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 the day with Kageyama and his bandmates.
Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics
Ch 23: Align
Kozume frowned a little, leaning closer to examine the bandage wrapped around Hinata's upper arm, the omega watching his movements with an affectionate smile.
"I'm alright, Kenma. Really." He flexed lightly, twisting his arm to show Kozume the inner curve of the bandage, where gauze was padded over the place his implant had rested before. "It doesn't hurt that much, and the nurse gave me some numbing cream to use for the first few days after. She said there'll likely be some light bruising, but otherwise…"
"What about swimming?" Kozume asked hesitantly, glancing up and meeting Hinata's eyes. "You'll need to stay out of the water until it's healed, right?"
Hinata grinned sheepishly, nodding lightly. "For the first few days, yes, but I'll have the rest of the week to swim!" He took Kozume's hand, squeezing tightly. "Don't worry so much! This is a good thing!" He tugged Kozume along, giggling happily, leading him towards the set of glass doors at the far side of the lobby. "I can't wait to surprise Koutarou, he has no idea I managed to snag a last minute appointment at Akaashi's clinic! Getting my implant removed before our idyll at the beach is perfect!"
Kozume arched his brow lightly while letting out a soft sigh, squeezing Hinata's fingers gently. He knew how much Hinata wanted this, but the concept of having his implant removed versus the sudden reality of it were two vastly different things. Kozume could barely fathom the idea of Hinata experiencing a heat cycle, let alone the omega actually being pregnant should Bokuto successfully kindle that spark. If Kozume wasn't cautious during Hinata's heat, there was a chance that he himself might become a sire too. He'd never had to concern himself with such possibilities before. Hinata had received his implant quite some time before they'd decided to start exploring sexually together. Kozume had never shared intimacy with Hinata during his heat before.
Kozume lifted his arm, reaching up to shield his eyes while stepping out into the brilliant sunshine, blinking for a moment to allow his vision to clear before continuing on through the parking lot. Hinata was practically skipping as they made their way to the car, Kozume fetching his keys from his pocket and unlocking the doors before taking his place behind the wheel, Hinata climbing into the passenger seat beside him. The pair took a few moments to fasten their seat belts before Kozume started the car and slowly began making his way through the parking lot towards the nearest road. Hinata was smiling and humming to himself quietly, pausing to send a quick text before offering Kozume his phone, displaying the intended address with a cheery grin.
"Kageyama says they're still practicing at the bar! It isn't too far from the sex club we went to before, do you recognize the address?"
Kozume hummed a quiet affirmation, turning onto an adjacent street before beginning in the direction of the bar, Hinata humming happily to himself while sending another text, eventually reaching over to hold Kozume's hand once he was done.
"I'm glad he's at least out of the house today. Yesterday, when I went to visit, he was in a really dark place."
Kozume glanced over to meet Hinata's eyes, squeezing his fingers lightly before returning his attention to the road, replying gently, "It was kind of you to spend time with him."
Hinata sighed quietly, nodding slowly while casting his gaze aside, his thoughts on Oikawa. On his final moments. A part of him knew Kageyama wasn't in that mindset, that despite the beta's sadness and grief he wasn't suicidal, but the possibility remained. He couldn't risk it. He couldn't leave Kageyama alone with only his thoughts. He had so much guilt and regret trapped inside of him. Hinata wanted to do whatever he could to help shoulder that terrible burden. He wanted to help Kageyama heal, to help him forgive himself. He wanted Kageyama to allow himself to love, in whatever capacity he possibly could.
Hinata would start with establishing trust and kindling a friendship first.
The drive from the clinic to the bar wasn't far, and once they found a place to park Kozume and Hinata walked hand in hand together towards the entrance, ignoring the closed sign on the front door and letting themselves inside. Saeko glanced up as they wandered into the lobby, the female Alpha waving and beckoning them closer to the bar while continuing to pour drinks. A cluster of bandmates were gathered together on the brightly lit stage facing the lobby, Tanaka laughing loudly and shoulder-checking Nishinoya while Azumane watched their exchange quietly, rubbing his nape sheepishly. The tall beta shifted his gaze towards Hinata and Kozume as they stepped closer, and Kozume's footsteps faltered only for a moment before he continued his approach, his ears pivoting towards the tall beta cautiously, a shiver coursing up his spine.
Hinata noticed Kozume's sudden tension, squeezing his hand and tilting his head while watching his boyfriend curiously. "Kenma? What is it?"
Kozume's eyes were still on Azumane as he leaned a little closer and replied, "It's been years since I've seen an ursine in the city. They're typically fond of rural, wilderness settings." He glanced down and met Hinata's eyes, offering him a little smile. "Nothing's wrong, it just set my survival instincts on alert for a moment. I wasn't expecting it." He smoothed his thumb over the back of Hinata's hand, asking curiously, "You don't feel anything instinctual being around him? As an omega, I'm surprised his presence doesn't immediately spark anxiety. Ursine tend to trigger flight responses in omegas more so than any other presentation." Kozume looked towards Azumane once more, one of his ears twitching lightly as he spoke. "Though I can tell he's purposefully playing a submissive role, his height and muscularity are intimidating in and of themselves. He's much larger than both Tetsurou and Koutarou. I can't imagine how large an ursine Alpha must be."
Hinata's eyes were wide as he listened to his boyfriend's words, taking in everything that was said, his ears perking up as he replied in an excited whisper, "Oh is that what that feeling is? I had no idea! The first time we met, I just assumed he was a really big lupine!"
