourning. There was someone he was close to that died around this season, several years ago."

Hinata's breath hitched at her soft words, his chest twisting as he realized who she was referring to. Kageyama had said he was feeling raw lately when he had cried at the café, speaking of the lover he lost. "Oh…" He sighed softly, frowning a little and ducking his ears back. "I was...I was worried he might be upset with me. He hasn't texted me back since we went out to brunch together, nearly two weeks ago."

Shimizu hummed and folded her hands again, smoothing the wrinkles from her apron while offering gently, "I'm certain that has nothing to do with your outing together. It is hard for him to be social with others this time of year." She glanced away again, tracing over the clusters of flowers nearby and thinking to herself for a few moments before returning her eyes to Hinata's. "Perhaps if you were to call him, instead of texting him, he may actually answer your call?"

Hinata perked his ears up a bit, worrying his bottom lip before replying hesitantly, "I wouldn't want to…to bother him, if he'd rather be alone right now…"

Shimizu watched Hinata for a long moment before reaching out and brushing her fingertips against the soft petals beside her, humming thoughtfully while rearranging a few of the blossoms. "Sometimes, even when we think we want to be alone, having someone who cares about us there beside us makes a meaningful difference." She glanced over and met Hinata's eyes once more, tilting one of her ears to the side while asking gently, "You care for my brother, don't you? That's why you came here looking for him?"

Hinata ducked his ears back a bit, blushing faintly and nodding slowly. "He...he saved my life. I want to be friends with him."

Shimizu's expression was kind and calm as she stepped closer to the petite omega, reaching out and taking one of his hands. Hinata perked his ears up at her approach, searching her soft grey eyes as she offered him a warm smile, the pretty beta holding his gaze while asking gently, "Would you like to check up on him? Our townhouse isn't far."

Hinata smiled shyly and his ears perked up a bit more, his cheeks rosy as he nodded and hummed softly. "Y-Yeah! I'd like that, if you're sure it's alright?"

Shimizu nodded, taking a step back and returning to the flowers she had been rearranging before. "Wait just a moment, and I'll make you an arrangement to take home with you."

Hinata sighed quietly and watched as she began gathering together several bright blossoms, smiling to himself as he watched her work. She put together a bouquet quickly with practiced ease, wrapping the pretty cluster in paper and tying it with a ribbon, writing her address on a small notepad before offering Hinata the slip.

He lingered just long enough to say goodbye before starting to walk down the street in the direction of the neighborhood Shimizu had written down, following her instructions until he found the street he was looking for, perking his ears towards the cream-colored townhouse and walking up the front steps slowly, a hint of anxiety twisting in his chest.

He reached out and knocked twice, listening for any movement within before knocking again, taking a step back and looking towards the large window nearby. The curtains were drawn, but he could barely see a hint of shadow as a figure walked across the living room to answer the front door. Hinata worried his lip, ducking his ears back a bit and waiting patiently for the door to unlock before it parted slightly, one deep blue eye visible as Kageyama peered out into the sunshine, the beta inhaling softly when he realized who was at his door.

"Hinata?" He asked, his voice groggy with sleep, the tall beta parting the door a bit wider and blinking as his eyes adjusted to the bright light just beyond the front porch.

"Hi!" Hinata smiled in greeting, shifting the flowers against his chest absently before laughing awkwardly and biting his lip again. "I'm sorry for just showing up so suddenly. Shimizu gave me your address. She said that…" He arched his brow a bit, glancing down and thinking for a moment before meeting Kageyama's eyes again. "She umm...she thought that...you might want some company?"

Kageyama stood in the doorway quietly, sighing softly while carding his fingers through his dark hair. He didn't answer for a while, Hinata slowly ducking his ears back and giving the beta an apologetic look. Just as he was about to apologize and begin making his way back to the boulevard, Kageyama backed away a step, opening the door and gesturing lightly for Hinata to come inside. Hinata watched him for a moment before inhaling a shaky breath, trying to calm his nerves as he entered the townhouse and glanced around the dark interior, only hints of sunlight peeking in through the drawn curtains and blinds.

He removed his shoes and left them by the door, padding after Kageyama as the beta wandered slowly into the kitchen, perking his ears up slightly as Kageyama offered, "Can I make you some tea?"

"Oh! Umm, sure!" He laughed softly, perking his ears towards the stove nearby, "That sounds nice, thank you." He watched as Kageyama filled the kettle and flicked on the stovetop to begin heating the water, the omega quiet for a few moments before shifting the flowers he was holding to the countertop, Kageyama reaching for one of the vases sitting nearby and filling it with water as well.

"Here." He said quietly, nodding towards the flowers. "So they won't wilt."

"Thank you." Hinata said softly in reply, carefully unwrapping the ribbon and decorative paper before setting the bouquet in the vase. He fussed with the blossoms for a moment before hesitantly meeting Kageyama's eyes, noticing the beta was watching him silently. He tilted one of his ears towards the sound of the slowly boiling water within the kettle, then shifted to face Kageyama fully, reclining back against the countertop and offering him a smile while asking, "So do you uh…" He arched his brow a little, continuing hesitantly, "Do you want to talk about it?"

