The Distance Between Us

Chapter 9

It was the day of their trip to Niiko's National Park. Hinaya was excited to say the least, he's always wanted to go there but his parents didn't allow him to. Unfortunately, Umeko and Hanami had an ultrasound that day and couldn't go with him. However, Haruto was going with him so he didn't mind. The excitement that bubbled in Haru's eye when he was told he was allowed to go made his parents and Hinata's melt with love.

"Hinata, are you sure you're able to take care of haru and are you sure you're well enough?" Umeko asked as they both left the car.

"Yes aunty, and do let me know how Hanae is doing when we get back," he said.

Hinata was excited for the birth of his cousin, he's always loved children and adored them with every fibre of his being. He imagined all the possible things he could do with both Haru and Hanae when she's born. He was excited to say the least.

"Of course, how could I not?" she said, a small smile creeping on her face.

"Alright Shoyo, both haru and your lunches, snacks and water are in here, there's also a first aid kit, haru's carrier, a mini fan and an umbrella and some other basic necessities. Oh and your camara" hanami said, smiling fondly at the younger.

"Camara?" he said, confused.

"Shosho, wee bo't oo a mara as a su'pise (Sho Sho we bought you a camera as a suprise)" haru said, smiling brightly up at Hinata.

"Ack, that's a fatal blow haru, why are you so cute?!" he exclaimed.

"We noticed how much you loved looking at nature so we wanted you to capture it," Hanami smiled.

Hinata's heart swelled with joy and love for his new found family "okay but you three have to be my first picture"

They smiled and gathered around a tree, allowing Hinata to capture the beautiful moment and peace that surrounded them. He was quite happy with the way the picture came out. He was proud that he was able to capture their feelings and faces properly. He loved it and so did they.

Not long after, hanami and Umeko left, leaving Hinata and Haruto on their own. Hinata held Haru's hand tightly as they stood at the entrance of the hiking trail. Anticipation and excitement once again washed over Hinata making it hard for him to stay still. As he was about to enter he heard someone call his name, he quickly turned around to see Takeda sensei running to him.

"Hinata, what are you doing here? How are you feeling? Are you alright?" he asked, grabbing his shoulders, worry evident in his voice.

"I'm alright sensei, I got discharged yesterday and my aunt took me here to celebrate my release. However, something came up so I'm here with my little cousin Haruto,"Hinata said smiling.

Takeda sighed with relief "when I heard you were hospitalised, I was worried. I noticed you weren't yourself and didn't do anything about it. I'm sorry Hinata, I did you wrong."

"Sensei, don't blame yourself, thanks to my hospitalisation i met some wonderful people and made some strong bonds, so don't blame yourself" he smiled.

"Um Shosho whoo dis? (um Sho Sho, who's this)" Haru asked, holding Hinata's hand tightly.

"Ah sorry haru, this is my teacher, I took care of me the most," he said, gestring to Takeda.

"Ohhh otay (ohhh okay)" haru smiled.

"Hinata, it's not safe for you to walk around with a child on your own." he said, pushing his glasses up.

"Ah... i don't really want to" he said, looking away.

"Too bad, I care too much to let you go alone"

"Sigh, fine"

Hinata held Haru's hand tightly as he made his way over to the team with Takeda. His sensei had filled him in as to why the team was there. In short, couch and sensei was trying to get them to relax as they'd been stressed for the past weeks.

As he approached the team,he could sense the glares that were thrown his way. Hinata looked away in nervousness and guilt, avoiding their stares as takeda explains why he's joining them.

" 'top sharing at Sho Sho wike dat! (stop staring at Sho Sho like that)" Haru yelled, his arms spread out, trying to protect Shoyo.

"Who the hell is this kid?" Tsukishima asked, looking down at him.

"I dunno," Yamaguchi said.

Before they could continue questioning, the child ShoYo's nervousness crumbled, "GWAH!" He said, grabbing chest, kneeling down next to haru. " Haru, your cuteness is gonna kill me!! How can you be so cute?! I'm gonna keep you forever" he said as he began to rub his face against Haru's. Haru giggled and hugged Hinata back, kissing his cheek in the process.

"No be swared, hawu potec oo (no be scared, Haru protect you)" he said, patting his head.

Hinata squealed in delight, hugging Haru tighter. The team watched as Hinata's exterior crumbled at the mere cuteness of a child. They stared in disbelief, they'd to the use to the cold exterior he displayed that they forgot he was the embodiment of sunshine. Hinata who felt eyes on him placed up, only to see them looking down at him. He stood up, cleared his throat and dust his pants before saying,

"Sensei, can we go now? I wanna see the scenery!"

Takeda chuckled before briefly going through the rules "alright everyone, you're all gonna stick with your year group, move at your own pace and try not to rush to the end, there's a lot to see. Contact coach Ukai or me if something happens. DO NOT drift from the group. That is all, go have fun."

They all made their way to the entrance, excited chatter surrounding them. Though the atmosphere was a bit tense and unwelcoming, Haruto managed to keep him occupied. He was truly grateful for the younger. Hinata smiled at the thought of living with them, he would most certainly die from the excessive cuteness haru showed.