Disclaimers: I do not own Wolf's Rain the characters, not the universe which they live- that I am not using this time around, but I figure it should be said. I do not make any money from this it's just for fun. I think that covers it. Yeah.
Dedication: I hope it doesn't disappear. I don't know why it did the first time. But, if it does, you know who you are.
~ 0 ~ 0 ~
When his dad pitched the situation to him three hours ago, he thought it was a joke. It was actually a funny joke, because Toboe Kuruk, in all of his 16 years of life, has never heard of anything so ridiculously funny as what his father said to him, when he'd barged into his bedroom while he changed into his swim shorts; with full intentions to go to the beach and spend the day surfing and sunning with his friends. But, no. It was not a joke, nevermind his laughing at it for a good solid minute, because three hours later he found himself waiting at the international airport, with a stupid piece of poster board that has: Kiba Hampaat written on it. He's going to be a chauffeur- yay!
An older guy, looks around his twenties maybe a bit younger enters the main area of the building. He looks left then right before going to the baggage claim. Toboe studied the guy for a moment then stared down all of the other college age looking young men who might be Kiba Hampaat. None fit the bill. He at least knows the guy is a brunet. Red head. No. A blond. No. A guy who clearly was blond but dyed it brown. Maybe…
The young man at the baggage claim starts his way. Turning the sign, he noticed a flicker of recognition in his eyes.
With an internal groan, the younger teen asks. "Kiba Hampaat?"
The approaching young man gave a single nod that, yes, he is the asked after person by that name.
Thankful for that, he dropped the sign- which apparently had his posture attached to it, as he's suddenly shoulder hunched, and leads Kiba to his car.
Kiba awaited a name, but upon not receiving one he figured he should make small talk to lift the awkward air. "You shouldn't scowl like that, your face might freeze that way."
Toboe shrugged, "So, let it." straightening a bit, he slipped his hands into his pockets after depositing the poster board into a passed trash bin. "Saves me the trouble of doing it manually each time."
"Uh huh," hardly phased by teenaged rebellions, Kiba says. "So when you're not being a grouch, who are you?"
It was as if a switch had been flipped and he was with a different person. Guess the 'cool' act was to size him up and gauge his reaction. Teenagers. The new ones think they've invented acting out, when nearly everyone goes through it in some form or another.
But, brightly, as if he's not a person but something to brag about, the youth replies. Toboe Kuruk, age 16 going on 17 in winter. I'll be in the ninth grade this year. My hobbies are all things water related- except for drowning," he smiled when Kiba snickered, pleased that he got the joke instead of deciding him macabre. "I also like running, but have never been on the school team for it. And, oh yeah, avoiding my father as much as I can."
"He's that bad, huh?"
Toboe tisked. "You'll see. He's a real piece of work."
"Aa."
Toboe popped open the trunk by the set of keys produced from his pocket. "This is his car; I don't have one yet; but he mostly walks everywhere, so this is as good as mine as soon as he realizes it." Swiping the bag, he hurls it into the space between the hatch door and the backseat bench, without a care in the world that something breakable might be inside. There isn't but there could have been. "Get in. I'll take you to my house."
That was the general idea of his being there, but he made it sound like a sudden show of kindness to a hitchhiker. Kiba climbed into the passenger's seat, buckling his seatbelt across his chest before tucking the cross strap behind him once it cleared going over his head.
"What do you like to do?"
"I run, actually. I've been on the school track team for three years."
"Why not just go out for a scholarship and have them pay for room and all that? Why live with complete strangers in another country?"
Kiba felt no need to defend himself, if Toboe was considering the comment some teen angst attack brought on by a stranger living in his home, it was a pretty tame one. In his younger years, which at 18 years old was only a mere four years ago, he'd of had this kid cut by the whole student body and likely planning to see that his family moved over the summer just to start anew. That's how you behave as a havoc wreaker. "I also like travel and culture." He explained.
Toboe huffed. "Well, you picked the right place for culture. Nowhere adopts more cultural -isms than here, welcome to America."