Kageyama watched Hinata quietly, perking his ears up slightly and exhaling deeply through his nose. "Do you really want to know?" He asked, reclining back against the counter by the stove, holding Hinata's eyes as he continued softly, "It isn't pretty. It's violent and dark. It'll stay with you, once you know about it. I don't know if I should talk about it with you, if I'm perfectly honest. My life before moving to this city was pretty fucked up."

Hinata searched Kageyama's eyes, considering for a moment before the kettle started to whistle, Kageyama turning away and fetching them both mugs from the cabinet, gesturing to a few boxes along the bottom shelf, Hinata stepping closer to pick out a flavor for his tea.

They steeped their teabags, then returned to the dark living room and settled down on opposite ends of the couch. Hinata held his cup in his lap with his legs crossed beneath him, Kageyama propping his cup on one knee while he reclined back against the arm of the couch.

Hinata was quiet for a while longer, watching the steam curling from the lip of his mug, before he met Kageyama's eyes and nodded succinctly.

"I'll listen, if you're alright with talking about it with me."

Kageyama hummed quietly, watching Hinata with an indiscernible expression before nodding lightly, setting his tea aside to cool before returning his eyes to Hinata's.

"We were returning from a gig in a nearby city." Kageyama started, his tone soft and low. "There had been an altercation between our band and a group of Alphas that had been at the show, mainly between another musteline Alpha and our drummer, Di'a." He closed his eyes for a moment, one of his ears twitching lightly before he cast his eyes towards the curtains, tracing along the floral pattern sewn into the dark cloth. "On our way home, they followed us. We didn't realize it until it was too late. They rammed the back of our van, sending us into a spiral. There wasn't anything Di'a could have done to prevent us from fishtailing over the side of the bridge."

Hinata listened with wide eyes, his grip on his cup tightening ever so slightly, trying to remember to breathe as he imagined the scene before him.

"Zeryce was in the front seat beside Di'a. She snapped her neck upon impact, dead before we even hit the water." Kageyama closed his eyes, shivering. "Kairoh was unconscious, bleeding from his forehead. He didn't respond when the water started flooding in from the cracked windshield, but Di'a did, scrambling to unfasten his seatbelt, already choking on water. They started drowning before there was anything Chai or I could do to help them."

Hinata's brow pinched, his breath shuddering through him as he swallowed thickly, his chest aching at the expression across Kageyama's face.

"Tulousse had hit his head hard against the side of the van when we hit the water, and it took everything within us just to keep him afloat as the water began rising in the rear compartment." Kageyama exhaled shakily, blinking slowly and trailing his gaze up towards the ceiling, his tone still soft and even as he recalled the details of that moment in time. "Chai had hurt his arm, and he didn't know how to swim."

Kageyama paused there, not speaking for several long moments, then he looked to Hinata, holding his chocolate brown eyes, a quiver in his voice as he finally spoke.

"We stood there together, huddled at the back of the van, Tulousse resting against my shoulder, Chai kicking against the water to try and stay afloat. He clung to me as the van slowly filled, and in the darkness he spoke to me breathlessly, making me promise to get Tulousse to the surface, instead of him. We both knew there was no way I could carry them both."

Hinata was crying quietly, slow tears trailing down his cheeks, the omega reaching out and touching Kageyama's hand hesitantly, the beta watching him with an even expression, his eyes also filled with tears.

"I'm not certain how long it took for the compartment to completely flood, but once it did we were finally able to pry open the back of the van, and I pulled Chai along with me as I started swimming to the surface. It was slow, too slow, and I started losing my breath. Chai held my eyes and pried my fingers from his wrist, and he started sinking as soon as I let go. His wings were heavy in the water, too heavy to help him float."

Hinata was trembling, and he reached up and covered his mouth with his hand, crying softly, his other hand still pressed over Kageyama's, the beta watching him with a distant expression.

"I managed to get Tulousse to the surface, but he was still unconscious and had been submerged underwater so long I was terrified I wouldn't be able to revive him. I got him to the riverbank, and quickly began CPR. He started coughing up water and gasping for air, and I sat beside him while he came to his senses, looking out across the water. There was no sign of anyone else making it out, other than us."

Hinata didn't know what to say, he couldn't begin to imagine how helpless Kageyama must have felt in that moment. He'd lost so many people all at once, so unexpectedly. He had been forced to promise his lover to leave him behind to drown and save their friend instead.

Kageyama reached for his tea, shifting his grip on his cup absently, his fingers flexing beneath Hinata's as he watched the steam curling from the surface of the dark brew. "The pack of Alphas that had rammed us off of the bridge were still watching from up above. They took off as soon as they heard sirens in the distance. There had been a few witnesses who had stopped at the scene and called emergency services." He exhaled shakily, his brow pinching a bit. "Once Tulousse could stand I brought him back to the bridge to wait for the ambulance, and we realized that Di'a had made it out alright after all. He was sitting nearby, drenched from head to toe, his phone and a gun sitting beside him. He looked dazed, likely concussed from the impact."

Kageyama glanced away, letting out a shuddering sob, tears starting to streak down his cheeks.

"Once Tulousse realized what had happened, that we were the only ones that had made it out alive, he turned on Di'a. During their fight, Tulousse grabbed Di'a's gun, and shot him in the chest."

Hinata inhaled softly, shaking his head, tightening his grip on Kageyama's fingers.

