Chapter Text
2. Who was I?
Initially, the last person Shouyou expected to visit him as often as he eats was Kageyama. However, he’s surprised when out of the blue, not even a full 48 hours later, Tobio is coming back to the hospital with a bag of canapés in hand and a flustered pout.
“Who are those for?” He asks, quickly sitting up once smelling the sweets. “Did you bring them for me?”
Tobio squints. “No, I bought them for myself.”
“Oh.”
“...I’m kidding, dumbass.”
“Oh!” Hinata beams, chasing after the paper bag and scooping up multiple breads. “Thank you, Kageyama!”
The other doesn’t respond. Instead, he takes a seat besides the hospital bed and sighs. Although he hadn’t known him for very long, Shouyou had already come up with the conclusion that Kageyama Tobio is, in fact, very easy to read. Although he doesn’t say much, his gestures make his moods very apparent and clear to others. To Hinata, at the very least.
Perhaps that’s what rolls the question of concern off his tongue. “What’s wrong?”
It takes a few moments, but eventually Tobio does respond. “I’m worried about you. They said you’re ready for release but have to be supervised for a while…”
“So what’s the problem?” Hinata asks.
“Well, it’s a little soon, don’t you think?”
“Soon or not, it was bound to happen eventually right?”
“But maybe we should prepare you more—”
“Well if you think about it,” Hinata reasons, “you can never really be prepared enough for anything.”
“I beg to differ,” Tobio argues, “That throws away the whole concept of over-preparation, does it not?”
Hinata frowns. “Yes but come on?
Eyes holding a childish glimmer, Tobio scowls. “It’s so like you to not have the slightest logic in your argument.”
“Thank you! I’m so right all the time, I usually don’t need logic.”
“...What?”
Shouyou deadpans in an unimpressed manner before smoothing his hair down with his hands and frowning. In a mocking tone, he squints while growling a few words. “I’m Kageyama Tobio and I’m too stupid to comprehend words. Grrr, I always want to bite someone’s head off. I’ll stab you in your sleep—”
Kageyama’s hand meets Shouyou’s shoulder. “Cut it out.” He says, and it takes everything for Hinata to bite back the laughter that’s just barely on the tip of his tongue. Stupid Tobio and his easy to mimic voice. It was uncanny how much his own mimicking was as close to the original as it was.
He wasn’t complaining. The aggressively embarrassed expression on Tobio’s face is one he would describe as priceless. That much is certain. However, the other party would beg to differ.
With a huff, Kageyama scoops up his pastries and snatches the one Hinata was currently chewing on away. “Since you take me for a fool, you can go to hell. Enjoy your mystery meat, carrot top.”
And just like that, Hinata’s lost his favorite visitor yet again. Temporarily, of course; because no matter how many times Tobio reminds him that he couldn’t care less about his health, there’s no denying the underlying suspicion that arises from his frequent visiting. Shouyou finds that part about Kageyama rather endearing and adorable if he was going to be honest. Interesting, too. He can see why he was close friends with him now, it does make sense.
However, that doesn’t mean he feels as close as he should feel. Although he had been restraining his true nature in fear of scaring off (or annoying) his friends, he can see that he’s not the only one holding back. Call him overdramatic or self centered but if he didn’t know any better, he’d think Tobio’s hiding something…
No matter, there was no point in dwelling. If everything he said was true, they were best friends and by friend law, secrets and lies are not encouraged. That much is practically common sense.
Hinata isn’t an idiot, though. There’s going to be a reason why he doesn’t remember some specifics but can see the big picture. He doesn’t want to start throwing words around but “coping mechanism” seemed fitting. Especially considering the fact that it may very well be something else entirely.
But what else could it be? His mind was blocking certain memories from his consciousness and they were most likely distasteful if not traumatic. Whatever the case, he had a right to know.
Maybe he could ask the next time Kageyama visits.
Lucky for Hinata, the wait for his favorite visitor to come again wasn’t long. As he’s poking at the hospital gelatin on his plate, the door opens to reveal Tobio who comes in with an angry-neutral expression. Truth be told, Shouyou find it kind of adorable. Especially with his nose scrunched up as if in disgust, now that part reminds him of a child.
“What are you staring at?” Kageyama growls.
Hinata doesn’t sugarcoat his response. He had already been caught in his act anyways. “You.” He tries not to pay any mind to the widened royal blue eyes glancing back at him and instead looks away. “So why’d you come back? You seem pretty pissed about joking around…”
Tobio goes back to his previous task. “What do you take me for? I’m not one to hold any grudges, if you didn’t already know.”
“Well, I do have amnesia and next to no recollection of ever meeting you so yeah, forgive me for being a little oblivious—”
“The flowers.”
Hinata hums.
“I came to tend to the flowers.” Kageyama simply puts and turns his head to face Hinata. “I have been for a while.”
“Oh…” Shouyou blinks, “Well, I doubt they’ll last for too long. It gets awfully cold at night especially since we’re already in early winter.”
“I’m aware.”
