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Kageyama sat slumped in his seat on the plane with a sour expression on his face. Kindachi was next to him, in a similar state of despair. The events of the final few seconds of the game kept flashing in his mind. They were up by two in the third period, their goalie was a brick wall, not letting a single puck through. That is until Yukigaoka called a time out. It was a strategic plan, throwing them off their rhythm to get the game going their way. Unfortunately for Kageyama, it worked.
First a player for Yukigaoka scored to get their team within one, then another. And finally, with seconds ticking down, the irritating one wearing 10 on his back shot the puck in a last ditch effort to win. It shouldn't have gone in, that should have been saved, Kageyama should have blocked that shot, it was his job as captain to prevent what the goalie can't. But that didn't happen instead the buzzer sounded and the refs took five minutes to review the goal. Eventually they came to a conclusion that the puck crossed the goal line with .02 seconds left on the clock.
And just like that Kageyama's dreams of wearing gold faded away. He stood in line with his teammates, watching as they all were awarded their silver medals. He watched as the other team swarmed each other. Screaming and crying and celebrating as if they hadn't just ripped away a dream. But that's all it was now, a dream and that's all it will ever be because now Kageyama was on a plane, a plane that would take him to the Karasuno Crows for the next phase in his career. It wouldn't have been that bad in all honesty, he'd have a chance to lick his wounds in peace except for---
“Hey buddy why the long face? Aren't you excited! We're about to play in the big leagues and all you can do is pout!”
Kageyama sighed. Number ten was on his flight, Hinata Shoyo, drafted ninth overall to the Karasuno Crows the year before himself. He tried to ignore the other for as long as he could but the dude kept talking, he wouldn't shut up about scoring that stupid goal. He couldn't take it anymore, He got out of his seat and walked to Hinata’s. He didnt say anything until Hinata looked up at him with that dumb smile he’d been wearing the whole tournament.
“Just because we're going to be teammates doesn't mean I have to like you.” He said with a straight face.
Hinata just laughed, “Don't worry man. You and me? We're going to tear it up out there, together.”
Kageyama just rolled his eyes and walked back to the back of the plane, ignoring all the others who were flying with them. He sat back down and shut his eyes. If he was going to be around that redheaded annoyance for the rest of time then he might as well get some sleep while he still could.
------
By the time the plane finally touched down and everyone was escorted to their proper cars Kageyama was beginning to regret not going to college for a year or staying in the Q. HInata would not stop talking. He talked to the PR lady who was sent to pick them up, he talked to the uber driver on the way to the rink, he talked to the security guard who checked their bags as they entered the arena, he even talked to the intern who looked visibly nervous to be speaking to him.
Kageyama was getting more and more uncomfortable as their day continued. They had to film a bunch of videos for the team, like player introductions and random promotions. Kageyama tried to put on a smile but he was sure that it looked forced. It wasn't his fault for that really, he had just lost gold not 24 hours ago to the guy standing next to him who looked like he had drank ten energy drinks on the ride over. The day felt like it was never going to end, it just was video after video and all Kageyama wanted to do was go to the team assigned house and sleep.
“So you guys are fine to live together right?”
Kageyama snapped back to reality, unaware that someone was talking to him. It was a representative from the Crows
front office apparently telling them about their living arrangements for the season.
“Yeah, it works for me!” Hinata agreed right away. Kageyama wasn't going to let him get away with that. If Hinata could be carefree and not care about living with his juniors rival then Kageyama didn't care either, two could play at this game.
“Of course.” Kageyama agreed. The rep seemed pleased with the both of them and continued to talk to them about the apartment they had set up for the two. It was right between the main rink, practice rink, and the AHL team so just in case one of them got sent down they didn't need to worry about hotels or anything. Kageyama internally scoffed at that, he wasn't going to get sent down, this team wasn't even a playoff contender, they'd need all the help they could get.
The two of them were dropped off at the apartment. Immediately Hinata ran ahead of him to check the place out.
“Woah! Dude we each get our own bathrooms!” Hinata called out from one of the rooms.
Kageyama just rolled his eyes and wandered into one of the empty rooms and put his stuff down, claiming it as his own. He sighed when he saw that he did not in fact have his own bathroom attached to his room meaning that Hinata managed to get the better room, of course.
