Hinata's POV
The sound of birds chirping roused the young man, his legs uncurling from his chest he pushed them out straight, getting a long stretch down his spine all the way to his toes. He tried to raise his arms overhead, however one of his hands was detained. Glancing over to his sleeping guest, he noticed their fingers were interlaced, Kageyama holding firm onto his hand, and pressing their grasp over his heart. It almost pained him to wriggle his hand free, the sight was so pure… but- wait, why were they holding hands in the first place? How did their futons get so close? Hell, he was half on Kageyama's futon altogether! A deep flush covered his bare neck. Had Kageyama? No, there was no way he'd have the strength and mobility to move- so had… had Hinata moved himself over during the night? He couldn't remember at all, he'd been half dead from sleep deprivation.
"Oniisan?" A small voice called. Hinata pulled himself free of Kageyama's hold, and the confinement of the blankets and tiptoed over his guest's prone form. Opening the door he peered down at his sister- though he didn't have far to look. She had just started high school that year, and was only an inch or two shorter than Hinata. She stood at his door, dressed for class, her eyes downcast. "Your work called…"
"Ah… D-don't mind that, it was just a part time gig- I can always find another!" He said cheerfully, rubbing the back of his sleep tousled head. "Let me worry about rent and bills- you focus on school to keep up that scholarship, kay?" He had missed work, having to stay home and take care of Kageyama… but he didn't mind, most of the jobs he picked up were temporary- someone on vacation, someone in the hospital… limited time deals. He had become an expert at finding easy cash. Legally of course.
"Kay." He didn't expect the hug she flung at him, but it was welcome nonetheless. He stroked her head lovingly before she pulled away. "I'm going to work hard!" She cried, throwing a fist out for him to pound with his own. He complied, and without any further conversation, she turned to leave.
"Stay safe!" The door closed behind her wave, and the apartment was silent again, save for the little snore that resonated in the back of Kageyama's throat.
Hinata made quick work of readying more congee- not his favourite, but it would be the easiest for the taller boy to eat in his condition. While the food heated, he returned to the room, and replaced the cloth on Kageyama's head for a new one. In between stirring the food, and checking on his patient, he checked their clothing on the balcony to see how much they had dried over the last day and night. Satisfied, he pulled them off the makeshift line.
A small black rectangle fell out of Kageyama's pocket, landing next to Hinata's foot. He bent, and took it in his hands while checking it for any writing. It was faded and wrinkled from the river, but he could faintly make out the outline of a dark red flower.
"What is…" The sound of sizzling broke his train of thought- "Ah! Congee!" He shouted, pocketing the paper and running back to the kitchen to rescue the rice dish.
It took a few tries, but he managed to wake Kageyama, and get him seated against the mound of pillows. The young man still looked exhausted, so after he ate, and Hinata cleaned and redressed his wounds, he went back to sleep.
While Kageyama slept, Hinata took another look at the black rectangle, checking for any faded writing. There was absolutely nothing, what the hell was it?
"Ugh, this is frustrating." He muttered to himself, arms crossed and eyes scrunched in thought. Giving up, he stuffed the card into a small pocket in his backpack before pulling out his textbook to study.
The next day moved in a similar fashion, only this time Yachi arrived in the evening to take over nurse duty so Hinata could go to class. It was a welcome reprieve, but he could hardly focus on the content of the lecture. Kageyama had woken many times throughout the night, gasping for air and clawing at his blankets. He'd even managed to loosen the splint on his arm, causing him to wake with a shout of pain. The pair had managed to sleep through the morning though, but Hinata was still tired and worried. He'd asked the man what he was dreaming about each time, and the answer was always water. Dark suffocating depths pulling him deeper.
"I remember thinking that drowning wasn't a bad way to go… but now the thought of open water... " Kageyama had shuddered. Hinata wasn't well versed in psychology, he'd only ever taken an intro class in his first year, but the man's frequent night terrors, and sudden fear sounded a bit like PTSD. Hinata shook his head. He'd tell the other man to talk to a therapist, but he'd witnessed Kageyama's stubbornness over the last few days. Hinata wasn't the right person to broach that subject with him.