The conversation doesn’t pick up much after that. Kageyama busies himself with the daisies and sunflowers stationed on the nightstand while Hinata watches promptly, subconsciously eating away at the gelatin before him. The only times he wasn’t staring at Tobio was when he had to step out to change the water for the flora.
In which case, he would utilize that time to appreciate the winter scenery outside. The snow was light, not sturdy enough to stick but thick enough to see from his position on the bed. Shouyou couldn’t bear to wait for his release. Although, the testing beforehand part seemed distasteful.
No matter. He’ll pass through it plus whatever they throw at him like nothing and get his ticket out of here.
“Sh— Hinata.”
He shifts in his bed. “Yes?”
Tobio’s head is peeking from the door and judging by the look on his face, he had nothing good to say. “I gave away one of your sunflowers…”
It’s a small moment of shared silence that overcomes the room for a few seconds. Something about the stillness was so humorous but Hinata would be lying if he said that was why he suddenly bent over and began hysterically laughing. He never meant to suggest he was making fun of Tobio— again. One can’t help the hilarity of the situation from getting to them especially when Kageyama had the most guilty expression written all over his face. It almost made him want to cry from guilt himself.
However he restrains himself and bites painfully at his thumb until the sensation overrides his giggling fit.
It’s crazy to think someone could cause such a reaction from him, especially considering the situation. Maybe he was just that kind of person.
Ah! Of course!
“T-Tobio.” The stutter on his tongue only helps prove the level of hysteria he was in. “Can I ask you something?”
Almost instantly, the mood washes over. Perhaps it was the way Hinata approached the question. He was just clutching his stomach for aid only a few mere seconds ago. It’s understandable that Kageyama would be a little bit tripped out. Still, that doesn’t explain the sudden rise in fear shown in his midnight gaze.
Nor does it explain his tightened grip on the flower vase in his fist.
“What’s your question?” He asks with a neutral expression that was far too forced for anyone to believe.
“Well…” Hinata almost finds the sudden nervousness crowding his thoughts concerning, “I’d like to know who I am— Or rather was.”
“Oh.”
And just like that, the mood shifts again; ever so slightly. It goes silent, but a comfortable silence. That is, until Tobio is answering his question with a proud smirk.
“You’re annoying, short tempered, stupid, small, and abnormally friendly.”
Hinata slowly processes his words before picking up the last chunk of jello and aggressively shooting it at Kageyama. “That’s about the rudest thing anyone has ever told me since I’ve woken up.” He says, grabbing his bowl of macaroni, moving off the bed, and smashing it into Tobio’s stunned face. He even goes as far as making sure no inch of this jerk’s face goes uncovered and that every nook and cranny gets equal treatment. Then he allows the plate to drop to the ground with a clink.
He wasn’t going to let anyone talk him down like that, especially not a bought him free pastries boy.
Though, he has half a mind to think he went too far when Kageyama is huffing out a macaroni piece out of his nose.
Then, the impossible happens.
Instead of actually killing Hinata and burying him outside of the hospital, Kageyama Tobio laughs. He laughs so loud, Shouyou almost jumps from the whiplash. It wasn’t too unpleasant despite the person it was coming from, but… it sounded a lot like relief. If that even makes sense.
Well, what it sounded like wasn’t the issue anyhow. It’d be best if Hinata could do damage control before Kageyama regained his senses and actually committed homicide. Unfortunately, he’s made the realization too late and feels something tingling.
It was similar to a feeling he felt the other day, right before Tobio was about to—
Without thinking, Shouyou ducks. Thank god because if he hadn’t, there’s a good chance he would’ve been knocked unconscious if this swinger wasn’t careful. He’s almost too shocked to scold Kageyama for doing something so immoral.
Almost.
“Are you insane?!” He scoffs, “Wow, shameless, aren’t we?”
Kageyama shakes his head. “I knew you would dodge.”
“You mean you hoped I would dodge.” Hinata corrects.
“Falsehood. It wouldn’t be like you to take a hit.”
The urge to facepalm reaches Shouyou. Was this really his best friend?
He isn’t allowed to further his unimpressed manner because before he knows it, Tobio is dragging him to the bathroom with the cheese substance still smothered all over. “Help me take it off.”
“And why should I?”
Out of the blue, he’s raising Hinata’s hand with his own and dragging it to his face. Shouyou almost feels guilty for ruining such a handsome face. “Because if you do, I’ll tell you all about yourself.”
Mandarin eyes brighten in wonder before Shouyou finds himself frantically searching for a paper towel outside of the machine and turning on the sink, not daring to look away from Tobio’s eyes. It was a strange exchange, sure, but for some odd reason, Hinata felt as though moving his gaze away was practically criminal. Odd, really.
Odd indeed.
His train of thought is interrupted when Kageyama flicks a macaroni crumb in his direction. “Karma,” He says. Hinata begs to differ.
“You know, you should have just let it happen, baker boy.” He warns with a mischievous grin, “I’ll pay you back someday. You’re lucky I need you for my memories.”
“So now I’m just some tool to you?”