He started putting his stuff away when a flash of red bounced into his room.
“Oh my god Kags! Can I call you Kags?”
“No--”
“Kags, this is amazing! We’re actually here! Like we’re going to play in the actual big leagues and we’re going to tear it up! Like can you just imagine what the first game will be like? I bet I score my first goal before you!” Hinata rambled on. The redhead had now flopped onto Kageyama's bed which caused his eye to twitch in annoyance.
“Dude, we're going to kill it here, I just know it.” Hinata said, finally done it seemed.
“Yeah sure…Hey I need to call my mom so if you could…” Kageyama said, it wasn't a total lie, he should call his mom and let her know that he made it to Karasuno safe, he just really wanted Hinata to leave.
“Ah yeah I should probably do that too,” Hinata said while he got up to leave, “Do you want to go exploring after? I heard we’re right by a park!”
Kageyama just nodded, needing Hinata to leave. He finally did and Kageyama shut his door and finally let out a breath of relief.
After he finally finished unpacking Kageyama went out into their living room and watched as Hinata fiddled with something on one of the shelves that were installed when they got there.
He walked up behind Hinata and asked, “What are you doing?”
Hinata jumped at his voice but just smiled at him with that dumb grin he always has on, “Oh just some decorating.”
Hinata moved aside to reveal his gold medal. Kageyama’s jaw dropped, the audacity of this weirdo. “I don't want that out here.” He said grumpily.
Hinata just laughed, “Oh come on man, I'll make space for your medal. Although people might notice mine more, gold ya know?”
Kageyama drew his brows down in anger, “Can’t you put that in your own room?”
Hinata grinned impossibly wider, “Nah, then no one would be able to see it! Gotta show people who’s in charge here.” He laughed.
Kageyama frowned but backed off. He didn't trust himself not to yell and he had to get along with this guy for the rest of the season, he didn't want to start out on the wrong foot. He angrily stomped away, his shoulders up to his ears as he heard Hinata laughing behind him.
The next day he woke up slowly. His alarm was ringing on the table next to his bed. He turned it off to listen to the world moving outside his room. He relaxed into his pillows, excited for his first practice with the team. The fact that he wasn't sent down to the AHL as soon as he arrived was surprising to him. He knew Kindachi was already heading down, that seemed to be the norm for the other guys on the team too.
He was broken out of his thoughts by the sound of someone pounding on his door.
“Kags get up!! We’re eating breakfast and then bouncing!” Hinata shouted from the other side of the door.
Kageyama winced and rolled his eyes. First day for him meant the first day for Hinata too. Now Kageyama knew of Hinata before playing against him, he saw all the highlight reels and the gameplay. His coaches in juniors even told him to be wary of the guy. So the fact that Hinata was not sent down either made sense. Now Kageyama just had to prove that he was just as good, if not better than Hinata and he deserved to stay.
He forced himself out of his room and joined his roommate in the kitchen. Hinata was standing in front of the counter with a piece of toast in his hand.
“Kags! Are you ready for today?”
Kageyama grunted in answer as he poured himself a cup of coffee. He looked at what Hinata was eating and raised an eyebrow.
“Is that all you're having?” He asked.
Hinata nodded quickly, “Too nervous to eat.”
“You're going to pass out the first drill. Eat something else,” Kageyama said.
“Nah, I've done games with less food, I’ll be fine,” HInata said, smiling as if that was something to be proud of.
“That was junior stuff, this is the big leagues. You have to take it seriously.”
Hinata frowned and set his toast down, “And what makes you think I’m not taking this seriously?” He questioned.
“You're eating a singular piece of bread and you look like you haven't slept since the final game two days ago.” Kageyama said. He wasn't lying, Hinata's hair was in disarray like he'd been wearing a helmet all night, he had bags under his eyes big enough to hold his hockey equipment, and he could see that Hinata's hands were shaking ever so slightly.
Hinata crossed his arms, “I know myself better than you know me. I’m fine.”
Kageyama just shrugged as he sipped his freshly poured coffee, “If you say so, try not to make your first impression to the team being them picking you up from the middle of the ice.” He said and walked back to his room to finish getting ready.
Hinata had driven them to the rink for practice. Hinata's driving was the exact same way he played hockey, fast and no care for what the others were doing around them. The minute he parked Kageyama scrambled out of the car to get his bearings back around him.