"He turned to me, holding my eyes, and lifted the gun to kill himself, but the chamber jammed. He couldn't fire the second shot."

Kageyama reached up with his other hand and wiped at his eyes and cheeks, sniffing while exhaling heavily and trying to catch his breath.

"Tulousse lost it, laughing hysterically while Di'a bled out behind him. He watched me for a long time, and then he finally told me that I'd made a mistake. That I should have saved Chai instead of him, and that he hated me for it. He walked away from the scene before the police and ambulance arrived, and so did I. I ran away from that bridge as fast as I possibly could. I never looked back."

Kageyama shook his head, carding his trembling fingers through his dark hair.

"When I made it back home, I told Shimizu everything. We left the city that night." He closed his eyes, hunching in on himself a bit, taking a deep breath and exhaling shakily. "I've never made contact with anyone from my previous life. I have no idea if Tulousse is still alive, or if Di'a somehow managed to survive long enough for the ambulance to arrive and save him." He blinked slowly, taking slow, even breaths. "I haven't been able to force myself to go back there since."

Hinata took a breath, and then slowly, carefully, he took his cup and Kageyama's and set them aside. He drew closer, taking Kageyama's hands and squeezing gently, searching his eyes and asking tentatively, "Is it alright if I hug you?"

Kageyama watched him for a long moment, blinking slowly, then nodded. Hinata breached the distance between them, wrapping his arms around Kageyama's waist and pressing close to his chest, tightening his hold while hiding his face against the beta's neck, crying against him softly.

"I'm so sorry you had to endure that. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm so sorry."

"Yeah." Kageyama whispered, gingerly wrapping his arms around Hinata and clinging to the back of his shirt lightly. "Yeah, I know. I know. There's nothing I can do to fix it. There's no way for me to go back. I think about it all the time." Hinata hiccupped softly against his neck, the beta stroking up and down his back slowly. "I think about the argument we had before, how we almost didn't go to that gig at all. I think about what I could have said or done differently during the altercation at the bar. I could have gotten between Di'a and those Alphas, I could have tried to stop it before it escalated into something more. Something deadly."

He shook his head, letting out a peal of laughter, choking on a sob.

"I think what if Tulousse was right? What if I made a mistake? What if I had been selfish, and tried to save Chai instead? He could be here with me right now, we could be together, just like this." He tightened his hold on Hinata, ducking his head and hiding his face against the omega's bright, messy hair. "I loved him so much. I loved him with everything inside of me, and he's gone. He's fucking gone."

"I'm so sorry." Hinata cried, nuzzling into Kageyama's shoulder. "I know it hurts. I know it hurts. He would want you to keep on living, wouldn't he? He wouldn't want you to be suffering like this because of him. He knows how much you love him. He has to know that."

Kageyama nodded lightly, sniffing and breathing shakily as he let out another sad laugh, reclining back a bit and casting his eyes towards the ceiling once more. "I told him that, as the van was sinking. I told him how much I loved him, how I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. He told me over and over again how much he loved me, too. I think-" His face scrunched up, tears streaking down his flushed cheeks, "I think that if Tulousse hadn't been pregnant, maybe Chai would have let me save him, but I don't know. I don't know. They were the best of friends, they loved one another for a lifetime before I even moved to the slums. I think that if I had rescued Chai, instead of Tulousse, he never would have forgiven me. Or himself."

Hinata didn't have the words, didn't know what to say, and so he cried quietly against Kageyama's shoulder, the beta holding him close and rubbing over his back in gentle passes, the omega shivering as he held onto Kageyama tightly. They didn't move from that spot, resting against one another and sharing their warmth and their tears. When Hinata finally managed to stop crying, he sniffed and pulled back slightly to wipe at his eyes, daring to glance up and meet Kageyama's eyes, his face twisting at the beta's expression.

"Do you understand now?" Kageyama asked quietly, his fingertips pressing along either side of Hinata's spine. "When I saw you laying there, all alone in the street. I couldn't stop thinking about it. I couldn't stop seeing Chai floating there in the water, then starting to sink towards the bottom. He died without me. He died all alone." He held Hinata close, his grip almost painfully tight. "I couldn't just stand there and watch as you died alone too. You needed me. You needed me to save you."

Hinata's face scrunched up and he ducked his head, sobbing once more, nodding miserably. "I know that, I know. If you hadn't been there, I could have-" His breath hitched and he cried shakily for a few moments before gathering himself again. "I saw Toru in you, the same way you saw Chai in me. The loved ones we lost, they were with us that day. They drew us together." He clung to Kageyama's shoulders, tugging at the fabric of his shirt, his voice desperate as he choked out, "There has to be a purpose, there has to be a reason why our lives became so perfectly intertwined through such grief and tragedy. There has to be."

He leaned closer, holding Kageyama's eyes, blinking to clear his vision while pressing their foreheads together, tears still coursing down his cheeks.

"Do you think Chai told you to save me so I could teach you how to love again? Do you think that's what he would want for you?"

Kageyama's breath hitched, and he searched Hinata's eyes, his ears ducking back a bit. "I…" He swallowed thickly, shaking his head, pressing his forehead against Hinata's with a little more force. "I don't know why I saw him that day. I don't know what he would want. I don't know. All I know is he's not here, and I'll never know what he was thinking as he drowned alone in the dark."