When the late night lecture ended, Hinata packed his belongings, and shouldered his bag, waving to the few other part timers he shared classes with before departing. He was about to leave campus when a thought passed him. The redhead made an about-turn and marched back into the depths of the school.
Situated in the library (thankfully open late for night students), he made himself comfortable at a computer. Hinata shuffled through his bag and withdrew the black rectangle, setting it next to the keyboard.
"Alright google… logos with red flowers." Hinata muttered to himself, scrolling through images. Well, apparently his search wasn't refined enough- there were a lot of red flower logos. He groaned and put his head down. Why was he searching so hard anyway? He would simply ask Kageyama, but he knew he'd just be blown off. The secrets were eating him up inside. What was he involved in to get stabbed and thrown into a river? Who were the people after his crew? Who even were his crew? Was he a hoodlum? A gangster? A convict?! Who even had crews?
"Huh, didn't know you were the type for host clubs." A voice stated right behind Hinata. The redhead jumped, raising his head to look around. A fellow night class student had taken the seat next to him, looking at the small black card.
"H-host club?"
"Yeah, my roommate used to be a bartender at one, I saw a bunch of these kinds of cards laying around after he'd come back from a night out. Lots of clubs in the entertainment districts use icons instead of words to advertise. Not sure why. This looks like one I've seen before."
Hinata's eyes sparkled, and he inched closer.
"You're a bit short to be a host, but worth a try man." His face fell, as the other student lounged lazily in his chair, long legs stretched out before him, with both hands behind his head.
"I'm not trying to be a host. I'm trying to help a friend." Hinata could hear the dryness in his voice at his words, his expression very unimpressed.
"Mmmmhm," The other man sounded either uninterested, or unconvinced. Either way, he sat up again and looked at the card. "The kinds of places have names referring to their symbols. Looks like… some sort of red daisy. Try searching Red Daisy host club."
Hinata gave it a shot, then switched to images. The two young men shuddered.
"The internet is a scary place sometimes."
"Y-yeah. Any other guesses?"
"Uhh….. black daisy host club?"
Hinata plugged in that option. Two logos appeared that looked promising. He quickly jotted down the addresses and thanked his classmate for his help.
"Yeah, no problem dude… good luck, you know… for your friend." The smirk was irritating, but Hinata offered a small bow either way and ran off with his bag, the card, and the information in hand.
He got on the train next to the campus and head in the opposite direction of home. Kabukicho. Exiting the station at Tokyo's most infamous red-light district, Hinata began looking at signs. The streets were crowded despite it being 11PM on a weeknight, every so often he got jostled, making him wrap his arms tighter around his bag. This district was bad news. Lots of crime, sex, and trouble to be had. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a few men standing outside of a gambling den smoking, their sleeves rolled up to flaunt affiliation tattoos. Hinata walked faster.
As he walked he kept his eyes up at the bright neon signs, looking for his black daisy, or the associated street name, and number. Finally, after a lot of weaving between crowds, he found his target. Poisoned Flower Host Lounge. Hinata took a moment to prepare himself, taking a deep breath and squaring his shoulders before approaching the door. The large bouncer looked down on him and snorted.
"Where do you think you're going kid?"
"A- ah, hi. I'm actually here looking…" Wait, what was he going to say? He didn't know any names of Kageyama's friends. Perhaps he could ask for Kageyama, and see what happens? "I'm looking for Kageyama-kun."
The bouncer looked down on him, not even trying to look menacing- though he did either way. He barked out a laugh, "Sorry kiddo, we don't let grade-schoolers in here, your friend ain't around.
"N-no, could you just ask around inside? I- I think he's either a regular or he works here."
"Get lost kid, your friend ain't here. Run home, it's late."
"Okay- listen here, I've had about enough of this lately, I am not a child!" He dug through his bag and produced his government issued identification. The bouncer snorted at it, hardly looking.
"Anyone can make a fake kiddo, get off our stoop before I acquaint you with the alleyway." Hinata balled his fists and glared angrily.
"What's this little Chibi-chan doing outside such an unsavoury place?" The voice was like liquid running down his spine. Hinata's senses shot into hyper activity, his hair standing on end as he turned slowly to find the source of the voice. An attractive man stood amidst a small collection of people. They dressed romantically, all whites and blacks, eyeliner, and soft lips. A few girls followed them like bees tracking honey.