"He's such a softie." Saeko said with a smile, Kozume and Hinata glancing towards her as she came to stand beside them, the Alpha crossing her arms over her chest and watching her bandmates fondly. "Asahi has been with us for years now, ever since Nishinoya took him in. There's not a dominant bone in his body. He's protective of us, that's true enough, but he's quiet and submissive in all other aspects. He's an amazing friend, if you take the time to get to know him on a personal level." She gave the pair a little wink, then gestured for them to approach the stage, calling out to her friends cheerily as they went. "Hey guys! Why don't you run through that last segment one more time? I've been excited to let Hinata hear the arrangement before the ceremony tomorrow!"
Hinata grinned and tugged Kozume along with him as he found a seat at a small table near the front of the stage, Kozume sitting down beside him and watching his expressions affectionately, gently petting over his thigh. Hinata grinned up at him as Kozume nosed at his ear, scooting his chair close enough that he could comfortably rest against Kozume's side as they listened together, the omega purring softly while tilting his face up for a kiss.
It took a few moments for the bandmates to gather their instruments and start to play, but once they began Hinata realized Kageyama and Yachi were absent, glancing towards Saeko at the bar before casting his eyes around the lobby, frowning a little and retrieving his phone from his pocket.
/HS: Hey! We found Netsui okay!
/HS: Saeko is giving us a taste of the planned arrangements for tomorrow!
/HS: Where are you?
He stared down at his phone for a moment longer before locking the screen and resting it atop his lap, Kozume squeezing his thigh and sighing quietly against his ear before murmuring gently, "I love you, Sho."
"Love you." Hinata purred, tilting his face up for another kiss, Kozume doting on him for a moment longer before returning his attention to the stage, his fingertips dancing across Hinata's thigh along to the rhythm of the bass.
Several minutes passed before Hinata's phone vibrated against his lap, the screen illuminating as he flipped the device over to check his messages, a little smile teasing across his lips.
/KT: Almost back.
/KT: See you soon.
"Here!" Saeko said cheerily as she placed a tray of drinks on the table before them, waving her fingers with a teasing flourish over the myriad of glasses. "Taste test a few of these and let me know what you think! We'll bring along some goodies tomorrow for your dedications during your toasts!"
Kozume offered her a friendly smile while dipping his ears back a bit. "Thank you for taking the time to cater to us so thoroughly. I'm glad Shouyou was able to make arrangements with you for our ceremony. The music is lovely as well."
Saeko flashed her fangs with a wide grin, nodding and propping her hand on her hip, Hinata already reaching for a glass, sniffing at the cocktail curiously before taking a sip. "We're happy to help! I'm pleased it's all worked out so smoothly! Kiyoko helping out with the floral arrangements for the venue, Flightless performing during your ceremony-" She perked her ears up at the sound of the front door opening, smiling and stepping away while calling out to Kageyama teasingly, "Well well who do we have here? Is that Artemis? Goodness gracious you've grown!"
Hinata twisted in his seat to follow Saeko's movements, his eyes on Kageyama and Yachi, and the small boy walking between them. He was little, perhaps around five or so, hiding against the side of Kageyama's leg while looking up at Saeko shyly, the Alpha kneeling down to greet him while offering one of her hands.
"Sorry, Saeko." Kageyama murmured softly, peering down at the child and petting between his ears slowly. "Kiyoko will come pick him up soon."
"It's alright! Don't worry." She grinned and glanced towards the bar briefly, "Would he like some juice? I have orange or cranberry, and maybe some cherries for a snack?"
Artemis perked his ears up slightly at Saeko's words, glancing up at Kageyama and tugging at his fingers hesitantly, his voice incredibly soft. "Cherry?"
Kageyama hummed and nodded, Saeko lingering for a moment longer before pushing herself up and walking back to the bar. Yachi followed after her while waving goodbye to Artemis, the little boy watching her go without waving in reply, merely hiding against Kageyama's leg and looking around the lounge silently, his gaze eventually settling on Kozume and Hinata.
Kozume was watching their exchange quietly, asking under his breath so only Hinata could hear, "Is that Kageyama's son?"
Hinata arched his brow a little, shaking his head slowly. "I don't know. He's never mentioned a child before."
Kageyama took his time walking the distance to their table, speaking softly to Artemis all the while, the music on stage drowning out most of his voice. Artemis was watching him, nodding now and then and replying quietly, his ears dipping back a bit before perking once more, the child never letting go of Kageyama's hand. As they reached the table, Kageyama pulled out a chair for Artemis and helped him climb up, then took a seat beside him. Once he was certain Artemis was settled he finally lifted his head and met Hinata's eyes, his brow arched apologetically.
"Sorry. I had to pick up Arte from school unexpectedly. Kiyoko's coming to pick him up once she's finished with the arrangement she's working on." He shifted his gaze to Kozume, smiling a little and nodding his head in greeting. "It's nice to meet you. I've heard a lot about you."
"It's nice to meet you too." Kozume replied smoothly, Hinata squeezing his hand beneath the table, the betas watching one another for a few moments before Kozume opted to speak again. "Your band is quite talented. I'm excited to hear more of your work at our ceremony tomorrow." He glanced over at Hinata, the omega grinning brightly while gazing up at him fondly. "I heard Shouyou made a few special requests that you graciously agreed to oblige. Thank you for taking the time to accommodate him. He absolutely adores your songs."
Kageyama was quiet for a few moments before his expression smoothed, and he nodded lightly. "We're looking forward to it. Thank you for having us."
Yachi appeared a moment later, a small cup of water and a plate of snacks in hand, the feline setting the assortment down between Kageyama and Artemis before stepping away again. She didn't return to the bar, taking her place on stage before her keyboard instead, Kageyama's eyes trailing after her, his ears tuned to the sound of his bandmates as they began to run through a new song.
"Should you go play with them? For practice?" Hinata asked, watching Kageyama curiously before turning his attention to Artemis. The little boy was munching on a cracker quietly, his blue-grey eyes trained on Hinata as the omega spoke, Hinata giving him a reassuring smile. "We can watch him, it isn't any trouble. If that's okay with you both?"