A tune played out from the radio. A light airy tune, that's got the opposite expressed teen snapping his fingers and whistling.
Turning down the radio, the sudden pop-star asks. "Are you planning on getting a job?"
Kiba nods. "I'm not picky, anything will do." The live-in guest scoffed inwardly. 'Probably wondering if I'll eat him out of house and home while dragging around in my boxers with nothing to do. Brat.' To the brat he returns the question. "Do you have a job?"
"I do, actually, I work for my dad- and before you mock me," he held up his hand in ask for silence from a word that was not going to come. Guess he's taken jeers before? "It's a real job, my dad has a sincere license, he just likes to work from home."
"What does he do?" asks Kiba highly curious now. The umpteen makes it sound like he grows marijuana for hospital patients or something.
"He fixes and creates furniture. I stain them and sand, sometimes, mostly I stain them."
Kiba, again, nods to show he understands. "What does your mother do?"
Toboe smiled and said. "She grows roses a few times a year."
"Really? Does she sell them?" He thought it a strange occupation.
Toboe nods to the former, replying. "Yes, really. It's easy for her since she's dead. So, no, she doesn't sell them- she can't."
"Oh… I'm sorry. How did she pass?"
"Child birth, I've got a big head." He laughs.
'Guess he's past the grieving stage.' Thinks the live-in. 'If there ever was one.'
"You'll like it at my house; dad's nice…" he left some 'but' open air. "I'd watch out for the son, though, he's shifty." He turned a grin on Kiba to show he's joking- mostly.
He's still mad about the beach thing. And, if asked, he's not exactly doing cartwheels over sharing the comfort of his home life with a stranger. He feels, well, sorta put on the spot. What was his father thinking? Do they need the money this badly? What all is going on financially that's being kept from him?
"I've been meaning to ask you, why're you picking me up? Is your father busy?"
Any correspondence about this room for rent deal was with Mr. Kuruk, he knows nothing about the son, except for what he's now been told or has assessed for himself about him. This could get awkward, which is the last thing he wanted.
Speaking of awkward. His stomach made a rather loud growl, he's either hungry or his gut hated the food surged on the plane and it wants out. He didn't think the younger teen had heard it over the music, even at the slightly lowered volume.
"Don't worry, I'll stop somewhere once we get into town." He replies to the call of the wild growling from Kiba's gut.
At the restaurant.
"Do you feel weird living in someone else's house? Have you ever done it before?"
"This is my first time," Kiba replied after swallowing a bite of his chili cheese burger.
It wasn't a five star restaurant, but the Sonic had a five star taste. He often wondered why everyone frowns on the tater-tots? It must be the name, or associating it with children's taste. Kid's enjoy french fries and pizza but no adult is giving up on those. Toboe didn't pay for his meal, he didn't even offer to. Whether Kiba could have actually eaten or not was a mystery but the teen didn't seem to care. He had his meal as he walked over to a table he'd chosen to sit.
Kiba ordered after Toboe and soon joined him at the table where their getting to know you Q&A in the car resumed.
"Aren't you scared? Dad and me could be serial killers?"
"What makes you think I'm not one?" Kiba asked with a serious look in his clear blue eyes. Eyes that held a certain look to them that said calm fury.
Toboe squints at his companion, then agrees that it could go either way. "Good point." He hummed his pleasure over a particularly flavorful bite. "They got my order wrong, but, I love bacon so I can't complain."
He takes another big bite then set the food down in exchange for fries. He planned to save the tastier option for last, it's better to work on the side anyway since it tends to get cold sooner. Toboe eyed Kiba when he closed his eyes to have a drink, he wondered how the guy was with people? He seems easy enough to talk to and respond or even start up conversation. He should make friends easily.
'Perfect. Now he won't be planning to hang around with me all summer.' Cheered the teen. "What about your parents? What do they do? Did you tell them about this crazy idea of living with strangers, or will you spring it on them once you're settled?"
