Natsume stood silently, watching the warehouse burn. It was rumored that an anti-Academy gang had been using it as its headquarters. Though, watching it burn, Natsume doubted it housed anything but outdated children's backpacks. If anyone had been inside, they would be screaming.
Finally, he sighs and turns around to walk back to the city, where he knows Persona will be waiting. His feet shuffle as a long monster walks with him, rearing its black head, then dropping it; bobbing with Natsume's step. It takes him a minute to realize it is his shadow. He almost grins, but it is tainted. Looking at the ground once more, Natsume breaks out into a sprint. He knows it is futile and stupid, but he wants to outrun his shadow. He wants to flee it. Flee himself.
So, Natsume runs, and he runs. He is going faster than he can ever remember running, and he feels like he can never stop. There's a rock on the road. He doesn't see it, the glow of his mission already faded behind him, and the nonexistent moon casting no light. He trips and falls, skinning his knee. Blood falls. 'Of course,' he thinks sarcastically, 'I can't see the rock, but my blood shines.'
He tries to get up, but he's hurt worse than he thinks and the blood floods down his leg. Pain, something he is used, forces him to the ground. This is different than usual pain, he knows. This hurts physically.
He clutches his knee, and tears drip out his eyes despite his efforts. His pants are soaked in mud, and feels like some stupid kid wanting his Mommy. He doesn't want her, even if he knew her face, her voice her scent. But he doesn't. How could he want a woman he never knew, only imagined?
He feels alone, but doesn't think he should expect anything else. He is in the Dangerous Ability class. No one there has Mommies to kiss boo-boos. He should be used to being alone. He is used to being alone.
Then, a small rabbit, about the right size for him to hold in his arms and cuddle, hops near and stares at him. He grins at it, and stands. His legs wobble, and the bunny hops closer. He grins wider and stays up.
The only thought keeping him grin is: Maybe I'm not totally alone.
I don't own GA. I don't own Natsume. I don't the references too. I wrote it with slash, angst, and Boulevard of Broken Dreams in mind.