“My driving isn't that bad man,” Hinata laughed as he got out of the car.
“I'm driving home.” Kageyama retorted.
“Come on man--”
“I'm driving from now on.”
Hinata rolled his eyes but didn't say anything else as he grabbed his bag to go inside. Kageyama followed a step behind and ran into Hinata as he came to an abrupt stop right before the locker room.
“Dude!” Kageyama said, “Mind moving?”
Hinata stood wide eyed at the door to the locker room, where their team was waiting for them. Kageyama stepped around him and pushed on his arm, trying to get him to move. As soon as he touched Hinata he snapped out of whatever trance he was in.
“Bathroom!” Hinata exclaimed. He dropped his bag and ran to where the bathroom was down the hall. Kageyama watched him go but didn't follow. Instead he pushed his way through the door where his new team was waiting.
He smiled as he took in the image before him. Players were walking around talking to one another, some were listening to music in their stalls, some were rolling their muscles out with a roller. He stepped inside and when the door closed behind him he was finally noticed by the others in the room.
“Hey, it's the new kid!” One of them said, he approached Kageyama with open arms and wrapped him into a tight hug, “Welcome to the show hotshot!”
Kageyama laughed as the guy walked him to his stall, “Happy to be here man!”
The guy pointed at himself with his thumb, “I'm Tanaka, and last year I was a rookie but now it's your turn,” He motioned to the rest of the room where everyone was watching them now, “Welcome to The Crow’s nest!”
The guys hollered and some threw tape balls at him. He laughed and looked back at Tanaka who started to talk again.
“Get your gear on, we’re getting started soon.”
Kageyam nodded as he walked away. He smiled to himself as he pulled his pads and skates on. He was tying his skates when someone new came up to him.
“Welcome to the team, kid,” He said, “But aren't there supposed to be two of you?”
Kageyama looked around the room again and realized that Hinata was not back yet. “Um…Yeah, he went to the bathroom when we got here.” Kageyama said. The guy in front of him nodded.
“He’ll find his way back here then,” the guy smiled at him, “Daichi, I'm your captain.”
Kageyama had to hold his tongue back from saying “I know.” He had followed Daichi for the longest time, he was the person he based the way he played on and now he got to play with him. He was a bit starstruck; he wasn’t going to lie. He was about to say something else when the door to the locker room burst open.
“Don't worry guys I’m here!” Hinata said,
his chest heaving with nerves.
Daichi blinked at him before smiling, “And there he is!”
The rest of the guys cheered, the same way they did when Kageyama entered.
Daichi slapped a hand onto Hinata’s back, “good to know you survived your way here.”
Hinata nodded and beamed his megawatt smile at the captain. He was ushered to his own stall that was one spot over from Kageyama's. Hinata smiled at Kageyama and he tried to return it but he was sure it showed how nervous he was.
“Aw look at the rookies,” a blond haired guy said, coming to stand next to Daichi. The blond was Sugawara, Kageyama also knew that prior to joining the team. Suga wasn't the most flashy player, he was more like Kageyama in that sense.
Daichi just checked Suga with his hip, “Alright now that you’re both here, get dressed and get out on the ice.” He said.
Kageyama and Hinata nodded and watched as Daichi and Suga walked back to their own stalls.
Hinata and he looked at each other, both of them having an understanding that they weren't going to mess today up for each other no matter what feelings they’ve been having in the recent days.
They finished getting their gear on and went to go out to join the rest of the team on the ice. They were about to step out when a hand gripped both their shoulders.
“Woah there rookies,” Tanaka laughed, “Gotta let the vets through first, that's the rule.”
“Right, right, of course.” Hinata mumbled, stepping aside to let Tanaka pass.
Hinata and Kageyama looked at each other again and took to the ice for their first practice. This was it, time to make his impression and prove that Hinata beating him in juniors was just a fluke.
The next coming days were a whirlwind of emotions. Everyday Kageyama felt better and better with his position on the team. Since he and Hinata joined in the middle of the season due to world juniors, the team was doing relatively well but needed nothing short of a miracle to even be considered for a wild card spot in the playoffs. Kageyama didn't mind, he knew what he was getting into when he was drafted to the crows and now he had the chance to help turn the tides for them.