The one who spoke had soft looking hair, sweeping across his brow, his body language was that of someone who could be completely at ease no matter his location. Next to him was a brooding character with a strong jaw and short spiky hair. The two other men were hardly paying attention to them, chatting with the women who were flocking around them. One man was around six feet, Hinata guessed, and had short, light brown hair that was cut above his brow line; the other was a fair bit taller- the tallest of the four-, and had a bored expression on his face, his dark hair flicking out at odd angles.
"Chi-chi-, who are you callin' chibi-chan? Huh?!" Hinata barked, his face flashing red. He'd been getting too much flack for his appearance this week.
"Oh dear, I didn't mean to offend, chibi-chan, did you come here to play?" The smooth-talker purred. Hinata seriously doubted the man wasn't trying to offend. The other standing next to him rolled his eyes, and shook his head.
"I'm looking for this place!" Hinata shouted at him, drawing the attention of the others in the party. He shoved the black card towards the stranger and scowled.
"Mm, that's Black Dahlia." The tallest member of the group leaned down at peered at the paper.
"Ah, so it is- you've got the wrong place kid." That was the eye-roller next to the smooth-talker. "Oikawa, stop harassing the boy would you." He scolded, elbowing Mr. smooth-talker.
"Iwa-chaaaaaan" The first man whined, rubbing his side. Hinata ignored them and looked at his list from the library. Black Dahlia was the second club on his list.
"You know how to get there kiddo?" It was Iwa who spoke this time, his dark eyes observing the redhead, completely ignoring his companion who was soaking up the sympathy of the women in the group.
"U-uh, not really. I've never been to this district before." Hinata admitted, looking around at any street signs he could see.
"Okay, don't worry. You guys go in with the ladies. I'll take this kid to the Dahlia and meet you back here.
"Y-you don't have to do that!" Hinata exclaimed. Waving his hands out in front of him.
"It's nearly midnight, I'm not gonna ask why you're out here, or why you're going to the Dahlia, but if you go alone, you'll get eaten alive. That I can guarantee. Kabukicho isn't kind to cute strangers." He spoke with a flat tone and a straight face, but his words made Hinata flush.
"No faaaair Iwa-chaaaaan. I'm coming too. It's decided." Iwa rolled his eyes again as Oikawa clung to his arm and waved dramatically at the ladies who swooned and giggled.
"Come on, this way." Iwa grumbled, leading them back into the throng of the bustling crowd.
"Y-you guys seem pretty popular." Hinata stated, making small talk.
"We're hosts. That's kinda our job." Was the flat response. Hinata nodded slowly. He guessed that, based off of their appearance, but it was another thing altogether to hear it straight from their mouths.
"Iwa-chan, don't act like it's a prison term! You were just gushing the other day about the gift a client gave you!" Oikawa sang happily, literally skipping down the walk.
"I. Dont. Gush." Hinata couldn't help the giggle that escaped him at their married couple-esque banter.
"Anyway… thanks, for helping me." Hinata managed to say when Oikawa had calmed down a bit. "I'm Hinata."
"No problem. Iwaizumi." Hinata shared a nod with the calmer man.
"I'm Oikaw-"
"He knows, idiot."
The smooth-talker pouted for the rest of the walk.
Finally they arrived at their destination. It was on the outskirts of the district, surrounded by a number of izakaya houses, and a couple of love hotels. Hinata noticed how quiet it was- well, compared to the heart of the district, in reality it still was quite loud. As the Trio approached, Hinata noticed the black sign over the door. It was simple, only the neon outline of a maroon flower was illuminated. "So why is it called…" He drifted off.
"That flower-" Iwaizumi began, pointing at the sign, "It's called a black dahlia. In reality, the flower isn't actually black, but a very dark red."
"Oooh, Iwa-chan, so smart."
"Ah." As they approached the door, he could see English lettering on the metal portal. BLACK DAHLIA. This was it after all.
Iwaizumi was the first to enter, with Oikawa hanging off his arm, and Hinata bringing up the rear. The lounge looked fairly classy, dim lighting, leather seating, polished wooden tables. A healthy number of tables were already filled, along with a few seats at the bar.