"I'm sorry." Hinata sobbed, wrapping his arms around Kageyama's shoulders and tugging his face against his neck, the beta starting to sob uncontrollably as he crushed Hinata against his chest, stealing the air from his lungs. Hinata cried with him, holding him close and petting through his dark hair gently, ignoring the burning pain in his chest and lungs as he breathed shallowly. He couldn't bring himself to complain about Kageyama holding him too tightly, he didn't want the beta to let go. He didn't want to be anywhere else except for right here, in this moment.

He closed his eyes, keeping Kageyama tucked against his neck while the beta cried his heart out, wondering what it must have been like to have known Kageyama before. The person he had once been, before his heart was shattered.

Daylight faded to sunset, Kageyama and Hinata slowly unwinding from their conversation as the hours passed, resting against one another and basking in one another's warmth and scent. Hinata was half asleep, listening to Kageyama's steady heartbeat while tracing patterns against his upper arm slowly. Kageyama seemed content to allow the omega to do as he liked, petting along Hinata's spine lazily, tracing along the notches of bone hidden away just beneath the surface. He was small, so small. He reminded Kageyama of Tulousse in some ways. The beta inhaled softly, a deep, languid draw of breath, and as he exhaled Hinata perked up his ears, blinking towards the fading sunlight peeking past the curtains and blinds.

"Oh." He murmured quietly, one of his ears twitching absently towards the front door. "I didn't realize...I've been here almost all day…"

Kageyama hummed quietly, stretching out a little as Hinata shifted to sit up, flexing and yawning while watching the omega with a tired expression. His eyes were still glassy from crying before. "Thank you, for coming to see me." Kageyama whispered, one of his hands gliding along the omega's side. "I didn't realize how much I needed that, talking aloud about everything that happened." He arched his brow a bit, letting out a strained chuckle. "I haven't talked about it with anyone, since speaking with Shimizu the night it happened."

Hinata blinked down at Kageyama in surprise, barely breathing as he leaned a little closer, reaching out and carding his fingers through his dark hair gently, petting between his ears while finally taking a shuddering breath. "Is it alright if I come again to see you tomorrow?"

Kageyama held Hinata's eyes, frowning a little and glancing to the side. "You don't have to do that. Your ceremony is the day after tomorrow. You should be spending time with your intended, not wasting your time with me."

Hinata frowned, leaning closer and cupping Kageyama's cheek, pressing their foreheads together and nuzzling him gently, his voice barely audible as he murmured tenderly, "I want to spend time with you. Is that okay? Can I come back tomorrow?"

Kageyama's frown lingered for a few moments longer before the beta's expression softened and he nodded lightly, Hinata smiling and nuzzling him again, the softest hint of a purr rumbling in his chest.

They took a little time to sit together and share fresh cups of tea before Kageyama walked Hinata to the door, the omega smiling and waving goodnight while stepping towards the sidewalk, the bouquet of flowers Shimizu had made him before cradled carefully in his arms.

Kageyama lingered in the doorway, watching Hinata walk away along the empty streets leading towards the boulevard, his petite frame bathed in gold. He matched perfectly those vibrant sunset hues, practically melding into the fading rays of sunlight as they fell over the quiet city. For the first time in as long as Kageyama could remember he felt a warm, calm feeling soothe the ache in his chest.

Do you think Chai told you to save me so I could teach you how to love again?

Kageyama rubbed his palm over his chest, his breath hitching as he closed his eyes, resting his shoulder against the doorframe.

Do you think that's what he would want for you?

"I love you." Kageyama whispered to the sunset, kneading the heel of his palm over his heart. "I love you so much. I miss you."

He stood by himself in the doorway, watching the sunset and thinking about everything they'd spoken before, about the way Hinata had cried for him, cried with him, and how good it had felt to have the omega resting in his arms.

He was allowed to find happiness again, wasn't he?

He was allowed to heal, and to learn from his mistakes, and perhaps even one day find someone new to love.

-x-x-x-

Akaashi watched over Hinata as he played with Skye, perking his ears towards Kuroo and Bokuto's voices as they drifted in from the kitchen, the Alphas chuckling and talking back and forth cheerily, leaving the omegas to themselves in the living room. Hinata was resting on his side, holding out his hand while smiling down at Skye, the baby tugging at his fingers and giggling excitedly, babbling and kicking his legs before bringing one of Hinata's fingers closer to bite. Hinata smiled down at him affectionately, his cheeks rosy and warm, laughing and petting Skye's nose and chubby cheeks while the teething pup gnawed at his finger, Akaashi letting out a quiet sigh and stepping closer to settle down atop the carpet as well.

Hinata looked up at him with a smile, perking his ears towards the dark omega and holding his gaze for a moment before returning his attention to Skye, murmuring quietly, "Sorry I was late for dinner. I wasn't expecting to be with Kageyama all day."

Akaashi hummed thoughtfully, shaking his head and offering the younger omega a sweet smile. "It's alright Shouyou, there's no need to apologize." He reached out and offered Skye a teething toy, the baby grabbing onto it and babbling while looking between the two omegas hovering over him, Hinata slowly pulling back his finger to allow Skye to chew on the toy instead.

