Title: Fated Rain
Author: Tristripe1918 (Tri)
Rating: R
Pairing: Tsume/Toboe…maybe more with other characters
Spoilers: The end of Wolf's Rain
Disclaimer: I don't own the anime or the characters…try to sue me and I will never write again.

Warning: Even more disturbing behavior from minors. Please read at your discretion.

A/N: Yay, okay I'm back with another part of Fated Rain…I'm so glad people like it so far. I'm sorry about the dark morbid-ness of the whole thing, but I don't have a mushy bone in my body, nor do I have a decent sense of humor. I'm not a believer of the whole 'love at first sight'…maybe lust, but not love, so that will probably answer the question if the two will be getting together very quickly. Nope. It's going to be kinda bumpy and twisted. Another warning, I do not believe in perfection, so when they do eventually get together, there won't be flowers and candy and other stuff that will give me diabetes. I guess I'm a skeptic, a non-believer of the whole 'happily ever after' theme…jeez I think I sound like Tsume! Now as I try to understand the source of my bitterness; READ and enjoy!

TWO : The Fang

Granny's apartment was on the third floor of the most dilapidated apartment building in the area. The halls were dirty and sticky from years of unwashed filth. Lights went unchanged for months, leaving the corridors poorly lit, and casting an unseemly light throughout. Cockroaches had free reign of the building, breeding mass colonies in between the rickety floorboards and thin cracked walls. It was no surprise when the rare fat rat was found scampering in the corners. One could easily find fault in the landlord, who was the epitome of sloth and gluttony. The only times he emerged from his room was when it was time for rent, and he went about it with oozing arrogance and belligerence. He was obese and hairy, waddling around on two pudgy legs shirtless, as if his jutting hairy gut was a thing to be admired by all. When he knocked, the whole wall shook, and he would stand out the door scratching his stomach and farting.

It would be too easy to blame him, but Toboe had discovered that the tenants themselves were fine with the way things were. On the second floor lived a couple with five children. Even from above he and Granny would be awaked by the shouting and screaming that came from beneath. The wife, who was no younger than twenty-eight always sported bruises on her face, and her husband in turn looked as if a ferocious cat had mauled him. He had seen the landlord enter their apartment numerous times when the husband was away, the wife only wearing a sheer robe that exposed everything there was to imagine. In the apartment above them there was the convicted pedophile that had been released two years prior and had not wasted in reverting back to old habits. At first Toboe had been terrified that he'd become a target, but soon discovered that the man's tastes ran for a much younger age group. The couple from downstairs' five-year-old girl had been lured into the man's apartment too many times to count.

Gats had been thoroughly disgusted by the place the first time Toboe dared to bring him over, claiming that it made his 'skin crawl'. However, once inside Granny's apartment, it was another story altogether. It was as clean as the place could be, with a warm rug and a couch. The kitchen was predominantly free of any type of insect, though one would occasionally wander in and meet a quick death by means of a roach spray that was kept atop the small fridge. There was a small television in the living room, and a rocking chair Granny always sat on while knitting gracefully despite her knobby fingers that had developed a constant tremor. Somehow Granny found ways to keep the small haven warm whenever Toboe returned, with the smell of steaming food, and open arms; even the day he had come back with the police officer that had caught him with the shoes. They shared the single bedroom, Granny on the rickety bed, and Toboe on a mattress on the floor. Lately during the nights he discovered himself staring up to Granny's sleeping form, afraid that one day he'd close his eyes and when he opened them again she's be gone. He wasn't ready to lose her yet.

"Toboe dear, you're going to be late for school."

Toboe jumped in his seat, splattering the spoonful of milk and cereal that had been on its way to his mouth when Granny had spoken to him. Looking up, he grinned cheekily and said, "Don't worry, I run pretty fast."