"Oi- Mr. underage!" Hinata cowered under the formidable glare. A thuggish looking man with a shaved head and dangerous expression was leaning over him, muscular arms crossed over his chest. He wore all black. Bouncer.
Hinata rummaged quickly in his bag. Suddenly multiple people in the lounge tensed. Hinata pulled out his identification again. "I promise it's real, I'm just…"
"Tiny." Oikawa helped.
Hinata scowled but nodded. The man glared down at the Identification, and gave it back before taunting, "I've got my eye on you carrot top!" Suddenly he doubled over in pain.
"Tanaka-kun, don't be rude to our customers." The voice was light, and cheerful despite the scolding words and the karate chop that had been delivered to the bouncers side.
"S-sorry S-Suga." Tanaka groaned, falling back to his post at the door.
"Table for three?" Suga asked, his smile bright and welcoming. Hinata could tell his hair was grey, despite the dim lighting giving it a slightly orange tint, and he had a beauty mark just below his eye. Overall he just had that kind of appearance that was friendly. Much like many of the workers in the lounge, this man wore a white dress shirt, the top button undone casually, with black slacks and a knee length black apron that tied at the waist and didn't cover anything above that.
"Ah, we aren't staying- just playing escort." Iwaizumi explained, offering Suga a small bow.
"That's a shame, you boys on duty tonight?"
The pair nodded, one more excitedly than the other. "We have clients waiting, we should go. Make sure the kid doesn't get into any trouble, hm?"
"Looking after troublemakers as usual Iwa?" Another man had joined the conversation. Close cropped dark brown hair framed a square jaw that sat upon a very muscular build.
"Ah! Daichi-san! You don't usually work Monday's do you?" Oikawa exclaimed, looking genuinely shocked to see him.
"No, but we've got a staff member down with bad bug, so we're taking turns covering."
"How sweet."
"Anything for family."
Hinata stood silently watching the transition, mildly amazed at the connections people made in the entertainment industries.
"Who is this?" Daichi asked, looking down at Hinata.
"Ah! This is Chib-" Iwa elbowed Oikawa painfully in the ribs. "H-Hinata-kun" Oikawa managed to croak.
"He's looking for a friend." Iwa stated matter-of-factly. Hinata blinked at him, had he witnessed the entire conversation with the host club bouncer?
Iwa nodded at him to speak. "Ah, yes. I'm looking for Kageyama Tobio." The noise in the lounge suddenly died down, and Hinata could sense eyes on him.
"Oh! You're a friend! Why didn't you say so earlier! Come on out back, we'll get you comfortable!" Hinata was beyond confused at Suga's exclamation. Clearly Iwa and Oikawa didn't sense anything off because they were wishing him a safe journey home and soon they'd left. Daichi and Suga took the lead, allowing Hinata to follow them down a dark hallway into a back room behind a swinging door that read staff. Hinata didn't make it down the hallway into the staff room however, a firm grip took hold of the back of his shirt and threw him against the wall hard enough to bruise. Before his two guides could fully react to the sudden excitement, Hinata was being pressed against the wall by a man hardly taller than he was- and most of that was probably hair.
Dangerous eyes glared daggers at him, small but strong hands balled into fists around the front of his shirt, pressing him painfully against the cement wall. "Who sent you? Where the fuck is Kageyama!" The man was acting like a crazed animal, looking torn between getting answers and wanting to rip his head off.
"Nishinoya! No!" That was Daichi, finally reacting as he came charging back down the hall to help Hinata. Someone else got to the short assailant first though, wrapping thick arms around him and yanking him off of the small redhead.
"Let me go!" The firecracker shouted, squirming in the firm grasp that held him a few inches off the ground.
"That's enough Noya-san. Calm down." The man holding him was a giant with a goatee, and long hair tied in a bun. He, just like Noya, was dressed as an employee, only his muscular forearms were on display. Hinata wasn't sure if he rolled up his sleeves to keep them out of the way of his work, or to look intimidating- either way… it was intimidating.
