[ It feels like it's been a while since they've had one of these talks, but Hinata kind of likes them so it isn't a bother when he's dragged out of his half-awake state.
There's soft, wordless mumbling in reply before Hinata's eyes squeeze closed tighter and then blink open. He doesn't move from being sprawled out on his back, but he does turn his head in Kageyama's direction. ] Mn? Yeah, what is it?
[It might not be the best time to ask this, but he figures there's no time better than now. So he tries saying his question with several false starts before he manages to spit it out.]
What are we? I know we're teammates and partners and roommates but...? Are we friends?
[That last question seemed like it took a lot of effort to spit out. He wants to know if they are or aren't. But he's not so sure he'd ready to hear a no.]
... Huh? [ He can barely see in the lack of light, even when they aren't laying that far from each other, but Hinata pauses while rubbing his eyes to squint as if it'll help.
Is Kageyama... really asking that?
He wants to laugh it off, call the other stupid because of course they are, and he probably would if it wasn't Kageyama, if it was anyone but him. It's been a longstanding thought of his that the other wouldn't consider him a 'friend', because of how different they are and how they butt heads near constantly.
Hinata would most definitely call him his friend, his best friend even, because all in all it's true that Kageyama is the closest person to him, but he hadn't thought the feeling would be mutual. And yet...
He shakes his head a little, realizing that he's fallen rather quiet and hasn't really replied yet, and then he shifts to look up at the ceiling. ]
You're my teammate. The partner... rival I'll become stronger than one day! Here we're living together, so, yeah, we're roommates. [ Finished with the easier confirmations, he relies on his propensity for honesty even as his voice softens. ] When I decided to go to Karasuno, I left behind my friends, and I'm glad I was able to make new ones on the team, and here too.
[ There's another pause, and he almost speaks in a mumble now, somewhat embarrassed and wary of how Kageyama will end up reacting. ] ... I guess it might be weird to you but... You're my best friend, Tobio.
[Kageyama is definitely asking that. He's had friends before of course, not that he managed to keep any of them after That Incident during middle school. And he gets the feeling whatever he's got with Hinata is different, special in some way he can't quite put his finger on.
And the longer and longer Hinata is silent, the more tense Kageyama becomes, worried he might have broken something else. (He's not sure he could stand that. If he had to break something else, he hoped it would be on his own terms.) He lets out the breath he'd been holding when Hinata finally replies.
And then he's silent as he turns the label over and considers it. "Best friend." Well, there's nobody he considers closer to him on the team. And the only friends he's actually made are on the volleyball team.]
... Okay.
[He sounds pleased. If that's what Hinata's decided they are, then that's as good a label as anything else would be.]
And you'll follow me to any stage, no matter what? [Hinata was the one who said it, and Kageyama can't help but want it reconfirmed. It's hard to tell in the low light, but Kageyama's looking at Hinata as intensely as he did during the promise on the stairs. Don't back out of this.]
[ The easy acceptance is almost more of a surprise than Kageyama's question had been in the first place. Hinata's brows knit over his eyes, lips pressing together, and he can't help but ask ] What... do you think?
[ Because even if that's what he believes, it doesn't mean that he thinks the same.
He turns onto his side, gaze seeking and finding Kageyama's even in the dark. They can always do that, match and find each other in any situation given to them, this one no different. Perhaps he can't tell just what is in the depths of those eyes like this, but Hinata still gives him the same degree of intensity. ]
Of course. [ And he means it with every fiber of his being. One of his hands clutches at his shirt over his chest and his beating heart, an action telltale of how much what they're talking about means to him, tone soft but so steadfast it almost makes it sharp. ] I won't back down even when you're the best in the world. I'll be the best too. It's a promise.
I think friend isn't strong enough. [But best friend seems closer to approaching how Kageyama feels about him. He's never had a friendship, no, a bond stronger than the one he shares with Hinata.] Best friend feels right.
[It's hard to see, but he can catch Hinata's amber gaze locked into his. Kageyama nods, accepting it as the truth. Hinata's not one to go breaking promises when he give that look. The way Hinata sounds, it's a promise that he'll do everything in his power to keep.] You better, I expect you there.