Kageyama was quiet, considering, leaning a little closer to Artemis and murmuring against the curve of his ear, "Are you alright to sit here while I go on stage and play my guitar?"
Artemis nodded lightly, chewing and looking up at Kageyama while reaching for another cracker, Kageyama hovering for a moment before kissing his forehead and standing from the table, offering Kozume and Hinata a smile in thanks.
He grabbed his guitar from its stand before finding his usual place in the center of the stage, standing in front of the microphone. After a few words to his bandmates they began to play the song over again, Kageyama's vocals filling the lounge with a smooth, crooning melody. It sent shivers down Hinata's spine, the omega pressing a little closer to his boyfriend while resting his head against his shoulder, Kozume smiling and tracing patterns with his fingertips against the curve of Hinata's thigh.
Though it may not have been as intense for him personally as the emotions Hinata felt while listening to Kageyama sing, Kozume couldn't argue with Kageyama's raw talent. His voice was captivating, the melodies and harmonies he wove with his bandmates beautiful and intrinsic. It was a wonder their band wasn't more popular in the local city spectrum. Until Hinata had spoken of them and began to sing along with their songs, Kozume had never even heard of Flightless before.
Perhaps the band would glean a bit of exposure, playing for their bonding ceremony. From everything Kozume had heard so far, they certainly deserved it.
Artemis was quiet for the most part, sipping at his small glass of water and eating cherries and crackers now and then, his ears perked towards Kageyama as he listened to the songs playing on stage. Hinata watched the child curiously, wondering who he was to Kageyama. His son? Or perhaps his nephew? If Shimizu was coming to pick him up soon, perhaps that meant he was Shimizu's son, instead of Kageyama's. He looked like them, both of them. His dark blue eyes were raincloud-grey beneath the bright stage lights, his hair as black as ink.
In some ways, Artemis reminded Hinata of Skye. He wondered what Skye would look like at that age. It twisted something inside of Hinata, a warm, fluttery feeling dancing happily within his chest. He couldn't wait to see Skye and Rue grow up together. He couldn't wait to have his own pups.
He traced his thumb over the edge of his bandage absently, Kozume noticing his movements and asking with mild concern, "Are you alright? Are you in any pain?"
Hinata shook his head, smiling and gazing up at Kozume with a gleam in his eyes, a sheen of happy tears glossing over his honey-brown irises. "I'm fine, I promise. I'm just thinking about my future with Koutarou and you." He squeezed Kozume's fingers tightly, a light flush dusting his cheeks. "I can't wait. I can't wait to begin my new life with you. Both of you. By this time tomorrow we'll be bonded for life. I can't wait to dedicate my life to you."
Kozume exhaled a soft breath of laughter, his cheeks tinted slightly with a hint of rosy pink. "You're such a romantic."
"You absolutely love me for it." Hinata purred, Kozume chuckling again and offering him a kiss, Hinata pressing closer to accept it.
On stage, Kageyama was watching them while strumming his guitar, wondering what it must be like for them, to be bonding to each other, and also the Alpha he had met before. A threeway bond, between an Alpha, and omega, and a beta. It made his chest twist with memories. It made him think of how it had once been, when he had been intimate with both Tulousse and Mala'chai.
He wondered what it might have been like, to bond with both his lover and his best friend.
He pulled his eyes away, blinking back tears, focusing on Artemis instead. He took a breath, letting out a shaky exhale, and then started to sing again.
Shimizu arrived at the bar about an hour later, Artemis immediately climbing down from his seat and running across the lounge to greet her as she knelt against the carpet, wrapping her arms around him tightly and cuddling him against her chest.
"How's my sweet boy?" She crooned softly, gathering him into her arms and carrying him back towards the stage, smiling as she nuzzled into Artemis' hair and kissed between his small ears. She greeted Hinata and Kozume with a warm smile, congratulating them on their upcoming ceremony while swaying lightly on her feet, back and forth in a rhythmic, soothing pattern. Artemis hid against her shoulder as she spoke to Hinata, holding onto her shirt tightly, Shimizu stroking her nails through his dark hair before tracing down his spine, her purring audible despite the music, her tone warm and resonating.
Kageyama lingered on stage, finishing the last several measures of their song before stepping away from the mic and setting his guitar aside, descending the small staircase to the lounge and offering a hug to his sister.
"Hey, Kiyoko. Sorry to interrupt your flow while you're working." He sighed softly, holding her eyes and reaching up to pet along Artemis' back gently. "Do you need me to come back to the shoppe and help you with finishing up the arrangements? I can watch Arte while you work?"
Shimizu shook her head, an affectionate smile gracing her lips. "That's not necessary. I should be finished within the next few hours." She leaned closer to kiss her brother's cheek, petting over his chest lightly. "I'm sure everything will be alright, but I'll call you if I need anything?"
"Yeah." Kageyama agreed softly, saying goodbye to Artemis before giving a little wave, Artemis watching him while Shimizu turned and started towards the front door, leaving the bandmates and their audience to their own devices.
Hinata sighed quietly as he set his drink aside, wrinkling his nose a bit at the flavor, Kozume arching his brow and asking teasingly, "So not that one then?"
"No, not that one. It's definitely too tart!" He picked up a half-full glass beside it, taking a sip and humming appreciatively. "This one though, I really like it." He offered Kozume the glass while asking, "Have you tried this one yet? What do you think?"
Kozume took the glass from his fingers, lifting it and sniffing before taking a sip for himself, the beta humming and licking his lips, nodding his approval. "Not too sweet, but pleasant. I like that one. I bet Koutarou would like it too. It's fruity, and light."