He sat up a bit once he was free from Skye's grasp, sighing and glancing towards the kitchen, listening to the sounds of the Alphas just out of sight, worrying his lip between his bottom teeth and exhaling a long, drawn-out sigh. Akaashi watched him quietly, then reached over and took his hand, squeezing his fingers while asking gently, "Shouyou? Have you thought any more about what we spoke of before?"

Hinata perked up his ears, tilting his head slightly and asking curiously, "About what, Keiji?"

Akaashi held his eyes, searching his expression for a long moment before clarifying gently, "About having pups with Tetsurou."

Hinata turned crimson immediately, tilting his ears to the side before ducking them back, laughing nervously and breaking eye contact, reaching up to cover his face with one of his hands. "Keiji, I…" He dared to glance towards Akaashi, his words faltering, shivering lightly as Akaashi reached out to him and gently touched his arm.

"It's alright, Shouyou. You don't have to feel embarrassed, or awkward." He smoothed his palm over Hinata's arm, tracing down his forearm and wrist before lacing their fingers gently. "I want you to speak openly with me about this, so we can come to an understanding before bringing this up to Tetsu and Koutarou, and talking about what you want."

Hinata squeezed Akaashi's fingers tightly, hiding his face for a moment longer before exhaling shakily and lowering his hand, hesitantly meeting Akaashi's eyes, his entire face flushed. "I...I don't know…" He shook his head, pressing the back of his hand against his mouth lightly, trying to even his anxious breathing. "I don't know if I actually want that, I just…"

Akaashi arched his brow a bit, wondering if he had misunderstood Hinata the last time they had spoken. It had been weeks ago now, and while some things had changed between all of them in the time that had elapsed, Akaashi hadn't expected this to be one of them. "Did I misunderstand what you spoke of before? Are you not interested in Tetsu being your sire?"

Hinata let out a hitch of breath, shivering and tilting his ears to and fro, chewing at his lip while trying to find the words to express what he wanted to say. "It's not that...I am opposed to the idea. Tetsurou is...he's a great dad, and I have no doubt that he would be a kind and caring sire, but Keiji…" Hinata met Akaashi's eyes, holding his gaze, his brow arched. "Tetsurou is your bonded, he's your sire. I don't want...anything to change between us." He squeezed the other omega's hand, his fingers trembling between Akaashi's. "I love you both, I don't want to risk ruining what we've built between us. Especially now, with our pack dynamics…"

His voice trailed off, and he exhaled softly through his nose, squeezing Akaashi's fingers once more.

"The two of you aren't...you aren't in an open relationship with anyone else, other than Koutarou. You've never been polyamorous with anyone else in your entire lives until recently. I know that Tetsurou has Kenma, and is exploring his feelings with Tsukishima, but you have never had any partners other than Tetsu and Kou." He paused for a moment, trying to find the right words to say. "I don't want to...to put you in a position you're uncomfortable with, or make you feel any sort of obligation-"

"Hinata Shouyou." Akaashi said gently, the younger omega's words cutting off abruptly as he met Akaashi's eyes, the dark omega sighing quietly and reaching out to card his fingers through Hinata's vivid hair. He was quiet for several long moments, his expression smoothing into something affectionate and amused, chuckling softly as he tugged at Hinata's hair teasingly. "Just because we've never been intimate with you before, that doesn't mean we aren't interested in being with you the same way we are with Koutarou."

"What?" Hinata breathed, and Akaashi laughed brightly, leaning a little closer and tilting up Hinata's face, searching his eyes.

"Do you think I'm not interested in being intimate with you?" Akaashi asked, Hinata's heartbeat fluttering as Akaashi's breath ghosted against his lips. "Do you think I haven't imagined what it might be like to touch you? To kiss you?"

"Keiji-" Hinata squeaked, his cheeks vibrant cherry against Akaashi's pale fingertips, the dark omega grinning impishly, watching Hinata with a gleam in his sapphire eyes.

"Only if you wanted to." Akaashi added gently, backing away slightly, his brow arching into something reflecting mild concern. "I have also felt anxious at the concept, I share your nervousness of potentially ruining the dynamics we share. I worry about saying too much, of desiring to explore with you whereas you may not truly want to, and so. I leave this decision up to you." He petted Hinata's cheek, offering him a tender, sweet smile. "I love you, dearest. I love you as a companion, as a friend, and perhaps as something more, if you are willing to explore with me. If you earnestly want us to be together in such a way."

Hinata couldn't quite wrap his head around it, the thought of Akaashi wanting to touch him, wanting to kiss him. Wanting to share intimacy with him, just the two of them, even without their Alphas involved. He searched Akaashi's eyes, arching his brow and letting out a series of embarrassed giggles, reaching out and wrapping his arms around Akaashi's neck, hiding his face against Akaashi's shoulder and inhaling his sweet scent.

"I never…" He murmured, half-muffled against Akaashi's neck, "I never imagined you would...want something like that, with me…"

Akaashi hummed and drew Hinata closer, tracing fingertips gently along Hinata's waist and side, nuzzling into his hair and breathing him in, smiling while pressing a kiss against Hinata's crown. "You're right of course. What you said before, about my lack of experience with multiple partners, is very true. Other than Tetsurou and Koutarou, I've never been intimate with anyone else, ever. I have never desired to be." He was blushing lightly when Hinata pulled back and met his eyes, his cheeks dusted with faint traces of pink. "I know you already hold several partners, and I am uncertain if the intimacy we might share would come to be labeled as anything more than companionship, but I am open to the idea of having an omega partner in you."