And so he did what he knew best. He practiced hard and trained harder. He made sure he was following his meal plan to a T, even if Hinata begged him to break it often. In all honesty, that was going better too, living with Hinata. Sure they still had their squabbles, Hinata still annoyed Kageyama to no end, but he could be in a room with him for at least an hour without wanting to punt the dude out the window.
It became very apparent at how annoying Hinata could be when Coach Ukai thought of the brilliant idea to put them on a line together, something about them having chemistry together.
The drills they practiced were relatively easy, ones that he did on his peewee team. But for some unknown reason Kageyama's passes kept missing Hinata’s stick, and the times Hinata managed to catch a pass he would completely miss the net.
“Are you serious?!” Kageyama yelled after the twelfth missed pass.
“Calm down, send me another. I'll get it this time.” Hinata said, his eyebrows drawn in frustration.
Kageyama huffed in annoyance while they set up in position. They skated down the ice, Kageyama stickhandling the puck before sending it full speed at Hinata who was a few paces closer to the net. As the puck approached Hinata he wound up his stick, ready for a slapshot. He swung the stick down, barely grazing the puck, sending it gliding over the crease and Hinata himself to the floor.
Kagaeyama skated over to where Hinata was still lying face down on the ice, stopping at the last second to send a small shower of snow onto the other.
“That was pathetic,” Kageyama sneered.
Hinata lifted his head to glare at him, “I’d like to see you try to catch your passes. They’re inconsistent and sloppy, that's why I keep messing up.”
Kageyama scoffed, “Oh please, my old teammates could catch those passes in their sleep.”
“Okay then, I'll pass to you, see how easy it is then,” Hinata said while he pushed himself up from the ice.
“Fine,” Kageyama said, rolling his eyes as they set up again. This time Hinata was at center while Kageyama was on the wing.
They started to skate, Kageyama just barely keeping up as Hinata sped down the ice as fast as he could. Kageyama tapped his stick onto the ground, calling for the pass. But Hinata ignored him, instead shooting the puck himself and scoring.
“Are you serious?!” Kageyama shouted to Hinata who was fist pumping to himself.
Hinata just laughed, “See it worked. That's how you do it!”
“You're supposed to pass it you dumbass”
“Calm down Kags, I'm only having fun.”
“We'll take this seriously, okay, we can't be messing around.”
Hinata raised an eyebrow, “And why can't we be messing around, having fun?”
“Because if we don't take this seriously then the team will think were just some dumb kids and send us down. Is that what you want, to get sent down?” Kageyama stressed as he skated up to Hinata.
“Oh calm down, neither of us will be sent down. You're worrying for nothing.”
Kageyama jabbed at Hinata's feet with his stick, “Don't sound so sure, the whole time we've been talking, coach has been watching us.”
Hinata peeked over Kageyama's shoulder to see, sure enough, Ukai was watching them and writing notes down on his clipboard he had in his hand.
“I still don't think we have anything to worry about,” Hinata said, fishing the puck out from the net, “Here let's do it again so you can stop freaking out.”
“I'm not freaking out,” Kageyama grumbled.
They set up again for the drill, this time in the regular formation with Kageyama in the center. They did the pass a few more times, Hinata still not receiving the puck well enough to score. Kageyama wanted to keep going but coach Ukai blew his whistle and called them off the ice for a meeting with the whole team. As they both made their way to the video room all Kageyama could think about was Hinata missing that pass during an actual game and the result of that being both of them being sent down.
Soon it was time to put their money where their mouth was. After being on the team for a few weeks, Ukai had decided to actually play Kageyama and Hinata together on the same line. Normally it was Kageyama centering the second line with Ennoshita and Daichi while Hinata played on the wing for Suga and Asahi. The lines were good and Kageyama was getting consistent minutes on the ice, although both he and Hinata had yet to score their first goal. That was something that was bothering Hinata, he could tell. Each game that Hinata didn't score he was more and more twitchy, demanding that he and Kageyama watch game tape after game tape to see what he could've done better. Kageyama didn't mind the extra video review that Hinata asked for. He did mind however, Hinata falling asleep on his shoulder after the second rewatch every single time.