"They know. I told them about it." He paused what he was saying to finish his soda, when the sip became audible he stopped and went on. "My dad works for an insurance company and my mom is a homemaker."
"Oh."
"My dad part-times as a homewrecker, soo.."
Kiba smiled. This kid's pretty funny. He must be popular with the guys his age. "It is a bedroom, right? You're not gonna surprise me by telling me the ad was a lie and I have to sleep on the couch in the living room, or a blow up in your room?"
"I would never let you share my room. It's my private sanctuary." Toboe sounds serious about it. "You can come in though, but only if I invite you."
Kiba resisted an urge to roll his eyes, but instead asked. "You don't like me, do you?"
"I don't like the situation, I was only told about it four hours ago, after being told to pick you up." He replied. "So it's still kinda disturbing to me."
He can see that. He'd be disturbed if the roles were reversed. He might even complain to his parents until the intruder was asked to leave or gave up and left on his own. He hoped it doesn't come to that. He really needs this place to stay. It's so much cheaper paying rent for a room then an entire apartment, and without a scholarship on athletics it isn't easy to just have a job for food, and living when he still needs to pay for books and keep up his grade average.
"I'd like for us to get along," Kiba professed.
"We are, and we will. Just as long as you don't invade my privacy."
"I won't. And you can't invade mine."
"It's a deal." He reached for Kiba's hand to shake on it; releasing the appendage once the agreement was settled.
The meal came to a finish with no more hidden hostility. The pair were in happy company within the last twenty minutes of the drive from the airport. Kiba told him about the music he likes and Toboe told him in the same. When the reached the Kuruk home, the front door is seen pulling open for them but Toboe's father didn't come out.
"You get your bag?" Toboe asked once popping the hatch on the car.
Kiba raised it up into view before closing the back door. The locks pop into place and the two make their way into the house. A blast of AC slapped them in the face- even in the heat of the 83 degree sun, a slap that cold is unwelcomed and each resisted rubbing their arms from the brisk chill that ran down their bare, goose pimpled flesh.
They found Iyek Kuruk in the den sanding the leg on a lovely chair. The man is nothing like Kiba imagined. He invisioned an older version of Toboe, but this man has long black hair instead of the color of rust, he has black eyes instead of burnt light brown that could look orange in the right light. And he doesn't have fair skin as his son does, the man has a warmer color like caramel. He's actually quite handsome. His youthful appearance is masculine unlike his son, who almost has a baby face for his age. Now Kiba's curious about the mother, because to him, the only thing Toboe got from his father is the ability to have a hard look in his eyes; which he's seeing only because the man seems to want to put out a serious about his work persona with this display.
"See what I mean about the 'he's nice…'?" Toboe again left the pause as a 'but'.
So far the corny display of 'Oh you caught me' casualty was cheesy, but Toboe said his father is nice. So being a little weird isn't a bad thing, it's normal.
"Toboe, I see you brought Kiba here in one piece." He smiled at his son. "Thank you." He spoke with a light Hmong tribe accent.
To Kiba, Toboe muttered. "He didn't even offer to pay me. He's all yours, I'm going to my friend's house." He made his exit.
"Nice kid." Comments the live-in.
"Tch. Nice, but…" Mr. Kuruk said outwardly. Standing, he reached out his hand. "I'm glad to meet you in person. I like how you presented yourself in asking about the room. Very professional."
"Thank you. Can I ask why you'd rent out a room?" They don't seem strapped for cash.
Surfacewise, the house is lovely. Albeit, a little feminine in certain places where pink hues blend with brown, but overall it's a lovely place from what he's seen of the living room that he and Toboe had passed and the kitchen. The den is all man, wood and dark shades of brown and black with some blue. If anything it could use the light hand of a feminine touch, because the darkness was making him feel like he's tipping.
"At first it was to have help with deliveries, but then I don't know… I figure it would just be nice to have someone else around to help out around here, watch Toboe if need be, jus general stuff."
"Sounds like you'd of prefered a girl,"
"I wouldn't say that." Although it sounded like he would.