Hinata grinned and nodded, taking another sip before setting the glass aside, his eyes on Kageyama, the tall, dark beta watching him quietly for a moment before returning to the stage once more.
Their band played together for a while longer, Saeko eventually joining them on stage once she had taken note of Hinata and Kozume's requests, the pair listening and laughing together quietly, enjoying simply resting together a while.
Kozume checked his phone once the last song was played, humming thoughtfully and flicking through his most recent text messages before murmuring against Hinata's ear, "You're sure you're alright to stay a while? You can come with me if you'd like. I'm certain Mori wouldn't mind."
"I'm good here." Hinata replied with a smile, nuzzling Kozume's jaw, purring softly. "I'll text you later to come pick me up?"
Kozume hummed his approval, pressing soft kisses to Hinata's cheek before standing up from his seat, giving the bandmates on stage a little wave goodbye before turning towards the door. Hinata waited until the door closed once more before shifting from his seat, meandering across the empty lobby towards the bar, humming the song they had just played softly under his breath, the melody still drifting through his mind.
Tanaka and Saeko were exchanging growls teasingly as they left the stage and approached the bar, Saeko stepping behind the long counter and lining up a row of glasses, already starting to prepare a round of drinks. Tanaka took a seat before his sister, perking his ears towards Hinata and giving him an impish grin. "So that was your intended, huh? He's pretty cute!"
Hinata laughed merrily and nodded while taking a seat as well, Nishinoya and Azumane claiming seats beside Tanaka while Kageyama and Yachi quietly approached. "He's one of my intended, yes. My other bondmate is an Alpha! He's excited to meet you all tomorrow." Hinata met Saeko's eyes as she offered him a drink, taking the glass from her with a little grin before continuing. "He was busy with the last segment of his college finals today, otherwise he would have been here with us too."
"Oh yeah that's right. It's time for spring graduation, isn't it?" Nishinoya mused, Azumane nodding lightly, his gaze drifting from the petite beta beside him to rest on Hinata, offering the omega a sheepish grin.
Hinata perked his ears up at the sensation of his gaze, watching the giant beta curiously. There were differences he could recognize now that they were in close proximity; the structure of his facial features, the width of his pupils and the shape of his irises in comparison to the lupines surrounding them. He seemed to notice Hinata's evaluation, ducking his rounded ears a bit and shying away from his gaze, casting his eyes to the side and hunching slightly in an attempt to camouflage his impressive height.
Hinata arched his brow apologetically, tracing his fingers along the condensation dampening his glass while saying hesitantly, "I'm sorry if I'm staring! I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable! I just-" He looked between Tanaka and Nishinoya, meeting eyes with Saeko briefly before returning his gaze to Azumane once more. "Kenma mentioned before that you're ursine? I've never...met an ursine before." He laughed brightly, his cheeks rosy with embarrassment as he added tentatively, "I was trying to remember the different branches of the genetics tree, but it's been so long since I've studied it I can't quite remember where ursine resides?"
Nishinoya spoke up immediately, leaning around Tanaka so he could speak past the Alpha's shoulder with a friendly smile. "Ursine are actually considered fourth tier, alongside procyonine and leporine! Though last I checked, the most recent census showed leporine have been gradually ascending towards third tier, given their steady population increase over the past several generations!"
Hinata nodded solemnly, biting his lip and giggling a little before taking another sip of his drink. "I met a leporine for the first time recently! It was at a club nearby actually, that's how Kenma and I were able to find the bar so easily!"
Nishinoya and Tanaka exchanged a glance at that, Tanaka smirking and quirking a brow while Nishinoya asked curiously, "Wait, you've been to a club around here? In this neighborhood?"
Hinata nodded again, casting his eyes across the surface of the bar while searching his memory for the name. "Jōnetsu? I think it was?"
"Holy shit!" Tanaka barked out excitedly, laughing rowdily while nudging Nishinoya with his elbow, fixing his eyes on his sister, grinning broadly all the while. "See? Even omega visit Passion! I'm telling you we've gotta go check it out soon!"
"What a way to burn through all of your money in one night." Saeko sighed, shaking her head, a teasing smile turning up the corners of her lips. "You'd like the attention so much you'd never leave! Then you'd be stuck working off your debt for the foreseeable future, and we would be down a guitarist!"
Tanaka grinned wolfishly, lifting his glass and toasting the air before downing the entire drink in one gulp, exhaling loudly while setting the glass down again. "Hey hey! There are worse ways to live!"
Kageyama was watching their exchange with interest, his arms crossed against the countertop as he leaned forward to catch Tanaka's eyes. "She's right, you know. You're terrible with handling money, and even worse at telling people no."
"Especially pretty girls!" Nishinoya jeered, Tanaka growling playfully and nudging the beta back as Nishinoya shoved at his shoulder, Azumane watching over them with a little smile, Hinata giggling happily.
"I'd never been to an omega club before!" He added with a dreamy little sigh. "It was definitely an experience!"
Kageyama exhaled a soft huff of laughter, Hinata grinning up at him while taking another sip of his drink, Kageyama eventually lifting his glass as well. They fell into a comfortable silence, Tanaka and Nishinoya chatting back and forth merrily while Saeko and Yachi spoke together quietly at the other end of the bar, laughing together and enjoying their drinks. Hinata watched them absently, his gaze drifting from the girls to Kageyama once more, realizing with a start that Kageyama was watching him with a small smile.
Hinata perked his ears up a bit, unable to stop the blush creeping across his cheeks. He was admittedly a little tipsy after taste-testing drinks, and now close to finishing a glass all to himself he was starting to feel warm and floaty. He arched his brow, a little giggle escaping him before he pressed the back of his hand over his mouth, looking up at Kageyama apologetically.