[There's no doubt in Kageyama's mind that Hinata could do it. He's stubborn and athletically gifted even if he's still incredibly clumsy. It's fine, he figures. As long as Kageyama's by the other's side and supporting him he'll make it just as far as Kageyama will. The thought of Hinata not being there is a thought he doesn't consider- it's too absurd to think about. Even if they were on different teams after high school (not a great thought) Hinata would match him. He forced him to become a better setter, to give tosses that were matched to the spiker, instead of throwing them faster and faster and completely ignoring what would be best.
He's silent again, mulling it over. "Your tosses are fine" and the way Hinata could just casually push aside everything that happened in middle school like it didn't matter anymore. It takes him a while before he says it, and he doesn't so much say it as he mumbles it just loud enough for Hinata to hear.]
[ Teammates. Rivals. Partners. Roommates. And now... Best friends. It certainly feels like a decidedly good step forward in their relationship, one with no faults to be given. In the end, all he can manage around the fluttering feelings Kageyama's agreement gives him is a sound ] Good.
[ He isn't allowed to go back on that now. Not after all they've been through and all they're sure to go through together in the future.
He'd never would have expected Kageyama to say something like that, not to him, not when he's still an amateur when it comes to most skills needed in their beloved sport and the other is a genius prodigy and has been since he was so young. It feels like something warm wraps itself around his heart and squeezes, but it's pleasurably painful. It makes him feel alive, like adrenaline is speeding through his veins, like he's lifting off into the air to spike a toss made just for him.
Hinata can't help the blindingly wide smile that stretches across his face, and his eyes nearly close as his cheeks ache. There's utter happiness and a sense of gratitude in his everything as he agrees. ] Me too. I want to be forever.
[He feels warm. Which seems strange considering half the blankets aren't on him and the nights are starting to grow chilly. But here he is, feeling warm because Hinata's agreeing with him, they're best friends and somehow that feels right, like something finally slotting into place after being askew for far too long.
And it's true, Hinata's an amateur. There are so many skills he doesn't have yet and needs work on, he needs guidance and Kageyama's not the best teacher. But he'll always push Hinata to do better and become better, because that's what Hinata does for him. Maybe he doesn't realize it, but what they've got is beneficial for them both. Hinata learns so quickly when he cares about something and Kageyama's adjusted his play style for a team instead of trying to win alone. The person he can attribute that to is right in front of him, wearing a smile as bright as sunshine. He doesn't even try to resist smiling back this time.
A part of him knows that they probably won't be together forever. That colleges are in their future and they're not guaranteed to be on the same team. But that's far in the future and Kageyama stomps on the thought as quickly as it pops up.] I'll make you invincible. That's my promise.
[ As long as they are together, they'll continue to grow and set down a good path for themselves. They keep each other from going astray, take care of each other, and it has already made them better in many ways.
The same thoughts would be more to the forefront of his mind as well if he hadn't been so struck by the smile he's being given. And in return, Hinata speaks a promise that he's already held in his heart for months now. ] I'll always spike your tosses. I'll be there with you.
[ He shuffles closer to Kageyama, sharing the same pillow now and leaving negligible space between them as he drags the blanket with him. He reaches for one of his hands and holds it in both of his own, close to his face. Hinata doesn't think too much of his own action, simply wanting a physical connection before they'd try to sleep again. ]
[Always. That's a word that had a lot of weight to it. Always means forever, for as long as Kageyama's tossing, Hinata's promised to be there to use them. There's not a doubt in his mind that Hinata means every word he says. The feeling of warmth intensifies with the added promise.
Hinata's hand on his own serve to do the same, and Kageyama's left staring at the connection for a moment. He could get used to this, no, somehow he's already gotten used to this. Their closeness, their friendship, and their promises.
He can't imagine a world where he didn't become friends with Hinata. Can't imagine a version of himself that didn't hold some fondness for the other. He's so glad that things turned out this way- both of them going to Karasuno and forming an unshakable partnership.]
Thank you.
[It's not everything he wants to say, not close. But somehow, those are the only words the felt right. He doesn't need to question, their promises are unbreakable.
He tugs Hinata's hands closer to his face, and places a kiss against the back of one.]
Stupid. [ He mumbles in return, but it's said affectionately, and there's a grin still on his lips that serves to dampen the insult even more when he squeezes Kageyama's hand. ] You don't have to thank me for something like that.