He bit his lip, casting his gaze to the side shyly.

"I've never considered intimacy with another omega before, my relationship with Koushi has always been platonic. But with you…" He met Hinata's eyes again, his blush hinting at a darker shade of pink, "With you I can imagine something more."

Hinata was breathless, listening to Akaashi open up about his feelings and desires with wide eyes, his ears perked towards the older omega intently. He held Akaashi's hand, then squeezed tightly and nodded, leaning closer and nuzzling his cheek, Akaashi nuzzling him back with a shy little smile. "I...I like the idea of that, of exploring with you…"

"Really?" Akaashi asked, and Hinata nodded, grinning and echoing Akaashi's laughter as they held one another and giggled excitedly, Skye babbling and squeaking out peals of bubbly laughter to mimic them, reaching out to the omegas above him and drawing their attention once more.

Akaashi gathered his son in his arms, holding him close while petting along his forehead and tiny nose, crooning softly to him while glancing towards Hinata, offering him a warm smile. Hinata was watching their interaction with a happy, contented smile, his cheeks still rosy and his mind filled with thoughts of what this could mean, of the ways their relationships might grow.

He hesitated only for a moment before adding to what he had tried to explain before. "If you were certain you were open to it, if you were certain you were comfortable with the idea, then...yes, I would be interested in Tetsurou acting as my sire."

Akaashi nodded, perking his ears up and holding Hinata's eyes. "I'm comfortable with the idea of sharing Tetsu with you, Shouyou. Only because it's you. Only because I trust you, and love you so much." He smiled down at his son, Skye chewing on the teething toy while tugging at his fingers, Akaashi adding with a smile, "I know that whatever happens between you and Tetsurou, it won't change anything between any of us. It will only strengthen our pack, and the trust and love we share will continue to thrive and grow."

Hinata smiled and let out a sigh, leaning against Akaashi's side and nuzzling his cheek, purring quietly, the other omega beginning to purr as well, Skye cradled securely between them. Hinata reached out and pet between Skye's tiny ears with his fingertips, resting his cheek against Akaashi's shoulder while murmuring, "Do you think there's any chance that Kou might be able to breed me?" He watched the baby between them with a thoughtful expression, his eyes never leaving Skye. "I want to have his pups, I want him to be my sire so badly…"

Akaashi watched Hinata with a soft expression before nosing between his ears, murmuring gently, "Why don't you come with me for a consultation the next time I take Skye to the clinic for a checkup?" Hinata perked up his ears a bit, drawing back to meet Akaashi's eyes. "I have an appointment at the beginning of the week. I'm certain my doctor would be more than happy to speak with you about available options."

Hinata's expression brightened at that, and he nodded eagerly, purring a bit louder as he pressed close to Akaashi's side, the dark omega giggling softly and pressing a kiss to his forehead, grinning against Hinata's brow. More than anything, he loved seeing Hinata's smile.

"I love you, Keiji." Hinata murmured against his shoulder, and Akaashi hummed quietly and pressed another soft kiss to his brow.

"I love you too, Shouyou. I love you very, very much."

The omegas glanced up at the sound of footsteps approaching, Kuroo and Bokuto bringing a bowl of popcorn to the coffee table and settling down together side by side, reclining back against the couch and glancing towards their partners, exchanging wolfish grins. Kuroo tilted his head slightly, holding Akaashi's eyes and offering his arms, Akaashi pushing himself up and crawling closer to them both, carefully cradling his son against his chest until he reached Kuroo's side. Kuroo took Skye from Akaashi with a low croon, Bokuto perking his ears up and reaching out for the little pup as well, letting out soft little growls. Skye watched Bokuto with wide eyes, perking his ears up and blinking slowly, gradually letting out tiny little growls of his own in response to the Alpha's teasing vocalizations.

Kuroo grinned and chuckled as he watched them, tickling along his son's chubby side. "That's my tough little guy. You're a fierce one, aren't you? Little troublemaker."

"Just like his father." Akaashi crooned, Kuroo laughing heartily and watching Bokuto for a moment longer before offering Skye to him to hold. Bokuto grinned sheepishly, carefully gathering the pup in his arms and reclining back a bit, Skye chewing at his toy and growling softly while Bokuto crooned deeply, calming him once more.

Hinata watched them from a short distance, his heart fluttering as he memorized the way Bokuto held Skye, the look in his eyes, the expressions across his face. He wanted that to be their pup cradled in his Alpha's strong arms. He wanted them to bring life into this world, he wanted more than anything to give Bokuto a son, or daughter, or both. His cheeks were warm suddenly at the thought of having multiple pups, biting his lip and whining softly, Akaashi and Kuroo perking their ears towards him, the older omega smiling gently and returning to Hinata's side.

Akaashi took his hand gently, tugging him closer to rest in his arms, then he looked over at Kuroo and Bokuto, and said in a calm, even tone. "I want to discuss something with both of you, and I want to hear from each of you how you feel, and what you think. I need you to be completely honest with us. You can't hold anything back."