"Asahi, this ass knows something! They sent him!" The smaller man struggled still, however it was futile. Daichi put himself in between Hinata and Noya, while Suga came to Hinata's side, wrapping a protective arm around his shoulder and carefully leading him into the staff room. Asahi literally carried Noya to the room and sat him down. Daichi followed closely, and took post next to Asahi, placing a firm hand on the small firecrackers shoulder as a warning. Asahi nodded in thanks, then disappeared again down the hallway, presumably to resume work.
"Hinata… can you tell us how you know Kageyama?" Suga asked calmly, ignoring Nishinoya's death glare.
"Uh… yeah. B-but before I do, he was really worried about putting me in danger, so I need to know…. You guys… you're his crew right? Whatever that even means." Hinata had no idea what he'd gotten himself into but he didn't want to tell the wrong people where Kageyama was.
"I guess you could say that. You see, Kageyama works here, and rooms with some of the guys here. Most of us grew up together, as foster siblings, but Kageyama came to us a couple of years back, and became part of our… rag-tag family I guess you could say- the point is, we look out for our own, and now he's been missing for days." Sugawara looked extremely worried as he spoke, his hand resting gently on Hinata's shoulder.
"Not missing!" Noya all but screamed, "They fucking jumped us! Pulled a knife and everything! Last I saw he was floating face down in the damn river!" There were hot tears in his eyes as he told the tale.
"Y-you were there when it happened?" Hinata asked directly to the emotional man.
"Damn right I was, beat the shit out of those punks and sent them running home to their little rat holes." His knuckles were white as he clenched his grasp on the edge of the table. It sounded like a threat, as if Hinata was next if he didn't say the right things.
"Noya…" Was the warning tone from Daichi.
"H-he's safe! I can promise you that," Hinata was sweating with nerves, and his legs were shaking under the table. "I found him on my way home from class a couple of nights ago in the river, I pulled him out and got him breathing and to my home. I've got a friend that's a nursing student, she patched him up- now he's just laying low and recovering. I promise, he's okay!" Hinata was near sobbing, his words coming out a jumbled mess between breaths.
"It's okay, we believe, you." Suga soothed, rubbing circles on his upper back.
"I want proof." Noya seethed.
"I-I can call, you can talk to him yourself." Daichi nodded to Hinata's offer, and Suga moved and brought a portable phone to him. Hinata dialled his home number and put the receiver to his ear. After two rings Yachi's voice greeted him.
"Hello, Hinata residence!" She sounded like her usual chipper self, despite it being about midnight.
"Yachi-san? It's me, Shoyou. Could you get Kageyama on the phone? It's urgent." His voice was shaking, he knew it.
"Hinata-san… is everything alright?" Her worry was palpable, even over the line.
"Yeah, just a bit rattled." He answered after a breath. He needed to calm down.
"O-okay then, just hold on a minute." He could hear her arranging the telephone, and carrying it into the bedroom. He had managed to get an old model that still required a cord for a few bucks- the cordless, and cellular devices were just too far out of his price range when he could easily settle for cheaper if not a bit outdated. Within a few moments, he heard Kageyama's voice, muffled before finally clear through the phone.
"Hinata-san? Where are you? Is everything okay?"
"Yeah, I'm good… but there's someone here who'd very much like to speak with you." He passed the phone across the table to Noya, who snatched it and pressed it against his ear.
"Kageyama?" He almost sounded timid, as if afraid to hear the state of the voice on the other side. Hinata listened to the conversation, not being privy to the other half, "Oh thank… where are you? We'll come get you. I-Idiot?! Why wouldn't we- …. Oh, yeah, that makes sense. Are you sure you- how long then?" It was silent for a bit, while Noya visibly relaxed. "Ah… okay- just, hurry back okay? I'm not the only one that's been worried man." It warmed Hinata's heart seeing people so passionate about their friends, their family. He felt like saying, see Kageyama… you do have a family, you aren't alone.
Once the line was cut, and the phone was returned, everyone sat in silence for a moment before Nishinoya slowly stood, no longer being held in place by the larger man. Turning to Hinata, he bowed, bending in half violently before nearly shouting, "Sorry for my rash behaviour, it won't happen again!" and with that, he all but ran out of the room.