"But now?"
"I just thought I'd help you out; I went through a foreign exchange program when I went to school. I had a blast, that's why I thought I'd open my house to anyone interested. You were interested."
"Thanks." Hefting his bag off the floor, in silent asking of where his room is.
He follows Mr. Kuruk from the den and briefly around the first floor of the home before going upstairs to the second room down the hall. It was pointed out that Toboe is the last room, and his is the first. The bathroom is right across from his bedroom, and the towel closet before Toboe's bedroom.
"I have a bathroom in my bedroom, so you and Toboe can sort out any rules you wanna make about who uses this one and when. It's up to you, hopefully there won't be any fights."
"He's already made the appropriate threats of staying out of each other's way." Kiba assured in a kidding tone.
"Good. Don't feel put out, no matter what the brood does. Teenagers, am I right?"
"I'm nineteen."
"Yeah, but you're one over passing adult entrance."
"Aa."
"Eat with ease, we've got plenty. Help out when and where you can, and this will be easy for everyone."
Kiba nods. Entering his bedroom, he lowered his bag to the floor. He planned to shop for more clothes and whatever else he needs once he starts getting a steady pay from his job. He can since school doesn't start until fall and summer has only just begun. It's a little warmer here than in Oulu, that's for sure. But, he'll get used to it.
"Mr. Kuruk?" He called to the man. "I plan to get a job while I'm here; I'll help with the rent; if that works for you?"
"You can call me Iyek." Says Iyek. "If you wanna pay rent, that's cool. You don't have to, I didn't during my foreign exchange, but I guess times change."
"How old were you?" He follows walks into the hall so he's not calling through a doorway.
"Mmm. Thirteen."
"You couldn't really get a job then."
"Guess not. Their daughter went to my house, to live with my family. She was sixteen, my parents didn't say anything about her getting a job- even at part-time."
"Some people have no work ethic."
Iyek shrugged his hand. "I'll leave you to get settled. We have dinner at six, if you eat earlier than that you're welcome to anything in the fridge and pantry."
"Okay."
"I'll be in the den if you need anything."
"Okay." He wanted to be more personable but he had nothing more to say.
Returning into the bedroom, he opened the empty drawer and stuffed his clothes inside. They took up two drawers. He looked about the room, it's fairly standard size filled with standard furniture: queen sized bed, a tall stacked dresser instead of a long one, a writing desk so he can do his homework and studying, the closet is a walk-in in but not a true walk-in of a few feet, it's more of a two step if there are no clothes keeping you from stepping forward. A ceiling fan overhead, flushed to the ceiling nice and modern instead of one of those older models that jut out from the ceiling and have grandmother fixtures for light. Two windows and a peachish orange colored wall. It was like something you'd see in a summer home. The walls are bare incase he'd like to hang pictures or posters. The curtains are white allowing the sun to come into the room whether they're closed or not. It's all very comforting.
'Guess I'd better start looking for a job.' Lifting his laptop from the computer bag, he set it down on the desk then took a seat in the chair.
Toboe left the house for his friend Leara's. He was supposed to meet her at the beach, but since he was playing chauffeur earlier, he missed the chance. She told him about what went on while they walked the emptying streets of Brookline. Cheza was a little down because she couldn't tan- the little albino blames the clouds for that, rather than her overly fair, tan reflecting skin, Gehl lost a sandal but said it didn't matter since it was only a flip-flop, a bigger kid treated them to food but only because he thought that she, Leara, was older and he wanted to feel her up. And then they swam, played volleyball with some older kids then came home. Pretty uneventful.
"Is he weird?"
"No. He's just a normal guy- as far as I know." He tapped his finger along the slabs of wood fencing in a home along their path. "My dad's all happy now, he thinks he's got a buddy in him or something. He cleaned the whole house."
"Your dad…" She smiled all goofy with a dreamlike expression on her face.