Hinata blushed a bit brighter, looking up at Akaashi and clinging to his fingers, the omegas sharing a long glance before Hinata smiled and exhaled shakily, nodding his consent.

Akaashi returned his eyes to the Alphas before them, and then he said gently, "I want to know what you both have to say about the idea of Tetsu having pups with Shouyou."

Kuroo inhaled sharply, nearly choking on the handful of popcorn he'd been munching on, Bokuto quickly reaching over and patting his upper back worriedly, Skye laughing excitedly while watching them both. Once he could breathe again, the dark Alpha looked up at Akaashi with wide eyes, then looked to Hinata, then to Bokuto, then to Hinata once more. "Are you...are you serious?" His brow was arched, his expression something between surprised and confused as he turned his gaze to Bokuto. "Did you know about this? Did they talk to you?"

"No." Bokuto replied, shaking his head slowly, his ears ducking back slightly as he met his boyfriend's eyes. "Shouyou? Is that something you've wanted?"

Hinata arched his brow, one of his ears pivoting to the side as he glanced up at Akaashi. "It's just...something I've considered as a possibility." He looked to Bokuto again, searching his tawny eyes. "I've been imagining various scenarios over the past several weeks, different possibilities. Having Tetsurou as my sire was one of them." He held Bokuto's eyes, adding, "I've also considered asking Atsumu or Osamu, but I haven't spoken with either of them about the idea of it quite yet."

"I offered to introduce Shouyou to my fertility doctor." Akaashi said gently, searching Bokuto's eyes. "She's helped so much with everything; my pregnancy, and Koushi's, as well as the babies." Akaashi smiled fondly, "If there's a way for her to assist with the two of you having pups together, then I'm certain she will help you conceive. However…" Akaashi placed a hand between Hinata's shoulder blades, rubbing along his upper back soothingly. "I know how much Tetsu loves pups, and given how much we all trust one another, and our shared dynamics now as packmates..." He looked to Kuroo, then to Bokuto once more. "I would be open to the idea of Tetsu siring pups with Shouyou, if that's something all of us were in agreement with."

Hinata watched Bokuto's expression worriedly, crawling closer to his side and reaching out to touch him, the Alpha's ears still flattened a bit. "Kou, I want to have pups with you. More than anything. I want you to be my sire."

Bokuto nodded slowly, his expression still a little disheartened. "I know that, Sho. I'm just...I'm worried I can't give that to you. I understand why you would be interested in exploring different options. I just…" He looked to Kuroo, then Akaashi, before focusing on Hinata once more. "This is really sudden, and I wasn't expecting…"

Hinata reached out to touch him, pressing his hand over Bokuto's, leaning close and nuzzling his boyfriend's cheek, purring quietly to soothe him. "I know, sweetheart. I'm not asking you to agree to anything. Keiji and I were just talking about it before. Nothing has to come from it. It's just a thought right now, nothing more."

"I mention it now only to bring it to light, so the idea of Shouyou and Tetsurou being together isn't such a strange concept to all of us." Akaashi added softly, drawing closer to reach out and touch Bokuto as well, petting over his bicep while leaning into Kuroo's arms, resting against his Alpha's chest with a quiet sigh. "The three of us are already intimate with one another." He squeezed Bokuto's arm gently, holding the Alpha's golden eyes. "Is it so strange to imagine Shouyou being intimate together with all of us?"

Kuroo finally spoke up at that, asking breathlessly, "Do you mean…" He glanced between Akaashi and Hinata, a hint of a blush warming his cheeks. "Are you interested in inviting Shouyou into our current dynamic with Koutarou?"

Akaashi met Kuroo's eyes, blushing and nodding. "I'm interested in exploring with Shouyou. That doesn't necessarily mean the two of you have to be intimate together, but I am open to the possibility."

"I've…" Kuroo hesitated, tilting his ears back slightly before perking them once again. "I've never even considered the idea of being intimate with Shouyou." He caught Hinata's eyes, the omega's breath hitching and a blush quickly creeping across his nose and cheeks, Hinata shying away from his eyes and meeting Bokuto's instead, the silver Alpha watching his reaction curiously.

"How long have you thought about this?" Bokuto asked, and Hinata ducked his ears back a bit, clearly embarrassed.

"Since…" He bit his lip, worrying it between his teeth. "Since I proposed us forging a pack." He looked to Akaashi, the other omega nodding an affirmation at Hinata's words.

"We discussed it briefly that first day."

"Shouyou." Bokuto breathed, reaching out and petting along his boyfriend's side, his expression gradually relaxing and a small smile turning up his lips. "You've considered it this whole time? You never said anything to any of us."

"I still don't know if that's what I want." Hinata murmured quietly, fidgeting slightly and looking down at his hands, picking at the hem of his shirt absently. "I also don't want you to have any negative feelings about such a suggestion. I was worried what you might think about it, about how it might make you feel…" He looked up to meet Bokuto's eyes, his brow pinched lightly. "I don't want you to ever think that you're not giving me enough, or not doing enough to fulfill my needs. I love you with all of my heart, with my entire being." He pressed a hand over his own chest, trailing his palm down to rest against his flat stomach while adding softly, "I want you to seed life within me. I want to carry your pups. I want us to at least try."