[ Something so obvious, something he'd never go back on in a million years if he has it his way. Hinata is entirely stubborn and hard-headed. They're both redeeming qualities and minor problems of his.
The kiss has his expression softening, and he can't help but let his eyes close as he savours the warmth they're sharing, the atmosphere surrounding them and pervading all of his senses.
And he's struck with the thought that speaking of 'always' and 'forever's, resting like this with Kageyama at his side, feels... right. ]
Dumbass. [There's only affection in the word, it might be an insult but it sounds far too fond to bite the way it should.] I'll always be there to toss to you.
[And it's so obvious that it almost feels like it doesn't have to be said. But then, everything Hinata's said was just as obvious. So why not? Why not promise Hinata the same thing in return, that he'd always be by the other's side, and always allow him to see the view from the summit? It's one thing to know it, but another thing to speak it out loud.
He closes his eyes, drinks in the feeling of Hinata's hands in his, the warmth of his body barely inches away from his own. Something about this is just... perfect.
'Always' and 'forever' he hopes they stay this close for just as long.]
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There's soft, wordless mumbling in reply before Hinata's eyes squeeze closed tighter and then blink open. He doesn't move from being sprawled out on his back, but he does turn his head in Kageyama's direction. ] Mn? Yeah, what is it?
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What are we? I know we're teammates and partners and roommates but...? Are we friends?
[That last question seemed like it took a lot of effort to spit out. He wants to know if they are or aren't. But he's not so sure he'd ready to hear a no.]
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Is Kageyama... really asking that?
He wants to laugh it off, call the other stupid because of course they are, and he probably would if it wasn't Kageyama, if it was anyone but him. It's been a longstanding thought of his that the other wouldn't consider him a 'friend', because of how different they are and how they butt heads near constantly.
Hinata would most definitely call him his friend, his best friend even, because all in all it's true that Kageyama is the closest person to him, but he hadn't thought the feeling would be mutual. And yet...
He shakes his head a little, realizing that he's fallen rather quiet and hasn't really replied yet, and then he shifts to look up at the ceiling. ]
You're my teammate. The partner... rival I'll become stronger than one day! Here we're living together, so, yeah, we're roommates. [ Finished with the easier confirmations, he relies on his propensity for honesty even as his voice softens. ] When I decided to go to Karasuno, I left behind my friends, and I'm glad I was able to make new ones on the team, and here too.
[ There's another pause, and he almost speaks in a mumble now, somewhat embarrassed and wary of how Kageyama will end up reacting. ] ... I guess it might be weird to you but... You're my best friend, Tobio.
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And the longer and longer Hinata is silent, the more tense Kageyama becomes, worried he might have broken something else. (He's not sure he could stand that. If he had to break something else, he hoped it would be on his own terms.) He lets out the breath he'd been holding when Hinata finally replies.
And then he's silent as he turns the label over and considers it. "Best friend." Well, there's nobody he considers closer to him on the team. And the only friends he's actually made are on the volleyball team.]
... Okay.
[He sounds pleased. If that's what Hinata's decided they are, then that's as good a label as anything else would be.]
And you'll follow me to any stage, no matter what? [Hinata was the one who said it, and Kageyama can't help but want it reconfirmed. It's hard to tell in the low light, but Kageyama's looking at Hinata as intensely as he did during the promise on the stairs. Don't back out of this.]
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[ Because even if that's what he believes, it doesn't mean that he thinks the same.
He turns onto his side, gaze seeking and finding Kageyama's even in the dark. They can always do that, match and find each other in any situation given to them, this one no different. Perhaps he can't tell just what is in the depths of those eyes like this, but Hinata still gives him the same degree of intensity. ]
Of course. [ And he means it with every fiber of his being. One of his hands clutches at his shirt over his chest and his beating heart, an action telltale of how much what they're talking about means to him, tone soft but so steadfast it almost makes it sharp. ] I won't back down even when you're the best in the world. I'll be the best too. It's a promise.
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[It's hard to see, but he can catch Hinata's amber gaze locked into his. Kageyama nods, accepting it as the truth. Hinata's not one to go breaking promises when he give that look. The way Hinata sounds, it's a promise that he'll do everything in his power to keep.] You better, I expect you there.