Hinata hums. “A little more than that, I suppose. Or less. I would at least treat my tools with respect.”
Tobio stifles his laughter and flicks the shorter’s forehead. “Very well. I can’t say I appreciate the treatment, but I do suppose it could be worse.”
“Exactly! Be glad for what you have.”
Rolling his eyes, Kageyama exits the bathroom with a somewhat cleaned face and a rotten attitude. Meanwhile, Hinata’s left stranded by himself in the restroom without an escort back. Normally, he’d find himself always wanting to go outside of his dull hospital room but never having the energy to move anything but his arms. Now, somehow, he was out and not only that, he was all by himself with no supervision. Meaning he could do whatever he wants— within reason. That part was especially important.
He sighs, conflicted. This was too much responsibility for someone like him, all things considered. The best course of action would be to find Kageyama and just force him to spit his life out. Yeah, that seemed pretty reasonable.
So it was settled. Hinata began his walk back to his room where he’d most likely find Kageyama and ultimately convince him to reveal his secrets.
It’s a shame his mission was thwarted when all of a sudden, while he’s exiting, he’s colliding into another patient and stumbling to the ground. His first instinct is to ask if the other is okay and apologize but instead, he stands his ground.
“W-What?” He asks, cursing himself out for stuttering all the while.
The stranger dusts himself off before staring down at him with a menacing glare. “Watch yourself, shrimp.”
Hinata grits his teeth. “Excuse you! That wasn’t my fault! You’re the one speed walking like it’s no one’s b-business! This is a hospital , buddy. Try to be more considerate.”
And with that, he strolls off in a pissed mood. Who was that guy anyways? No matter, he didn’t seem like anyone important anyways despite being somewhat familiar… Hmph. Assholes will be assholes, he supposes.
Fortunately for him, his room isn’t too far away. Not to mention there were very helpful signs that aided him in his navigation. He was quick to get back to his bed. As exhilarating as finally being able to travel through the hospital halls was, he found it rather exhausting. Hinata would have to stretch more so he could slowly regain his physique. Resting for however long he was out for must’ve been bad…
Oh, right. Kageyama.
“Tobio?” He asks upon hearing a door creak open. There he stood, flower pots in hand alongside Sugar— Suga.
“What is it? Is something wrong?” Kageyama races to his side quickly and puts down the pots on the nightstand. “Did something happen?”
Suga smacks him. “Are you an idiot? Why weren’t you watching him?! You’re the one who basically begged to see him.”
Hinata raises his brows in amusement. Kageyama does not find this amusing. The look of horror on his face does more than enough to showcase that.
“I-I went to tend to the flowers!” He excuses, a faint blush tinting his ears. “I didn’t beg. ”
“You did too! Noya could barely say anything when you kept yapping about wanting to visit him instead. We’re supposed to be taking turns so we don’t overwhelm him.”
Kageyama scoffs. “Fine, you deal with him. I don’t give a shit anyway.” Stomping off, he flips Suga and Hinata before slamming the door behind him.
Shouyou stays silent while Sugawara bursts into fits of laughter.
“Oh, Kageyama…” He says as he’s wiping a tear away and sitting besides Hinata. “Don’t mind him… He’s just shy. He cares a lot about you, y’know? So much that he doesn’t know how to handle it.”
Hinata blushes at that.
“Please forgive him.”
He crosses his legs. “I dunno. He seems like a dick.”
Sugawara laughs. “Yep. He is one.”
“So why should I forgive him?”
“Huh…” Suga hums, “I guess I’ll give you that. Just because.”
This time, Hinata’s the one to laugh. “Alright then… I’ll give him a chance. So what are you doing here?”
“I came to come watch Kageyama. Need to make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid.”
Shouyou squints. “Like what?”
He doesn’t get his answer. Sugawara doesn’t give it to him. Instead, he stands up and makes his way towards the door. “I have to go, I got a text.” He says before leaving. Hinata wants to stop him and ask him what he meant by stupid but the click of the door is enough to tell him he missed his chance. Oh, well. Kageyama and Suga will visit him again eventually.
Hopefully.
Hinata makes himself comfortable and sighs. Might as well sleep since he can’t find anything else to do—
Kageyama interrupts his thoughts.
“Hey!” He shouts upon entering the room once more, eyes blazing with determination. “I keep my word. I’ll tell you all about your dumb life tomorrow. Don’t fall asleep on me!”
And with that, he’s gone again.
Shouyou finds that it’s a little easier to fall asleep. As loud and demanding Kageyama’s words were, they also held a little bit of reassurance. Hinata’s thankful for that.
***
The soft smell of pastries filters through Hinata’s nose. It’s one of his indicators for Kageyama currently. That along with the faint steps that cause shadows from beneath the door.
Cinnamon is Hinata’s new favorite smell.
Kageyama puts down a cinnamon roll before moving a chair towards the mattress.
“Let’s begin. Pace yourself okay?”
Hinata smiles. “But of course.”
Kageyama sighs. “What do you want to know?”