Silence

Chapter Three.

Like had promised, Kageyama and Hinata had lunch together.

They sat in the same area in the courtyard where they had reunited in. Kageyama was glad that his group of friends, or whatever they were now, didn't show up. He looked down at Hinata, who set his bag down beside him and dug through it to find his lunch box.

Kageyama poked Hinata's arm, which forced him to flinch and look over.

"Doh you nee somtig?" Hinata spoke rather loudly.

The raven-haired boy widened his eyes. He hardly even heard Hinata's voice, but he couldn't quite understand either. His mouth was agape as he tried to process what he had said.

Hinata sighed, looking down. I'm sorry, I am learning to speak. It's hard. He signed slowly. Is it that bad..?

"No, no!" Kageyama signed the words as he spoke. He began to freak out, hoping he didn't upset the deaf boy. I just never heard your voice, so it surprised me.

Hinata watched Kageyama's hands move, noticing he was panicking a bit. He shook his head, setting his lunchbox in his lap. 

I am going back to my doctor tomorrow for tuning. I am slowly starting to hear, but only minor things. Hinata pointed to his ears with another sigh. It's annoying though, my hearing aids always make my ears itch and I'm not used to them since they're new to me.

"Ah." Kageyama nodded, digging in the dirt with the tip of his shoe. I can't imagine the stress you went through in grade school.

Don't worry too much. Now that you're here things should be different. Hinata flashed him a soft smile.

Kageyama felt a bit worried that Hinata was feeling too reliant on him. What if he screwed up and caused Hinata to hate him? No, that wouldn't happened. Hinata wasn't like that, surely he would understand if he did that it would be an accident.

Is it time to go back yet? Hinata asked, patting his feet on the ground.

Kageyama forgot that he also couldn't hear the bell, another reason why he should be here.

No, not yet. We haven't even ate yet. Kageyama responded, squeezing his thumb with his other fingers.

He nodded, unwrapping the cloth that held the container of food. He took off the lid, looking down at the food with an excited expression. Tamago Kake Gohan.

"Oh right, I remember. Tamago Kake Gohan, your favorite." Kageyama watched him pick up his chopsticks with a grin.

Hinata raised his head as Kageyama spoke, looking over. He set the chopsticks down on the container's lid, I could hear you a bit.

He widened his eyes. Really?! He signed in anticipation, his hands shaking.

Hinata nodded, picking up his chopsticks again and picking at his food. He trapped some of the rice between the two chopsticks, raising it to his lips and slipping the food into mouth.

He could hear me? Kageyama smiled mentally, watching him eat. He suddenly didn't feel the need to eat, so he pushed his lunchbox aside and stared up at the sky. I wish we could actually have a conversation, though.

After Hinata had finished, they shared another simple conversation before heading in after the bell.

I'll see you after class. Hinata signed with a bright smile.

Of course. Kageyama responded, his heart bursting at the sight of Hinata's smile. It was pretty contagious.

~

A few months went by quickly. Hinata's life remained pretty much normal since Kageyama came back. Although he did have a few rough spots with Kageyama's old friends.

Hinata enjoyed the moments he spent with Kageyama. He had been one of his first friends after all. Kageyama secretly enjoyed it, too. He usually called Hinata an "idiot" or "dumbass" whenever he did something to embarrass Kageyama. But actually, Kageyama found Hinata's mistakes cute.

~

December 20th, 20XX.

The weather was quite rainy, usual for a normal Friday afternoon in December. Hinata was bundled up in a parka that was a bit bigger than him. He was wearing his usual black slacks and white tennis shoes. He stood under a large tree which provided some protection from the rain.

Kageyama was beside him, looking down at the orange-haired boy. He was wearing a black pea coat with grey slacks and white tennis shoes. He was holding a large umbrella which shielded them both from the few raindrops that come down through the tree.

I should be heading home now. Hinata signed to Kageyama. Walk with me?

Kageyama nodded with a smile. Hinata walked out from under the tree with his friend and started making his way back to his house. Kageyama looked down at Hinata every often to make sure he wasn't shivering, he would feel bad if he dragged Hinata out here and made him catch a cold.

Once they reached his house, Hinata stepped under his porch and turned around to face Kageyama.

I had fun today. Hinata smiled, cupping his hands together to warm them up.

I'm glad. Sorry it was so sudden though. Kageyama pinched the umbrella's handle between his side and his arm to sign.

Hinata waved his hand back and forth, shrugging. Your birthday is coming up, right?

Kageyama nodded in response, his eyes studying the curves of Hinata's jaw.

Come to my place on Sunday, I have a surprise for you. Hinata signed quickly, which Kageyama knew he was excited for something.

He nodded again, watching Hinata take off his parka, revealing a long sleeved, black thermal.

Stay warm, and be safe returning to your place. Hinata waved in goodbye, his smile remaining on his lips.

Of course, dumbass. Kageyama waved back, noticing Hinata didn't flinch this time at the nickname.

He turned around to try and walk away, but almost walked into someone else who was behind him. A girl, Kageyama recognized her from his class. She had a noticeable blush on her face.

"Konichiwa, Kageyama-kun. Can we talk?"

a/n: took me awhile to write again )': but i did it finally!

1007 words.

- hailey