The first few times Hinata fell asleep on him, Kageyama just shoved him off, without the dude waking for even a second. But after some time Kageyama decided to just follow suit and sleep too. The amount of times they both woke up with a crick in their necks from sleeping on the couch was endless, but neither of them mentioned “sleeping together” in the morning. They would just get up and go about their business as usual.
Back to the game, Ukai announced before they went out that HInata had been moved to the second line, replacing Ennoshita who would move up to the first line for a few shifts.
The first period was uninteresting, they were playing the Nekoma Cheetahs, another team that had a slight chance at the playoffs just like The Crows. Nishnoya had made a few saves, nothing too scary and Suga had scored the first goal so they were up 1-0 after the first intermission.
Coming into the second the energy was high, Kageyama had a good feeling about tonight. Soon it was time for a line change, Ukai yelled for Kageyama's line and soon all three of them were over the boards chasing after the puck.
A Nekoma player got to the puck before Daichi did but he was able to chip it to Kageyama somehow, Kageyama caught it and skated down the ice with Hinata following close behind. Daichi had shaken the other player and was calling for Kageyama to pass the puck to him. Out of the corner of his eye he could see a red jersey catching up to Daichi, he knew that if he passed then the puck would surely be stolen away. So instead he looked to his right and saw Hinata in position by the side of the Nekoma net. There was only one player defending Hinata so Kageyama decided to risk it and sent the puck flying.
He closed his eyes for a split second before he heard the goal siren sound. He opened his eyes and met Hinatas who had his arms raised in a shocked celebration. Kageyama laughed wildly and skated as fast as he could to Hinata. He crashed into the shorter, sending them both tumbling to the ice.
They both laughed as Kageyama pulled back a bit to shove at Hinata. Hinata opened his eyes, freezing as he made eye contact with Kageyama. Kageyama stuttered for a second, getting lost in the wildness of Hinata's face, his eyes blown wide and his cheeks red with the cold. They snapped out of their staring contest by Daichi and Tanaka hauling them both up by their jerseys and pulling them into a large celebration hug. Kageyama decided to store that moment that he and HInata had in the back of his brain, he could dwell on it after the game.
After the game, which they had won in a shutout thanks to Nishnoya being a brick wall in the net. The team went to a bar some place close to the rink afterwards. Normally they didn't go out after wins, choosing to do more video reviews and getting some needed sleep for practice, but Hinata had gotten his first goal. And Kageyama too, although that one wasn't as memorable, he had redirected a shot made by Tanaka who initially was given the goal, it wasn't until after the game the refs reviewed it and gave Kageyama the credit for it. But a goal was a goal and the bar wasn't carding them so why not celebrate. Kageyama was nursing his third beer of the night courtesy of Tanaka. Hinata on the other hand was downing drinks left and right, he was on his sixth or maybe seventh of the night. Kageyama looked over to where the smaller was holding court. Hinata was sitting on one of the tables, not caring that they were sticky with spilled drinks gesturing wildly, most likely talking about his own goal that he scored. Kageyama smirked to himself, not only had they both scored this game but Kageyama got his goal first and got the primary assist on Hinata's goal.
Kageyama kept watching Hinata, the way he moved, and how genuine his smile was. That was something he noticed nearly everyday, Hinata always had a smile on his face, Kageyama had yet to see him down. Perhaps it was the alcohol or maybe just the adrenaline from the night but he got up from his seat and made his way over to Hinata. He got to him as HInata was finishing his story, Kageyama smiled at him before wrapping his arm around his shoulders and pulling him into his side. Hinata went easily, not breaking from his conversation.
“And then I shot the puck like WAHH! And it went flying over the goalie like bam!” HInata described.
Suga, who had been listening the whole time laughed, “Yes I know, I was there remember?”
Hinata's face lit up and he leant forward so fast that Kageyama had to pull him back before he fell flat on his face.
“Yes! You were there!” Hinata shouted, “And so was Ennoshita and Asahi and…” He trailed off before turning to look at Kageyama.
“Kags! You were there!” He said while slapping a hand onto Kageyama's chest.
“Yes I was,” Kageyama laughed, he grabbed Hinata's hand with the one that was still thrown over his shoulder still, not sure why but he’ll blame it on the drinks.
“Oh my god Kageyama! Kag! We did it!” Hinata yelled, “We actually did it!”