Granny was small and stooped, her whole body extremely wrinkled, hence the reason Gats called her 'prune'. Had it not been for her kind eyes and gentle smile, one might think she were an evil witch out to devour unsuspecting children. "I know how fast you run," she said, easing her burdened body into the seat across from Toboe. It had become more and more difficult for her to move around. Standing up left her breathing heavily, as if she had run all three flights of stairs to get there. "You run like the devil is behind you when you want to get somewhere, or when you're being chased. But when it comes to doing what you need to you seem to lag behind."

Toboe shrugged, knowing there was no use to deny it. Taking another spoonful he shoved it into his mouth and crunched, aware that he was being stared at.

"I'm worried about you, Toboe," she said suddenly.

He drooped in his seat, loosing his appetite at the inevitable. "I already promised to stay out of trouble," he said sullenly

Granny reached over and held his hand. He noticed with slight alarm that it was cold, so much frailer than before. "I know you did, but for this past month you've been coming in hurt and…"

"Gats already told you what happened last time," Toboe interrupted. "We got into a fight and he pushed me down and I hurt myself. That's all."

"I am aware of that," she said.

"Then can we drop the subject?" he snapped, pulling his hand away like it burned. "Stop worrying about stupid stuff like that. I can handle it, okay?" He stood up, grabbing his unfinished bowl of cereal and shoving it into the refrigerator. He'd have to finish it when he got back after work.

He had reached the door, with his bag in his hand when he heard Granny say, "You've become so angry, lately, and I can't seem to do anything to calm you down."

"I'm fine," he whispered opening the door and stepping out.

"Be safe," she called after him, waving from where she sat. She looked small and alone, and it pained Toboe.

Forcing a smile, he said with false cheer, "Take care of Ame for me, alright?" and shut the door, making sure to lock it with his key. Granny always forgot to lock after him, and he was uncomfortable with her being along and unprotected.

Making his way down the stairs, he paused when he found the couple's little girl sitting dejectedly outside her apartments door. She looked tiny sitting by herself; her dark curly hair was let loose and draping over hunched shoulders, arms around her bare scrapped knees. From within he could hear an argument escalating, and knew in a few moments things would start crashing. He looked down at the girl and found her staring up unnervingly at him, her dark eyes seeming ancient for such a small face. Suddenly, she smiled, her dimples deep on smudged cheeks, and Toboe watched in growing horror as she shifted to her knees, spreading them wide and reaching under her skirt to her peeking Little Mermaid underwear, touching herself in a warped parody of pleasure.

Turning, Toboe fled out into the rain. He felt like retching. Even standing out in the open, the tall buildings seemed to suffocate him. An imaginary chain was firmly secured around his neck, tugging at him cruelly as he tried to escape and breath. Looking up, he blinked at the rain as it struck his face, failing to cleanse him as he hoped it would.

He wanted to see the sun.

This was how Gats found him moments later, a dejected figure who seemed about to melt into the watery sidewalk gutters.

"Hey Toboe," there was something off about his friend's tone of voice that caused him immediate alarm. "We need to talk."

"I'm going to be late for school," he said quickly, not wanting to know whatever it was Gats wanted to say to him, wishing he had just died in his sleep so he would not have to face what he sensed was coming.

Gats' facial featured stiffened, an obvious warning that the larger boy was close to popping. "You're going to skip today," he ordered through clenched teeth.

They stared at each other for a second, before Toboe's face clouded up angrily. Snapping his gaze away he stalked past the other saying tersely, "No."

But Gats followed him, "Toboe, damn it, don't walk away!"

It stung, Gats' tone, his orders, the way he no longer looked at him as an equal, but something to be controlled. Toboe was in no way willing to relinquish the little control he had to anyone, let alone Gats. In a warped way it reminded him of the picture book that Granny had read to him when he was little, "If You Give A Mouse A Cookie". If you give away one thing you had better be willing to give up much, much more.

Suddenly a very large jacket covered chest blocked his view, and extremely large hands fell over his shoulders. He cried out, nearly stumbling back but those hands held his balance, keeping him in place. Behind him, Toboe heard Gats curse, and looking up he understood why.

