Whispers in the Dark

Chapter 6: Adjustments

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SUMMARY: Hinata gets comfortable in his new life

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A/N: y'all, I'm a terrible person. I gave Kageyama a cat and forgot all about her for 4 chapters. But don't worry, she's back in this chapter.

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A week after leaving Sunada, Hinata finally feels like he can breathe. Like the vice around his chest, the squeezing in his lungs, has finally loosened. He notices the lack of tension in his muscles, the absence of the constant worry that he had carried for months.

He feels free.

He is proud to say he has a bank account in his own name and a phone he paid for himself. It's his first real foray into adulthood and independence. He's twenty-one years old, but he feels more like a newly minted adult, just turned eighteen and clueless about the world. But it's okay because he's going to figure it out. He has to, for himself and for his pup.

With Kageyama's help.

Hinata is pleased to say that being around Kageyama is natural and easy. Despite the alpha's grumpy nature, he is not fussy or demanding. He's not selfish or controlling. With Kageyama, he doesn't have to pretend, doesn't have to hide his feelings or opinions, doesn't have to live up to some impossible and secret expectations.

He hadn't realized how exhausting that was until he no longer had to do it.

He is happy with the routine he's fallen into with his boss and roommate. They've taken to running in the park after work, though their races have frustratingly ended with Hinata falling behind. He knows it's the pregnancy that makes him tired and takes away his usual stamina, but it still wounds his pride to lose to Kageyama. It is almost worth it, though, when Kageyama comes back to check on him when he stops to catch his breath, when Kageyama asks if he and the pup are okay, asks if he needs anything. It's so sweet and considerate that it makes Hinata's heart hurt a little.

He's content to watch baking shows with Kageyama, critiquing the chefs' choices and bickering over which of them would do it better. He's satisfied with the division of chores in the apartment, even if Kageyama won't let him clean the bathrooms. Although he uses eco-friendly products, Kageyama still insists that Hinata should not inhale the fumes, so Hinata is restricted to washing dishes and sweeping the floors. Another one of the small gestures that Hinata can't help but notice and appreciate.

He's satisfied with his relationship with Kageyama's calico cat, Mikeneko, who appears to like him just as well as she likes Kageyama. Hinata is happy to help with feeding her and playing with her, even if he is jealous when Kageyama's large, strong hands glide over Mikeneko's fur lovingly, making her purr. Sometimes he thinks about those hands on him, raking over his skin, making him hum with contentment. But then he stops himself because he should not be thinking pervy thoughts about his boss and roommate.

Two weeks after leaving Sunada, Hinata is nine weeks pregnant and still experiencing morning sickness. He doesn't vomit quite as often, but the nausea is still sometimes overwhelming. On particularly rough mornings, Kageyama sends him upstairs to rest if the bakery isn't too busy. Another day, another act of kindness.

He is now getting pretty good with several of Kageyama's recipes and is allowed to make some of the products each day. He loves interacting with customers and enticing them to try Kageyama's treats. He enjoys visiting with some regulars, asking about their spouses or kids or work. His job at the bakery is all he could ask for. He gets to do what he loves, talk to people, and look at Kageyama's pretty face all day. What's not to love?