Feathers

Chapter 6 - A Promise

NO ONE POV:
It was another late night of studying for Hinata, as an exam was coming up in the class he struggled in.

This could be my chance to boost my grade and show him so he wouldn't hurt Natsu. He thought.

Without warning though, he fainted from exhaustion, not noticing the homework he hadn't done from that class, due the next day.

Time skip: |Next Morning|

When he opened his eyes, he had no idea what time it was, as he hadn't set an alarm. Immediately panicking, Hinata rushed to his phone, as it beamed back at him. 6:47 AM. He had to leave in 5 minutes.

He hurriedly yet gently shook his sister up, told her to get ready, and rush. They both scurried out of the house, quietly, to not disturb their father.

Nastu wept, due to the fact she did not eat breakfast. Although this was normal for Hinata, it was not for Natsu. Only because Hinata ended up giving whatever he could to Natsu.

He wanted to stop at the store for a brief moment, to grab her something, but time wouldn't allow him. And another problem as well.

He ran out of money.

Before Natsu entered her school, Hinata promised to get a good meal for her after school no matter what. This succeeded in calming her down, and if anything, the teachers had snacks for the children to eat during snack time.

HINATA POV: Ever since Kageyama noticed my unwell self the day before, I told myself to smile big and seem more energetic, to not worry him more. After our race to the gym door, we had normal practice.

I felt those eyes on me again though. Even while feeling uneasy, I made sure to push my limits to appear as my usual self.

After morning practice though, it dawned on me.

Did I do the homework from last night?

I quickly dashed to my bag, rummaging for it. After finally finding it, my heart stopped. It was blank. I had this class 2nd period, but I did not have time to do it 1st period. I rushed over to Kageyama who was picking up his stuff, about to leave.

"Kageyama! Did you do the English homework!? I forgot about it, help me out!" I exclaimed to him.

"Oh shit. I forgot it too. I left it at my house." He sounded so relaxed, it scared me.

How could he not be stressing out at a time like this?

Sure, he sounded a little worried, but still, he acted as if it was no big deal.

Now what? Oh! I know! Tsukkishima!

TSUKKISHIMA POV:
While I was talking to Yamaguchi, I heard my name being called and saw Hinata run up to us, actually, me specifically. I glanced at him from over my shoulder,

"What?" I muttered.

"Do you have the English homework? I need it, please. Kageyama doesn't have it and I completely forgot about it."

"What, no? You'll just copy straight off it."

Yamaguchi interrupted us, "Can't you just give it to him for a little bit? I'm sure he can modify the answers and he'll definitely give it back, right Hinata?"

Hinata nodded repeatedly and looked back at me, anticipating for an answer. Right as I was about to say no though, I noticed how panicked he looked. Like his life depended on it. He looked way too desperate.

Was this really that big of a deal to him?

"Whatever, fine.." I said as I took it out of my bag, handing it to him before warning him. "Give it back during the passing period after the first period though, I'm not kidding around." I looked over my shoulder while walking away, seeing his face immediately relax.

Guess it was that big of a deal.

NO ONE POV:
During 1st period, Hinata quickly and sneakily copied and modified the homework. Relieved to have finally finished it.

After 1st period, right as he left the classroom and headed to find Tsukkishima, he felt a harsh tug on the back of his collared shirt. He quickly and fearfully turned around, like muscle memory, and only calmed down once he saw it was just Tsukishima.

"Chill... My homework?" He put his hand out, signaling for Hinata to give it to him.

"Yeah sorry, here you go," Hinata said as he handed back the tall blondie his homework.

Right as Tsukkishima was about to walk away, Hinata bowed, "Thank you, really. You helped me out."

"Uhm, sure. But you look dumb right now, so don't bow." He spoke as he continued walking away. Wondering why it was that big a deal.
Hinata felt embarrassed and quickly stood back up and walked away as well.

Time skip: |After Practice|
Hinata gasped for air while walking out of after-school practice. Practice had become more and more tiring for him as he hadn't had a full meal in days. He pushed forward though, remembering the promise he made Natsu, which he'd fulfill no matter what.

HINATA POV:
After picking up Natsu, she excitedly looked at me. Even though she didn't say anything, I knew exactly what she was so ecstatic about, the meal I promised. Right as we were about to enter the house, I kneeled down to her, holding onto her shoulders, and told her.

"I'm gonna go grab something before we go out and buy your meal. This means I want you to stay outside here, right on that bench," I said, pointing to a bench sitting right next to the house.

"I'll take less than 5 minutes. If anyone tries to grab you, scream real loud and I'll come back."

"Why can't I come with you..?" She sounded sad, but I knew what was necessary, so I couldn't let her come with me.

"I'll be back in just 2 minutes, don't worry."
I comforted her, she nodded and waddled towards the bench.

I quietly opened the door, barely opening it before sliding in, not allowing the outside light to come in. 

He was asleep. I had never felt more relieved. I slowly tiptoed towards him, crouching next to him as he slept on the couch. His wallet poked out of his pocket. I picked at it with my nails until it finally slid out. Quickly grasping at it, I silently opened it and pulled some money out.

This whole time he had all this cash?

It wasn't like he was wealthy, but the amount of money he had was concerning as he didn't do much.

I gently put the wallet back in his pocket before scurrying outside. But when I turned to see Natsu, I saw a boy standing right in front of her.

"GET AWAY FROM MY SISTER!"