Toboe rolled his eyes. He can't stand that. Because he's 'handsome' just about every girl he's ever been friends with, or has been at school during parent teacher conferences, has told him they think his dad is hot. And his father, being the poor example of a proper adult, would play up to it! Laughing and flirting. What's wrong with him?! Doesn't he understand the mind of 16 year old? They might actually think they have a shot with him. It's gross! He'd laugh, when he tells him these things, ending the spat with "Let me have it. I'm 42; I need the compliments."
Why does he need the compliments? He'll never understand aging.
"How long is Kiba staying for?"
"Until the next school year begins, then he'll probably have his own place by then, granted he doesn't go back to Finland."
"Cool. A foreigner."
"Yeah, it's cool." Toboe kicks a pine cone to Leara who kicks it back and forth and back, until Toboe sends the foliage flying too far ahead of them. "But don't tell him I said that."
"When am I even gonna talk to him?"
"You're coming over tomorrow right?" He reminded her through question. "It's highly likely you'll bump into each other."
"Good. I wanna meet him." She looked up at the sky either thinking about her friend's dad, or speculating about the newcomer.
"Do you feel like going to the beach again tomorrow?"
"I can't. I have work," she shrugged her shoulder. "Those edible arrangements aren't gonna sprout legs and drop themselves off."
"Hey Leara," because there's always been a certain level of curiosity in regards to dealing with food. "do you ever wanna take a taste? Or does it come so wrapped up that you can't?"
"I mean, what's stopping me, right?" she chucked into her hand. "I don't know. I guess I'm too focused on doing my job to stop and realize that I'm carting food around."
"You can't smell it?"
"I can smell it. I guess I'm just not that into fruit."
Toboe found that odd. He loves fruit. He planned on eating a refreshing slice of watermelon when he gets home, that is, if present company hasn't helped himself to all of it by now. He's not sure why he has this tinge of animosity towards Kiba- he really does like that guy! He's got nothing against him! But, I don't know… Sharing a home? If they met on the streets, he'd probably deem him the coolest on the block and tail him around like he used to do to this guy Tsume. But, staying in his house… Picking up the pine cone they'd earlier kicked, he peeked beyond the stems for a seed hoping to send some flying, but there were none. Its shed itself already.
"This is me." She says when they arrive at her house. "Later, Toboe," she waved before trotting up the pavers to the front door.
Toboe stared up at the darkening orange sky and thought about nothing, just let his mind be clear and calm as the gentle summer wind warmed through his rust colored hair. He loves the wind, especially in Spring and Fall. The way it howls against things and itself.
"Hhoooo." He mimicked the wind song.
Closing his eyes he does it again as he turns up the driveway of his home. The sudden sound of low thump shocked him out of his state and he sees Kiba, trash bag in hand lifting the lid of the bin. He felt his ears heat with red in wonder if the live-in heard him just now. There's no way he did, and even if he did, maybe he'd figure it was the actual wind.
Lifting a brow he smiled, causing Toboe's face to heat more.
"What? A guy can't enjoy the weather?" He balked.
"I didn't say anything."
"Good. Because I can." He needed a closing statement, something that will cut the moment at the knees. "Make sure you close the lid when you're done." There. Perfect. He's in charge. He permanently lives in the home, Kiba's just a guest.
Kiba only smiled and does as he's told. Out of courtesy he waited a moment after Toboe entered the home before going back inside. It wouldn't do to further embarrass him by standing at his side, reminding him that he knows what happened and honestly thought that it was cute. Who howls with the wind? He didn't know 16 still has adorable qualities, and aren't all the world is over doom and gloom.
….
It's later that evening after dinner. Toboe washed the dishes putting them away in the rack to dry. he can hear his father on the phone in the den, Kiba is at the kitchen table wiping it down from any spills or crumbs, helping him clean the kitchen.
Toboe watched him from the corner of his eye. They guy really is trying to make things comfortable for him, he can tell. Maybe he should lay off, besides, it's nice to have someone around who is actually close to his age and not pretending just because he has a youthful face.