“Did what?” Suga asked.
Hinata grinned at him, “We proved that we belong here!”
Suga smiled at them both fondly before patting both of their heads, “Of course you guys belong here, you’re our baby Crows and we're not getting rid of you ever.” He said before walking off to save Nishinoya and Tanaka from breaking a table in the bar.
Left alone Kageyama went to remove his arm from Hinata's shoulders but was stopped by Hinata pulling back around him. He glazed down at the other who was still smiling that permanent smile.
“You hear that Kags? We belong,'' He whispered, leaning up to reach Kageyama's ear so he could hear.
Kageyama blushed at the warm feeling of Hinata's breath but shook it off, “We do shrimpy, we do.”
The next morning Kageyama woke up with a groan. His head was pounding and he did not know how he ended back in his bed. He remembered after calling Hinata shrimpy he started protesting the nickname which just made him laugh. Hinata jumped off the table and demanded to compare heights. Kageyama had laughed and wrapped Hinata into a headlock and began to noogie him. They were broken up by Daichi who brought them a tray of 8 shots which they each took four of. After that the night got a bit hazy.
Kageyama peeled himself out of bed and made his way to the living room. He passed by Hinata's door and hesitated. He knocked softly, trying not to wake him or make his headache worse. He got no response from the knock so he slowly pushed his way inside. Hinata was sprawled across his bed, blankets and pillows everywhere. His face was scrunched up in discomfort but he seemed to still be asleep. Kageyama left as quietly as he entered the room and he tiptoed into the kitchen.
He grabbed a gatorade for himself and one for HInata too. He opened his own and grabbed a few Advil from the cabinet above his head and took some for his headache. He also grabbed a yogurt pouch from the fridge and brought all three items back to Hinata's room and set them down on his bedside table. Before he left he grabbed a blanket that Hinata must’ve kicked off in the middle of the night and carefully draped it over the one asleep before leaving the room once more.
After that day things were starting to look up. Kageyama was playing on the second pair and was racking up points. Sure it wasn't every game but he was consistent. Consistent enough that when Coach Ukai called him early in the afternoon on one of their off days to tell him that he was being sent down he was shocked. He thanked the coach for the call and immediately started to pack for the journey to the rink for the AHL team who were having practice later that day, if he left now he would just make it for the end of it. He was putting his gear in his bag when Hinata came into his room.
“Hey Kag I was wondering if you wanted…” He stalled, “what are you doing?”
“Packing,” Kageyama said, not in the mood for any shenanigans.
“Well duh Im not dumb. Packing for what our road trip isn't until Tuesday.”
Kageyama sniffed, trying not to get upset, not wanting Hinata to see him vulnerable.
“You have a roadtrip Tuesday, I’ll have a game with The Seagulls,” He choked out.
Hinata was quiet for a minute while Kageyama continued to put his gear away, he looked up to see HInata looking at him with a blank expression.
“Woah, that sucks,” He eventually said.
Kageyama twitched in anger. That was really all Hinata had to say to him? After sticking with each other for so long, Hinata could only say it sucked.
“Yeah, it does suck, thanks for reminding me.” Kageyama said, standing up angrily, “So don't worry about me, I'm fine with it.”
“I didn't mean it like that dude,” Hinata tried, “I just don't know what to say.”
Kageyama sneered at him, “Well can't you react like a normal person?!” He demanded.
“How would a normal person react? I didn't get sent down, you did,” Hinata reminded him.
Kageyama shoved past Hinata as he walked out of his room, shouldering him aside roughly.
“You know, a good friend would feel bad that I got sent down.”
“Oh so I'm not a good friend now?”
Kageyama turned to glare at the shorter, “Obviously not! Otherwise you would be upset that I’m leaving!”
“It's not me who they thought wasn't good enough to stay!” HInata shouted.
Kageyama froze before saying, “You take that back,” dangerously low.
Hinata gulped but stood his ground, “No. You know I'm right,” He said, again showing no emotion, “You're obviously not the hotshot you think you are or else you wouldn't be leaving.”
“It's not my choice to leave!”
Hinata went to retaliate but was cut off by Kageyama's phone getting a message saying the car had arrived to take him to the seagulls rink.