Bokuto hummed quietly, nodding and leaning closer to press a kiss to Hinata's forehead. "I know that, baby. I love you too, sweetheart." He glanced over at Kuroo briefly before returning his attention to his omega. "I understand what you mean, I know that's not your intention. I want to give that to you so badly, Sho. I'll try everything I can, anything the doctor recommends. I'll try my best to give you what you're longing for, but in the end if things don't go the way we want them to, then…" He shifted his gaze to Skye, then to Kuroo and Akaashi, giving them both a tender smile. "If Tetsu is open to the idea of it, then...yeah. Yeah I think I would be okay with Tetsurou siring our pups."

"They would be siblings." Kuroo murmured, his eyes on Skye, his cheeks still impossibly warm. He shivered as Akaashi pressed a palm over his chest, nuzzling into his neck and kissing at his pulse, Kuroo shivering and wrapping his arms around his omega, gradually meeting Hinata's eyes.

Hinata glanced between the two Alphas gingerly, blushing as he bit his lip and offered Kuroo an embarrassed little smile. Bokuto watched their exchange, sighing and combing his fingers through Hinata's bright hair, Skye cooing and babbling noisily between them, laughing and reaching out for Hinata, the omega shifting to lift the baby into his arms.

They watched a movie together in relative silence, Hinata holding Skye through the majority of the night before Akaashi took his son from Hinata gently and carried him upstairs to the nursery, putting him to bed. When the omega returned he drew Hinata close to his side, cuddling up with him and lacing their fingers while pressing soft kisses to his forehead and cheeks, Hinata blushing and purring happily, enjoying being doted upon. Kuroo and Bokuto reclined on either side of their intended omegas, the Alphas watching over them quietly, exchanging glances and smiles now and then.

As the movie ended, Hinata was already half-asleep, Bokuto petting along his lower back and meeting Akaashi's eyes, leaning down to kiss him gently, Kuroo pressing closer to steal a kiss from each of them as well.

"Let's take him to bed?" Akaashi murmured quietly, and Bokuto nodded, carefully scooping Hinata into his arms and carrying him to Akaashi's bedroom, Kuroo and Akaashi trailing behind them.

Kuroo paused in the doorway to their bedroom, watching as Bokuto and Hinata curled up in the middle of their bed, Akaashi smoothing his palms over Kuroo's chest slowly before reaching up and tangling his fingers in his Alpha's dark hair, Kuroo crooning softly and meeting his eyes.

Akaashi held his gaze, tugging him down slightly while asking gently, "Are you okay with this? Do you want this too?"

Kuroo blushed lightly, humming thoughtfully for a moment before nodding, smiling and pressing a kiss to Akaashi's lips. "I'm alright with it, if you're sure you're okay with it."

Akaashi pulled back a bit, his eyes gleaming in the darkness. "That's not what I asked." He pet Kuroo's jaw, his fingertips trailing down the Alpha's neck to settle on his shoulder. "Do you want this? Do you want to be intimate with him?" He arched his brow ever so slightly, adding in little more than a whisper, "Do you want to sire pups with Shouyou?"

Kuroo was quiet for a long moment, the blush that had stained his cheeks before returning, clearly visible even in the darkness. "With your consent, yes Keiji." He nuzzled his intended gently, kissing along the rises of his cheeks. "Yes, I want to share intimacy with Shouyou. If it becomes something more than just playing around together, if it becomes a relationship, or if the time comes where he wants me to give him pups, then yes. I will consent to being his sire." He kissed Akaashi's lips slowly, breathing out softly, "I want to have more pups with you, when you're ready. I would be happy to give pups to Shouyou and Koutarou, if that's what they wanted. If that's what all of us wanted to share, together."

"Good." Akaashi whispered, tugging Kuroo closer again, "That's what I wanted to hear." Akaashi pushed himself up onto his toes, kissing Kuroo slow and deep, the Alpha crooning and cupping the back of Akaashi's neck, drawing him closer to the bed. They settled down beside Hinata and Bokuto, Akaashi pressed along the smaller omega's back while Kuroo cuddled up behind his intended, Bokuto smiling and watching them with a lazy, tired expression. He was half-asleep as well, yawning while petting along Hinata's side, the petite omega breathing deeply against his chest, already fast asleep.

Kuroo reached over Akaashi and Hinata to touch Bokuto's arm, the Alphas holding one another's eyes, Bokuto smiling and watching his partners with an affectionate smile before closing his eyes. "I love you Tetsurou. I love you Keiji."

"We love you too." Kuroo crooned deeply, rubbing over Bokuto's bicep before reaching up and petting through his hair, stroking along the silver Alpha's ears.

"We love you both so much." Akaashi echoed, kissing Hinata's shoulder, glancing towards the baby monitor on the nightstand before settling down to sleep. His ears twitched lightly towards the soft sounds of Skye's breathing now and then, Kuroo stretching out behind him with a heavy yawn before exhaling deeply and closing his eyes as well, his fingers curled against Akaashi's waist.

Hinata, Bokuto, and Kozume's bonding ceremony would be held over the upcoming weekend, attended by friends and loved ones, surrounded by brilliant sunshine and countless flowers.


Thanks for reading! More to come!