"Sorry, I'm a bit of a lightweight." He fanned himself while glancing towards Saeko once more, thinking of asking for a glass of water to balance out the alcohol in his system, but all coherent thought left him as Kageyama reached out to touch him, brushing his fingertips lightly against Hinata's cheek, tucking some of his bright orange hair away from his eyes.
"It's alright. You don't need to apologize." He glanced past Hinata's shoulder, Tanaka making a playful, curious sound.
"Smoke break?" The Alpha crooned teasingly, and Kageyama returned his smile, nodding.
"Here? Or are we headed to Yuu's place?"
Nishinoya finished the rest of his drink with a happy cheer, getting up from his seat and beckoning Azumane to follow along after him, calling to Saeko as he went, "You girls coming? You're welcome to join us!"
"I'll pass this time!" Saeko called, giving a wave, Yachi smiling and watching them go, still sipping at her daiquiri and making no move to follow after. "You kids have fun! Remember what time we're meeting up tomorrow at the gardens! Sound checks before the ceremony!"
"You got it, boss!" Tanaka called back teasingly, his sister flashing her fangs a bit as he followed quickly after Nishinoya, Kageyama finishing off his drink as well before getting up, offering his hand to Hinata.
"You coming with?" He asked, his eyes soft and dark. "Yuu lives in the neighborhood. It's close enough to walk to without needing to drive."
"Sure!" Hinata laughed, taking Kageyama's hand and squeezing his fingers while waving goodbye to Saeko and Yachi, Kageyama guiding him to the door and out into the sunshine. Kageyama took the lead, turning away from the bar to cut across the parking lot and continue along the adjacent sidewalk, heading towards the next street and the small neighborhood beyond. Nishinoya and Tanaka were play-fighting and chasing one another along the sidewalk, Azumane lumbering quietly along behind them, glancing back over his shoulder now and then to ensure Kageyama and Hinata hadn't fallen too far behind.
Hinata glanced around the neighborhood in wonder, shivering lightly and pressing a little closer to Kageyama's side, his hold on the beta's fingers drawing tight. It wasn't often that he found himself outside of upper-class lupine-dominant neighborhoods, and walking the streets in a mid-class district was certainly not something he was fully comfortable with. Especially not as an omega.
Kageyama noticed his growing anxiety, leaning a little closer and murmuring against his ear. "It's alright. This neighborhood may look rough, but it's actually on the high-end of the mid-class spectrum. We've never had any trouble here, and we walk the streets most nights after playing at the bar. Yuu has lived in this sector for a long time, he knows most of his neighbors." Kageyama gestured towards the nearby houses that they passed, continuing steadily along the sidewalk after his friends. "The houses are older, they're definitely weather-worn on the outside, but on the inside most have been recently refurbished. Yuu and Asahi just finished painting a few weeks ago. They did a really good job with it, given they have little to no experience with home renovations. Wait until you see."
Hinata nodded and smiled up at the beta as he spoke, listening to his voice and allowing Kageyama's presence to soothe him, his anxiety fading away. They were in a group, he wasn't wandering the streets alone, and it was the middle of the day. He trusted Kageyama and his friends to keep them all safe. After all, if he wanted Kageyama to trust him and garner his friendship, he in turn had to trust Kageyama too.
When they reached the end of the street, there was a small cream-colored house sitting on the corner behind a tall chain fence. It was covered in ivy almost completely on one side, but as they stepped past the gate and made their way towards the front steps Hinata could tell there was more to the house than what first met the eye. Nishinoya unlocked the door and beckoned them inside, Azumane ducking slightly to pass under the doorframe while Tanaka kicked off his shoes beside the door and made his way across the plush carpet to plop down on an oversized bean bag chair. Kageyama and Hinata stepped inside just after, Kageyama pausing to close the front door and lock it securely behind them before kicking off his shoes, Hinata mirroring his movements and looking around the interior of the small house with wonder.
"Make yourself at home!" Nishinoya called as he disappeared around the corner and trotted off down the hall, his voice muffled as he called over his shoulder, "Tobio, can you roll for us?"
"Yeah." Kageyama called back, sighing and settling down on the couch before a large oval coffee table, motioning for Hinata to sit down beside him.
Azumane was watching quietly from nearby, taking a seat on the floor beside the couch opposite of Tanaka, crossing his legs beneath him and leaning forward to rest his chin against the arm of the couch, watching Kageyama work. Hinata was watching his movements as well, perking his ears up curiously as Kageyama retrieved a cookie tin from beneath the table and pulled it into view, opening the lid and drawing out rolling papers and a grinder, then several small jars filled with varying strains of marijuana.
Kageyama glanced over as he reached for one of the jars, opening it while watching Hinata's reactions, the omega's eyes widening a bit at that first whiff of cannabis drifting through the air. "Have you ever smoked before?"
Hinata hummed and nodded, arching his brow a little and letting out an embarrassed peal of laughter. "Yeah, I've tried it before with my partners, back when I was still attending college with them." He tilted his head slightly, thinking of the first time he'd shared a joint with Osamu and Atsumu behind one of the dorms in the middle of the night. "Sneaking around campus high was pretty fun, from what I can remember? We definitely got into some shenanigans together while under the influence, and I distinctly remember having the munchies! But that was years ago."
Kageyama nodded absently, listening to Hinata while beginning to grind up a few clusters of flower from one of the jars, licking at the tips of his fingers while retrieving a paper to roll. "You aren't in school anymore?"