Every kid who lived in the area knew which member belonged to which gang. In many instances this crucial knowledge meant life or death, knowing which side would be forgiving. When getting caught in the middle of a gang skirmish, knowing someone on the inside was like a merciful ticket of life.

"We don't have all day. I've got the kid so quit sweating it," snapped the Fang member, addressing a pale looking Gats. He twisted his head to the side and spat out a yellowish wad of spit.

The blood in his veins had chilled considerably as he looked from his friend to the man. Shaking his head, he tried to pull away, stammering hurriedly, "No. I won't. I'm not going anywhere."

"It's going to be alright, Toboe," said Gats, attempting to sound soothing and failing, "The boss just wants to talk to you, that's all."

A dark car pulled up beside them, the windshield wipers swiping at the down pouring rain, the headlights dimmed in the gray air. A man came out from the driver's seat and opened the back door, making a hurried motion with a gloved hand. Toboe was forcefully shoved toward the vehicle, and when he looked about to bolt (which he had every intention to) the large man pulled his jacket aside and flashed him the gun tucked snuggly in his pants.

Even Gats was forced to suck in his breath.

This was beyond even Gats' antics. The most dangerous thing Toboe had seen his friend hold was a broken bottle while frightening some middle school kids out of their lunch money. But this was on another league of it's own. It had always been a source of danger to a kid on the streets who learned early on that when hearing gunfire they had to duck and move out of the way. Bullets never stared into the eyes of their victims. The shooters hands always seemed to stay clean.

Gats got into the car amiably, casting Toboe a pleading look. Toboe followed him in, slipping inside, his wet jeans making a squeaking noise as it rubbed against the tan leather interior of the car. The armed Fang came right after him, and Toboe pressed himself closer to Gats, not wanting to come in any type of contact with the person who held their lives in his hands. The driver shut the door and went around to the front, getting in and flicking the locks shut.

The four clicks echoed loudly in Toboe's frenzied head.

The car pulled away from the sidewalk, turning into the traffic, the windshield wipers swooshing to and fro in a consistent rhythm. Toboe found himself shifting even closer to Gats, one of his hands reaching up and clutching at his damp jacket. Gats noticed this, and gave him a shaky grin and whispered, "They just want to talk; that's all. Don't worry, I won't let them do anything."

As if Gats were capable of protecting him once they were in the middle of the Fang's den, Toboe thought heatedly, promising to himself that if he survived he'd give his friend a black eye.

"Hey," said the man suddenly from beside him, making both boys jump like cornered deer. "You never said your partner was a girl. The boss won't like that." Toboe saw the man looking him from head to toe, an unwholesome gleam in his eyes.

This seemed to render Gats speechless, and Toboe felt the heat rise to his cheeks in mortification at what was being alluded about the two of them. Jerking his hands back to himself he snapped, "I'm NOT a girl!"

The man raised a thick eyebrow, doubt written all over his face.

Toboe elbowed Gats when he heard the other boy snickering.

The Fang called their hideout the 'Den'. Its entrance looked like a normal bar, but if one went into the men's room, in the out-of-order corner stall, another door would be found. This one led down two stories into a large basement that had a bar, rooms, and even an electric fireplace. The lights were dim, with blue jazz playing lowly on the speakers above. Men lounged in couches, some sniffing crack on small dirty coffee tables, others smoking weed, and a few had their laps full of a writhing prostitute, and there were always men drinking themselves into oblivion at the bar.

The two boys were made to sit on a large red couch facing the fireplace, Toboe with his eyes fixed down on his clenched fists, silently forcing himself not to panic; Gats fidgeting and turning his head this way and that, green eyes wide with awe and anticipation. Their guard leaned against the side of the fireplace, his arms loosely crossed over his chest, a bored expression on his hard face. They were not approached by anybody; the occupants too busy getting high on various narcotics, which relieved Toboe immensely.