"Oi! Noya-san! Don't just run off after saying that!" Suga sighed deeply, shaking his head. "We're all sorry about… well, everything really. You've gone out of your way to take care of one of ours, it's a debt we hope to repay one day." The man bowed slightly, causing Hinata to flush with embarrassment, waving his hands in dismissal.
"D-don't be ridiculous! I just did what anyone would do!" Daichi was shaking his head at Hinata's words.
"No, you went above and beyond, we truly are in your debt."
After many thank you's and apologies, Hinata was finally allowed to go home, Sugawara even escorted him safely out of the district and to the train, wishing him well, and giving him some cash to take care of Kageyama's expenses. Hinata attempted to refuse, but that went nowhere. The man was surprisingly pushy.
Finally after a long train ride home, Hinata was in front of his apartment. Slow, tired steps carried him to his front door, his key turning the lock slowly as to not wake anyone inside. He didn't bother turning on any lights, instead he waited a moment for his eyes to adjust before taking off his shoes and moving through the dark apartment. He entered the bathroom and felt around for his toothbrush. After taking care of his oral hygiene, drinking some water, and using the toilet, he was ready to pass out.
Moving quietly he peeked into his sister's room, seeing Yachi curled up next to Natsu made him smile. He backed away and entered his own room, only to see a large mound of pillows with a dark silhouette sitting upright against them, arms crossed. Hinata winced, and closed the door.
"What. The. Hell." Was all Kageyama said as Hinata lowered his bag, and took off his autumn jacket. "How the hell did you find them? Or did they find you? You could have been tailed! Or attacked! Or worse!" Kageyama's volume was increasing.
Hinata practically ran to him, pressing his hand over the man's mouth to quiet him. "Shh! They're sleeping!" Hinata hissed, his free hand making a shushing motion, index finger against his mouth. Kageyama huffed against the barrier, and looked away.
"You have no idea how worried you made me." The voice was quiet, hardly audible over the sound of the light wind through the open window. Hinata blinked, and cocked his head slightly. He'd been… worried?
"Why would you have been worried?" Was all he could say, "You're friends made sure I left the district safe, and sure Noya-san, and Asahi-san were kinda scar-" He didn't finish before Kageyama was grasping the back of his head with his uninjured hand. Hinata blinked at the contact, noticing that the man had tried to grab the back of his neck in a painful grip, but seemed to think better of it at the last minute. Now his hand was just resting against his fluffy mess of hair.
"Don't ever do something like that again. You could… you could have been killed." Kageyama was looking at him this time, but in the poor lighting, Hinata couldn't see his expression.
"O-oh." He didn't know what to say. Suddenly Kageyama released him, and shoved against his shoulder.
"Now get off me and go to bed, I'm tired and you look like you're ready to collapse." Hinata blinked at this. Get… off him? He looked down at their positions. He'd nearly mounted the man when he'd run over to cover his mouth, and when Kageyama had grabbed his head, he'd been pulled even closer, nearly sitting on the man's lap. He felt his face get very hot, and immediately jumped to his feet, moving over to the closet. He felt self conscious suddenly, but he knew he had to get to bed. Next to Kageyama.
Looking over his shoulder he saw that the man had managed to get back into a laying position on his own, and had his eyes closed. Some of the pressure left the smaller man. He felt less nervous to change into his sleepwear, pulling his clothing off and changing into a loose T-shirt and shorts before crawling into his futon.
It took him some time to fall asleep. His thoughts were full of questions regarding Kageyama's life, and the events that led him to the futon next to Hinata. When Kageyama began his nightly cycle of nightmares, Hinata was conscious enough to make the decision to scoot closer and hold his hand.
A/N: Just what has our poor Hinata stepped into this time?
Next chapter already in the works! Response times may vary, I have strep throat (Ew! OW! Make it stop!), and the antibiotics they have me on are giving me the run around, so as much as I'd like to use this unplanned time off to crank out ALLOFTHECHAPTERS... I'm unconscious a lot.l Yay.
Anyway! Thanks for humouring me and my story! So excited to get the plot rolling and get some action and angst going!
Drop some love if you like3 and check out my tumblr for geeky musings and whatnot (failsoup)
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