"How old is your dad?" Kiba says out of the blue, as if reading the Kuruk teen's thoughts. "I don't wanna seem nosy, but I was kind of uncomfortable to ask him."
"Forty two, and yeah, he knows he looks twenty something. He plays up to it unless I'm around to call him on it."
Kiba smiled. He can understand that wanting back your youth. Growing is only exciting when you have life to look forward to, but as you've accomplished it, good or bad, what's left isn't exactly something you throw a rager about.
"Do you like video games? I've got fighters, if you're not busy."
"Sure. Thanks."
"Mm-mm, one thing you should know, don't be so polite all the time." Toboe informs. "That's fine for adults, but with guys my age you just look like a jerk."
"Right."
"Just be yourself."
Stacking the tupperware with the leftovers, he asks. "And what if this is myself?"
"I'd stop, then."
"Okay. So, don't be polite, call your dad on his bull, and fend for myself if I don't want to finish with dinner by seven."
"And don't use all the hot water when you shower."
"Learn to enjoy cold baths." Kiba jokes.
"What about you? Do you have any hang ups to look out for?"
Kiba thought about it, then replied. "Just that I don't do other people's 'hang ups', I'm good." Coming up beside him, he says kindly. "Toboe, can we get along? I'd like to."
Toboe looked Kiba in the eyes, seeing nothing but kind intention there. And he nodded. He might end up needing the guy sometime while he's in their home for a year. What would it look like if he was always a jerk to him? "Okay. And, sorry."
"Save your politeness for adults. I'll meet you on the playing field,"
Toboe nodded. One more pot and he'd be ready for virtual battle.
….
Kiba's never played such an elaborately violent fighting game before, he's not really much of a gamer, but he's seen commercials. But that was a lot of blood and gore for even one battle. They even let the characters straight murder each other with lobbed off heads, ripped out hearts, one woman ate a brain! How was any of that fun and exciting. Maybe he's getting too old for his young age, because that wasn't his thing. The last game he ever played was a noir.
"Yeah. Everything is going great, so far." He says over the phone to his mother. "We haven't gotten into any fights, and Mr. Kuruk is a real character. Dad would like him, he likes to be the center of attention, too. He creates furniture and restores damaged ones." His mother said it sounded interesting. "He has a website, the stuff is pretty quality. You should order that rocking chair you've been looking for."
"I think you're well past the mommy and me rocking chair years." His mother says with an acute despair. Children really do grow so fast. Then they're off awaiting college and living with strangers. What times we live in now.
"Toboe's a good guy," Kiba explained when she asked what he did for the afternoon. "He likes to act tough when really he's probably got the biggest heart out of half the town. He likes violent video games though." He listens to his mother tell him about her day. "I promise not to miss you guys too much," He smiled at how assuming parents are once their kids are out of the house. He hasn't thought about them once, up to now. "Say good night to dad for me. Okay. Bye." He repeats the message. "I love you, too."
Hanging up, he set his phone down on the dresser. Checking to see if the door is closed he then changed for the night and climbed into bed. It's only nine o'clock, but he needs a running start to learn how to sleep in a new place. And he doesn't want to miss sleep by staying up all night while trying to fall asleep.
As the wind knocked against the window, he smiled to himself hearing it howl as he recalled the teen howling back. Eyes closed, a faint smile on his face. He fell asleep...
X x X
Commentary: Any like or dislike you give to this is much appreciated. Thank you very much for reading and reviewing. I plan for this to be at least eight chapters long, 2 chapters a season. Not every chapter will be this short, hopefully. But I've played with this first chapter as long as I could and this is the final length of it. I hope it's good ahaha. I don't understand this couple at all, so writing a romance seems so out of the blue, not just with them as a couple but for me to do a straight romance at all.. I really don't wanna disappoint. Like I put at the top this is dedicated to a reader, and thanks again.
Another reader asked about my Love Object series, and I did realize just then that I never did finish it. So At some point next year, or depending how things go maybe even this year. I will do that if you'd like. Sorry for mistakes, I'll fix them before I post another chapter. Later!