"I dropped out my freshman year." Hinata clarified, grinning and shrugging lightly. "I never really liked school, college just wasn't for me. I manage alright on my own without a degree or steady work, with what government assistance is given out monthly to omegas who'd rather not put themselves in heavy social situations." He glanced down and to the side, teasing his toes along the plush carpet beneath their feet while admitting softly, "I guess I'm lucky my presentation is what it is. Both Osamu and Bokuto are still in college, though hopefully they'll be graduating soon! I couldn't imagine it, living on campus, spending years of my life studying and attending classes. All the homework, all the testing they have to endure. They're both really brave."
"I never went to college either." Kageyama agreed with a hum, setting the first joint to the side and beginning to work on another. "I think most of us here either never went to begin with, or dropped out within the first few years." He glanced up, his eyes drifting towards Tanaka, the Alpha grinning and nodding, giving a cheery thumbs-up.
"No school for me! Been helping Saeko out with the bar for as long as I can remember, and playing gigs locally for extra cash." He rested his head back, staring up at the ceiling as he thought aloud, "Guess the last time I had a job job was a delivery gig a while back? I ate way too much pizza back then. Saeko was always on my ass for being a fuckin' slob, saying you're gonna get fat if you keep it up!"
Nishinoya appeared from down the hallway just as Tanaka finished his sentence, the beta snorting out an amused laugh and shaking his head, grinning as he met the Alpha's eyes. "I remember that! God, that place was so greasy! Your clothes had to be washed separately at the laundromat to make sure it didn't get mixed in with any of our stuff!"
Azumane chuckled softly, a deep, rumbling sound that had Hinata shivering and perking his ears towards the ursine, the tall beta falling silent once more. Hinata watched him curiously, swinging his legs lightly for a moment before pressing a little closer to Kageyama's side, murmuring softly so only he could hear, "So...have you been friends with your bandmates for a long time now?"
Kageyama nodded, glancing over and meeting Hinata's eyes. "We've become pretty close over the past couple of years, since moving to the city. After unexpectedly crossing paths at the local park one night, Ryuu took me under his wing; introduced me to everyone else, got me a gig at Saeko's bar on the weekends. Things sort of just went from there." He looked from Tanaka and Nishinoya to Azumane before returning his eyes to Hinata again. "Yachi is our newest band member. She still keeps to herself more often than not, but she spends a lot of time with Saeko without us."
"We all know why that is!" Tanaka grinned, Nishinoya chuckling and walking the short distance to reach Azumane's side, plopping down beside him and tugging him backwards to lay down atop the carpet before nestling up under his arm. The ursine seemed content to act as his pillow, wrapping his arm around the petite beta without hesitation and petting along his side in slow, heavy passes, a thunderous purr beginning deep within his chest.
"I dunno, Ryuu. With their age gap, I don't think Saeko is gonna go for it!" Nishinoya sighed and stretched out against Azumane's side, petting over his broad chest and shrugging lightly, his cheek resting against the larger beta's pectoral lightly. "They'd be cute together, don't get me wrong. I just think that if it was going to happen it would have happened by now! They've known one another for almost a year now, and neither of them have made a move!"
"They flirt constantly." Tanaka shrugged, sighing and rolling onto his side to watch Kageyama work. "She's cozy enough with me, I wouldn't mind having her around more often. She might not be into me the way I'd like her to be, but I seriously think she'd be good for my sister. Saeko deserves to have somebody around that genuinely gives a shit about her. Who knows? Maybe having a cute girlfriend would help mellow her out!"
Kageyama let out a soft snort through his nose, lifting the second joint and reaching for a lighter, tossing both to Tanaka with a wiry smile. "Yeah? Maybe if you didn't antagonize her constantly she'd mellow the fuck out too!"
Tanaka chuckled heartily as he sat up and flicked the lighter twice, inhaling to get the joint burning steadily before tossing back the lighter with an impish smile. "Where the hell's the fun in that?"
"Your relationship with Saeko is completely different from Tobio's relationship with Kiyoko." Nishinoya mused, watching Kageyama as he set the first joint alight and took a deep drag, reaching out and offering the joint to Azumane next. "Watching you two together is sugary sweet, especially seeing you two with Artemis. He's growing like crazy! How old is he now?"
"He'll be six soon." Kageyama replied with a little sigh, reclining back on the couch and getting comfortable, Hinata watching as Azumane and Nishinoya passed the joint back and forth between them for a few drags before the ursine reached out and offered it back to Kageyama once more.
Kageyama took it from him with a little smile, lifting it to his lips and inhaling nice and slow, his eyes finding Hinata's before offering him the joint as well. "Do you want a hit?"
Hinata perked his ears up, licking his upper lip absently before nodding, taking it from Kageyama and holding it between his fingers for a moment before taking a small drag, trying to hold his breath for as long as he could before exhaling, coughing lightly and wrinkling his nose at the taste.
"Gosh, I'm such a lightweight when it comes to smoking and drinking." He offered back the joint with another little cough, Kageyama watching him and chuckling softly.
"Yeah, you mentioned that at the bar." He took another hit before passing it back to Azumane, shifting slightly towards the omega to focus his attention fully on Hinata. "Not much of a partier, huh? Even with having Alphas for partners?"
Hinata smiled at that, resting back against the cushions behind him and nodding. "Maybe it's because I'm so small? My tolerance has always been shit, even back when I partied a bit in college. Osamu was always watching out for me, making sure I didn't take things too far, keeping me safe. I'm lucky to have such attentive partners. They mean everything to me."
"Wait, wait. Hold on a sec." Tanaka took a deep drag, holding his breath for a moment before exhaling a large plume of smoke, the Alpha frowning lightly. "You said your partners are both Alphas? I thought the guy with you before was a beta?"
