Without Me (kagehina)

Chapter 4

"Hinata, you're going to stay with me for a while" Tsukki stated with a stern tone. Now knowing what he knew, Tsukishima couldn't stand by and let Hinata continue to live in an abusive household. He didn't really like the idea of shrimpy living with him, but right now, he's the only one who knows of the situation. He felt like it'd be his fault if he stood by, not doing anything, while Hinatas father continued to harm him.

Hinata was a taken aback by this "w-what? What do you mean?" he wouldn't have been so confused if it were anyone else, but hearing this from the typical smug and salty Tsukishima was surprising. "You're going to live with me from now on. I'm not going to let you continue living in that house when I know you're being abused." Tsukki wanted to get Hinata away from his father as soon as possible "Come on, get up, we're going to your place so you can grab clothes and whatever else you need" he grabbed an extra bag he had lying around "here, you can pack your things in this." Hinata hesitantly grabbed the bag, starting to tear up again "Are you sure..I can stay with you?" the thought of finally getting away from his drunken father filled his mind with what felt like hundreds of different emotions. Noticing the look of plea mixed with pain on hinata's face, he gave a small smile, barely visible "Yes, Hinata. Now let's get going."

•••  (on the walk to hinata's place)

Tsukishima- "So, shrimpy, I'm the only one who knows, right?"

Hinata- "Yeah, why?"

Tsukishima- "Do you plan on telling the king?"

Hinata- "What?! Why would I tell him?"

Tsukishima- "Well, I don't know. You seem pretty close, you're always together even though you get on each others nerves. I guess what I'm trying to say is, he would be better help than me, emotionally at least. You two seem to have some weird connection that makes you understand each other."

Hinata- "We're not that close...I don't think. Even if he does understand me better than anyone else, I'm not telling him!"

Tsukishima- "Alright calm down. You don't need to tell him anything if you don't to, I'm just saying he could help more than me."

Hinata- "Well..you shouldn't even know..so your help is more than enough.."

Tsukishima- *lets out a defeated sigh*

•••  (arriving at hinata's house)

The two stood at Hinata's front door as he hesitates to open it "Would you mind staying out here while I pack my things?" Tsukishima didn't mind and figured Hinata didn't want him seeing anything related to his father or self-harm. "That's fine" he took out his phone and stepped to the side, signifying he'd began waiting.

Hinata walked in and shut the door quickly behind him. He didn't have to worry about anyone being home at the time, his father somehow worked during the day and his sister and mother were out of town for a while.

He tried to ignore the faint scent of beer that filled the house as he walked to his room.

He shoved clothes, volleyball shoes, a toothbrush and his jersey in the bag Tsukki had given him. About to walk out of his room, he stopped, remembering something. He went and dug through his dresser, finally finding a small box at the bottom. 'Just in case' he thought while hiding the box at the bottom of his bag, being sure it was well hidden.