[There's no doubt in Kageyama's mind that Hinata could do it. He's stubborn and athletically gifted even if he's still incredibly clumsy. It's fine, he figures. As long as Kageyama's by the other's side and supporting him he'll make it just as far as Kageyama will. The thought of Hinata not being there is a thought he doesn't consider- it's too absurd to think about. Even if they were on different teams after high school (not a great thought) Hinata would match him. He forced him to become a better setter, to give tosses that were matched to the spiker, instead of throwing them faster and faster and completely ignoring what would be best.
He's silent again, mulling it over. "Your tosses are fine" and the way Hinata could just casually push aside everything that happened in middle school like it didn't matter anymore. It takes him a while before he says it, and he doesn't so much say it as he mumbles it just loud enough for Hinata to hear.]
I'm glad we're on the same team.
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[ He isn't allowed to go back on that now. Not after all they've been through and all they're sure to go through together in the future.
He'd never would have expected Kageyama to say something like that, not to him, not when he's still an amateur when it comes to most skills needed in their beloved sport and the other is a genius prodigy and has been since he was so young. It feels like something warm wraps itself around his heart and squeezes, but it's pleasurably painful. It makes him feel alive, like adrenaline is speeding through his veins, like he's lifting off into the air to spike a toss made just for him.
Hinata can't help the blindingly wide smile that stretches across his face, and his eyes nearly close as his cheeks ache. There's utter happiness and a sense of gratitude in his everything as he agrees. ] Me too. I want to be forever.
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And it's true, Hinata's an amateur. There are so many skills he doesn't have yet and needs work on, he needs guidance and Kageyama's not the best teacher. But he'll always push Hinata to do better and become better, because that's what Hinata does for him. Maybe he doesn't realize it, but what they've got is beneficial for them both. Hinata learns so quickly when he cares about something and Kageyama's adjusted his play style for a team instead of trying to win alone. The person he can attribute that to is right in front of him, wearing a smile as bright as sunshine. He doesn't even try to resist smiling back this time.
A part of him knows that they probably won't be together forever. That colleges are in their future and they're not guaranteed to be on the same team. But that's far in the future and Kageyama stomps on the thought as quickly as it pops up.] I'll make you invincible. That's my promise.
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The same thoughts would be more to the forefront of his mind as well if he hadn't been so struck by the smile he's being given. And in return, Hinata speaks a promise that he's already held in his heart for months now. ] I'll always spike your tosses. I'll be there with you.
[ He shuffles closer to Kageyama, sharing the same pillow now and leaving negligible space between them as he drags the blanket with him. He reaches for one of his hands and holds it in both of his own, close to his face. Hinata doesn't think too much of his own action, simply wanting a physical connection before they'd try to sleep again. ]
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Hinata's hand on his own serve to do the same, and Kageyama's left staring at the connection for a moment. He could get used to this, no, somehow he's already gotten used to this. Their closeness, their friendship, and their promises.
He can't imagine a world where he didn't become friends with Hinata. Can't imagine a version of himself that didn't hold some fondness for the other. He's so glad that things turned out this way- both of them going to Karasuno and forming an unshakable partnership.]
Thank you.
[It's not everything he wants to say, not close. But somehow, those are the only words the felt right. He doesn't need to question, their promises are unbreakable.
He tugs Hinata's hands closer to his face, and places a kiss against the back of one.]
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[ Something so obvious, something he'd never go back on in a million years if he has it his way. Hinata is entirely stubborn and hard-headed. They're both redeeming qualities and minor problems of his.
The kiss has his expression softening, and he can't help but let his eyes close as he savours the warmth they're sharing, the atmosphere surrounding them and pervading all of his senses.
And he's struck with the thought that speaking of 'always' and 'forever's, resting like this with Kageyama at his side, feels... right. ]
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[And it's so obvious that it almost feels like it doesn't have to be said. But then, everything Hinata's said was just as obvious. So why not? Why not promise Hinata the same thing in return, that he'd always be by the other's side, and always allow him to see the view from the summit? It's one thing to know it, but another thing to speak it out loud.
He closes his eyes, drinks in the feeling of Hinata's hands in his, the warmth of his body barely inches away from his own. Something about this is just... perfect.
'Always' and 'forever' he hopes they stay this close for just as long.]