Hinata looked over and gave Tanaka a little nod, grinning as he patiently explained. "No, you're right! Kenma is a beta. He's my best friend, and has been since we were kids. He is one of my intended!" He lifted his hand, counting on his fingers. "My other intended is Koutarou. He's a huge Alpha! Super sweet and protective." Bubbly laughter escaped him at the thought of his partners, his mind drifting through the progression of his relationship with Bokuto. "We met through a dating app several months ago, and started talking online for a while before meeting up in person. He's actually my most recent partner in comparison to Kenma and the twins!"
"Twins?" Tanaka perked his ears up at that, blinking and narrowing his eyes before shaking his head a bit, trying to keep everything straight. "So wait, how many partners do you have?"
"Kenma and Koutarou," Hinata counted on his fingers, "and also Atsumu and Osamu, twin Alphas! So I have four partners currently." He blushed a bit, biting at his lip and glancing to the side, catching Kageyama's eyes. "Though I recently found out my friend Keiji is interested in exploring intimately together, so maybe one day soon I'll have an omega partner as well!"
Kageyama tilted his head slightly, one of his ears twitching as he asked curiously, "We met him before, didn't we? He was with you that day at the garden?"
Hinata nodded, his cheeks rosy and his smile bright. "Yes! Koushi and Keiji were with me that day! They're best friends, and platonic companions. Koushi has light hair, and Keiji has dark."
"Oh wow, yeah I remember him." Nishinoya let out a dreamy little sigh, grinning to himself as he closed his eyes and rested against Azumane's shoulder. "He was really pretty. I've always had a thing for dark-haired omegas." He blinked over at Hinata, blushing a bit while adding, "Ah, don't get me wrong! All three of you are super pretty!" He laughed merrily before elaborating, "It isn't often we're around a bunch of omegas. Even as a beta, it feels...different, y'know? It's a completely different vibe. It was nice performing for you guys!" He glanced between his bandmates with a cheery grin. "I think we were all nervous and excited when we made arrangements to perform at your bonding ceremony. We haven't played many gigs outside of the bar!"
Hinata smiled and nodded, giggling excitedly. "I can't wait for tomorrow! It'll be so much fun dancing and partying with everyone!" He sighed and closed his eyes, his fingertips trailing lightly over the woven fabric of the couch. "I'm so happy to be able to bond with them. I can't wait for us to spend the rest of our lives together."
Kageyama watched Hinata with a soft expression, nodding and casting his eyes away, his chest twisting for a moment before that pain slowly faded away. His thoughts were muddled, his body floaty and light, and he let out a deep sigh while stretching out a bit to find a more comfortable position, his hand pressed just slightly against the curve of Hinata's.
Hinata looked to Kageyama, realizing after a moment what he had said, and with a little frown and an arch of his brow he took Kageyama's hand, lacing their fingers gently. "I'm sorry…"
"No, don't be." Kageyama murmured, his eyes still closed, his brow pinching a bit and his tone soft. "I'm glad that you're happy with them. I'm glad you'll get to experience that with the people you love."
Nishinoya watched their exchange quietly for a moment before looking up at Azumane, catching his eyes and asking quietly, "I grabbed a bunch of extra pillows and blankets. Do you want to go to my room?"
"Yeah." Azumane agreed softly, Nishinoya pushing himself up from the carpet and watching Hinata and Kageyama while gesturing towards the hall with a smile.
"You're welcome to join us. We like to cuddle up together and take naps while we're high." He looked pointedly down at Tanaka while adding, "Though this one likes to nap by himself, selfish little brat. He is not fond of nesting."
"It's your fault for buying this giant ass bean bag chair! It's mine now, and there's only room for one Alpha!" Tanaka growled teasingly, rolling over and sighing pleasantly before waving them off. "Wake me up when you decide to order food."
"We will!" Nishinoya called back, his voice drifting down the hall, Azumane following quietly after.
Kageyama stayed where he was for a moment longer before shifting slightly, reaching up to card his fingers through his hair and blinking down at Hinata, asking gently, "Do you want to lay down with me?"
Hinata nodded, blushing lightly and squeezing Kageyama's hand. "I really liked it, cuddling with you yesterday."
Kageyama offered him a little smile, nodding and squeezing his fingers back as well. "Yeah. Yeah, I liked that too."
They stood from the couch carefully, Hinata a little wobbly on his feet as he held onto Kageyama's arm and giggled to himself softly, Tanaka letting out a loud yawn as they left the living room and walked down the hallway towards the bedrooms beyond. The door on the left was dark, devoid of any housemates, but the door to the right was open and multicolored lights were pouring out into the hallway.
Kageyama stepped into the spiraling kaleidoscope projecting from the small lamp on the nightstand nearby, padding cautiously across the blankets and pillows strewn over the carpet before coming to stand at Azumane's side, the ursine blinking up at him lazily and giving the lupine a wide grin. Nishinoya smiled up at them as well, patting the blankets beside them and waiting for Kageyama to settle down and get comfortable, Kageyama stretching out atop the pillows with a little sigh before looking up at Hinata, waiting for the omega to join them in the makeshift nest.
Hinata perked his ears up, blinking slowly down at the trio beneath him, considering for a moment before stepping closer, taking a spot between Kageyama and Azumane, Nishinoya watching in surprise. Azumane seemed taken back as well, inhaling softly as Hinata pressed a hand to his chest and half-collapsed into the pile beside him, biting his lip and giggling while giving the ursine an apologetic look. His eyes drifted over Azumane's facial features thoughtfully before slowly trailing down his body, his fingertips twitching against the soft fabric of Azumane's shirt.
"You're warm, like an Alpha." Hinata murmured curiously, leaning a little closer and pressing his cheek over Azumane's chest, listening to his fluttering heartbeat. Nishinoya grinned and hummed in agreement, petting over Azumane's chest and side while glancing up at him, Azumane's eyes trained on Hinata as he tried to remember how to breathe. He didn't move to touch Hinata in any way, his arm hovering in mid-air, not wanting to accidentally scare the omega off. It was so rare that anyone would ever approach him voluntarily, or show genuine interest beyond instinctual fear. He honestly wasn't sure how to react to the omega's curious touch.