“Whatever,” Kageyama said sadly, “Have fun on the trip, try not to let your ego get in the way of the others on the ice.”
Kageyama left before he heard what Hinata had to say. He climbed into the car and tried to wrench the tears away. He shouldn't be crying, he knew that there was a chance of this happening to him, it happens to all rookies at some point. Kageyama guessed that it was the fact that Hinata didn't seem to care that he was sent down. Hinata had looked at him like it wasn't something to be upset about, almost like he had seen it coming the entire time. Maybe he was just acting nice until the moment Kageyama was sent down, maybe he really didn't care and never actually wanted to be friends with him. He lent his head against the cool glass window and watched as the road left his apartment behind, leaving Hinata behind. Maybe this would be for the best, not having to be around him everyday. Figure out his own game and build it up so well that the crows would call him back up before the season ended.
He had played 10 games with the seagulls and he wished he could admit that he hadn't thought about Hinata once, but that would be a lie. Even though he still lived in the apartment with Hinata, things were different. They both had different schedules, games were on different days, practice went longer for the crows. The crows even had more team events than normal it seemed. So Kageyama and Hinata rarely crossed paths.
Kageyama found that in the quiet times in the apartment, he oddly missed Hinata. Sure the dude was annoying and loud but he always seemed to be able to get Kageyama out of his head when he got too deep into his thoughts. Hinata also always made sure that Kageyama went outside. If it were up to him, Kageyama would only leave the apartment for practice and games. But Hinata would drag him out to get food or just go exploring on their off days. The apartment also seemed quieter without Hinata around, and as much as he hated to admit it, he had gotten used to the constant babbling that came from the other, it was a comfort almost.
Ten games, even more practices, and a full three weeks. That much time had passed since the last time he and Hinata had a full conversation. But after ten games, the crows season was coming to a slow end, with only another five games remaining in their season Coach Ukai and the front office decided to give Kageyama another chance. He hung up the phone after the call, this time with a smile on his face. He jumped off the couch in joy and began to fist pump to himself in celebration.
He was laughing to himself out of joy when Hinata came in. He turned to tell him the news but the redhead just looked at him with a sad face.
“Hey what's wrong?” Kageyama asked, the first thing he said to Hinata in weeks.
Hinata shrugged sadly, his usual energy gone. Kageyama was getting concerned.
“Hinata, talk to me.” Kageyama pleaded.
“I miss playing with you. I'm not even allowed to talk to you about the weird new plays Ukai is making us do because of the rules.” Hinata pouted.
Kageyama grinned a little, “I'm sure you could tell me something about it.”
Hinata just groaned and flopped onto the couch dramatically, “But I can't Kags! I'm supposed to follow the rules, you're always telling me to follow the rules.”
“Well you would be following the rules if you told me about the drills. That way I’ll be caught up for practice tomorrow.”
“Are you saying what I think youre saying? Because if it's not what I think youre saying then we need to work on your pranking skills.”
“I am in fact saying what you think I'm saying,” Kageyama laughed. Hinata let out a scream and tackled Kageyama to the couch.
They fumbled around a bit before settling, Kageyama laughed more before trying to wrap his arms around Hinata. It ended up with one arm mushed between Hinata and the couch and his head resting on his back.
“Next season,” Kageyama said, “Next season I’m not going down at all, I’m staying up the whole season I swear,” He promised.
Hinata sat up quickly then, getting a look of intensity on his face.
“You're right!” He cried out, “You and me against the world Kags! Make them regret doubting you!!”
Kageyama laughed. He pushed himself off the floor and sat down on the couch next to Hinata. He wrapped his arm around Hinata's shoulder and dragged him into his side like he had done when they scored their very first goal all those months ago.
“Calm down, revenge can wait.” Kageyama laughed.
Hinata let himself fall into Kageyama. When he had finished speaking Hinata just looked at him. HIs eyes burning with passion, Kageyama was hypnotized by the look Hinata was giving him. And then within a second, leaving no time for Kageyama to react Hinata darted in and lightly pecked him on the cheek.
Both froze, not sure how to react. Hinata blushed as he pulled back and Kageyama could feel his own face start to heat up. Hinata smiled hesitantly at him which Kageyama returned. He reached down and took a hold of his hand, squeezing it lightly. Next season, they will be together, as they should be.