content edited as of April 14, 2011; author's note untouched.
Kurogane held his chin firmly, making him look up and, more importantly, forcing their eyes to meet.
And all he did was give an innocent, questioning stare. He didn't even say anything.
"You," the ninja growled, "all your stupid smiles and facades."
Red eyes peered at him hard; eyes that – he knew – were trying to tear down the walls of ice and falsehood that he had taken years to completely shroud himself in. Eyes that were succeeding in this, if just slightly. Eyes that prodded, that he wanted to look away from – eyes he feared were seeing more of him than he'd ever had the intention to show.
"You're such a liar."
Let me go, Kurogane; please
"You're always running away – I'm sick of it."
Please, for your own good, let me go.
"I hate cowards."
"Then why," shit, was that him speaking, because it came out much sharper – much colder – than he meant it to, "Why –" (my voice shall not break) " – do you deem me so special?"
The hand under his chin tensed and the face above him darkened. The response is so quiet, barely above a whisper, but he caught it nonetheless:
"I don't know."
And he is left alone.
Author's Note: Feedback much appreciated. And I mean, more than for most of the others. Not that I don't appreciate feedback for everything else, because I do - so feedback please!