Kageyama sighed quietly, pressing a little closer and petting along Hinata's lower back while resting on his side, catching Azumane's eyes and offering him a reassuring smile. "It's alright, Asahi. You're not going to hurt him. Just relax."
Hinata perked his ears up at that, blinking while ducking his ears back a bit, arching his brow and letting out a peal of embarrassed laughter, "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry - am I making you uncomfortable? I didn't-"
"It's alright." Nishinoya purred softly, reaching out and pressing his hand over Hinata's, coaxing the omega back into calm. "Just find a place you're comfortable with, and we'll all do the same. Alright?"
Hinata nodded slowly, trying to focus his thoughts, perking his ears up a bit and meeting Azumane's eyes, offering him a warm, flustered smile. "You're so big! You remind me of Koutarou. He was so nervous at first, to cuddle with me, to touch me. It took ages before he felt comfortable kissing me, or anything more than that." He hummed and pressed his cheek to Azumane's chest once more, sighing and curling up against his side, tangling his legs in the blanket bunched between them before relaxing completely and closing his eyes. "You don't have to be afraid." He murmured, petting over Azumane's chest slowly. "I'm not made of glass, I won't break."
"He's right, you know." Nishinoya said gently, reaching up and carding his fingers through Azumane's long hair, tucking some stray tresses away from his eyes and rubbing along the curve of one of his rounded ears, Azumane letting out a shuddering exhale before closing his eyes and starting to relax as well. "That's it, Asahi. That's it. Good boy."
Kageyama watched over them with an affectionate smile for several moments longer before pressing closer along Hinata's spine, spooning him while wrapping an arm around his small waist. He exhaled slowly, tucking his face against the curve of Hinata's shoulder and breathing him in, a small purr starting in his chest. As soon as Hinata felt it, he started purring as well, Nishinoya echoing his vocals mere moments after, until finally Azumane carefully rested his arm around Kageyama and Hinata and started purring as well.
"Thank you." Kageyama whispered, Hinata humming quietly and pressing back against his chest, glancing over his shoulder and meeting his eyes. "For being here. For spending time with us."
Hinata's cheeks were dusted with traces of pink, his bubbly laughter caught in his throat as he replied back teasingly, "I feel like I should be the one thanking you." He nuzzled Kageyama's nose and cheeks, his lips brushing over the beta's jaw lightly. "Thank you for inviting me."
"You're welcome." Kageyama murmured softly, Hinata yawning and returning to his previous position, one of his ears twitching lightly as he dozed off against Azumane's chest, the ursine's thunderous purr filling the room, lulling all of them towards the edge of sleep.
Nishinoya glanced over the steady rise and fall of Azumane's chest, watching the way Kageyama cuddled up with Hinata, smiling to himself as his eyelids grew heavy and he fought back that sinking feeling of sleep. When was the last time Kageyama had volunteered to cuddle with them like this? It was usually just the three of them, and Tanaka never opted to nest with them once it was time for sleep. It was nice, having Kageyama here with them, sharing casual intimacy. He wondered how often Hinata would be joining them, now that the omega and beta had started to become friends.
Nishinoya was excited to develop a friendship with Hinata too, still amazed at how quickly Hinata had warmed up to Azumane. As far as Nishinoya could remember, Azumane had never experienced nesting with an omega before. He wondered what the ursine thought of the little omega pressed up against his side, his fingers curled in the fabric of his shirt, sharing his scent and his warmth.
Hinata wasn't afraid. He was curious and eager to learn, naturally warm and understanding. In all aspects he appeared to be kind and accepting of others, regardless of the circumstances or differences that may have existed between them.
It made Nishinoya wonder what Hinata would think once he learned more about Kageyama, and who exactly Artemis was to Kageyama and Shimizu both.
-x-x-x-
Kozume nodded, holding Yaku's eyes, an affectionate smile teasing his lips. "That sounds perfect. I know it will be unexpected." He squeezed Yaku's hand, leaning a little closer to press his lips against the vulpine's cheek. "I'll help you in whatever way I can, Mori. Just give the signal, and I'll be there."
Yaku smiled and ducked his ears back a bit, his chest twisting with nervousness and at the same time endless, unbridled warmth. "I was worried it might be too forward of me, to insert myself into your bonding ceremony in such a way." He bit his lip, adding hesitantly, "I would never dare to steal the spotlight from the three of you on your special day, I only wish to share a moment with Lev, if you're certain that's okay?"
"I'm certain." Kozume reassured, nodding and offering his partner a kiss. "You don't have to be anxious about upsetting any of us. Koutarou and Shouyou will be ecstatic once they realize what's happening." He tilted his head slightly, adding with a knowing smile, "I do advise however we keep this to ourselves. Shouyou has the unfortunate habit of being unable to keep surprises to himself for very long, especially regarding situations like this."
Yaku laughed brightly, smiling and nodding his understanding. "Even though it's less than a day away, I can understand keeping such a secret would be excruciating for him. I know how happy he will be for us once he learns our intentions." He pressed a finger over his lips, whispering teasingly, "For now, it'll be our little secret! Until tomorrow!"
Kozume sighed quietly, offering Yaku an affectionate little smile, pressing closer to rest against the vulpine's side, trailing soft kisses along the curve of his jaw and down his throat. Yaku hummed appreciatively, turning his face to capture Kozume's lips, squeezing his fingers gently.
"I love you so much." He whispered, and Kozume smiled and pressed another kiss to his lips.
"I love you too, sweetheart."
Thanks for reading! More to come!