All through the trip in the car Toboe had slowly but surely built up a bitter resentment towards the oblivious Gats, blaming all his troubles on the rash boy. He felt like a rubber band that had been stretched so far that it was slowly tearing and with the slightest provocation would snap. Who he would snap at, Toboe could not trust his temper to know, but he prayed that he would be able to control himself till he was safe away from his present location. With luck Gats would be there as well so he could tear the other's throat out with his teeth.

That image almost made him smile, despite the situation he was in. Almost.

"This is it, Toboe," gushed Gats suddenly. "We are actually in the Fang's Den!"

Toboe glared heatedly at his friend and hissed, "Why the hell am I here, Gats!"

Toboe had less than a second to be aware of the sudden breeze of wind and the tall dark shadow that loomed over them, before a leather glad leg kicked out in between the small red space that was not occupied by them. Both boys yelped and sprang back, Gats actually tumbling off of the couch. Toboe on the other hand somehow managed to catch himself and remain seated as he gazed up at the figure of their assailant.

He was a tall man, an imposing air seemed to shift around him, demanding respect and fear from all who knew and associated with him. He was decked up completely in black leather, strong tanned hands nonchalantly in his pockets, one booted foot in between Gats and Toboe, the other keeping his unbreakable balance on the floor. However it was the man's face that held the boy's attention. Clean-shaven, the man had an angular face of a male model that could kick the ass of anyone who dared insult him. His hair was completely white without the hint of it being bleached, and pulled into a little tail on the back of his head. Then there were the eyes; Toboe's amber ones had been the source of great distress until he had met Gats, but they could not compare to the beautiful simmering gold orbs that pinned him down where he sat. But that beauty was jaded with cruel humor, dark bitterness, and a raging ambition that was willing to annihilate any who thwarted him.

The eyes of a predator.

It was only now that Toboe knew that he was terrified.

Abruptly the man leaned close, forcing the boy to lean back, those eerie eyes studying him grimly. A look of confused familiarity flashed on those strong features for a second, then amusement when the man spoke, his voice low and rough, a man who when he spoke, people listened and obeyed. "The reason you're here, kid," he said, grinning sinisterly, "is 'cause your idiot friend fucked up. The deal was there'd be two of you, but then this morning I'm told that there'd be only one. Now why is that?"

The man drew even nearer, his whole demeanor threatening violence. Toboe was aware of Gats standing up, his face tight in concern and anger. Working his mouth slightly, Toboe managed to stammer out, "I…I don't want to join."

The man drew back, and Toboe realized that he had been holding his breath. "I don't care what you want, kid. I was offered two runts, not one idiot. To get this far…you two were let in on a lot of my shit, and now you want out? How do I know you're not going to go squeal with that peepy voice of yours?"

For a moment, Toboe had no clue what the man was talking about, but then it all hit him. One of them was that this man was no ordinary lackey; this was the boss, the Fang's leader. The next thing he realized was that he was sitting in the Fang's hideout, and like the man had said, how did they know he wasn't going to go to the police and rat them out? He was a potential danger. A danger that would need to be silenced.

"You're the one who brought me to this place," Toboe argued softly, not taking his eyes off the man. No matter what, he had to stay calm. "I knew nothing at all until I came here."

"Your idiot friend knows plenty," said the man.

Toboe glanced at Gats, taking in his abnormal paleness. Swallowing hard, he replied, "That's cause his dream is to join the Fang."

"And you?"

He felt his own fingers digging into his knee. "I've got better things to do," he said frankly.

This made the man blink, not expecting such a response, but just as quickly it was replaced by infuriated anger. Toboe let out a frightened yell when the man's hand shot out, tangled fingers gripping the front of his jacket. With a frightening pull he was yanked completely off the couch and sent slamming into the fake fireplace.

"Hey! Don't hurt him!" he heard Gats cry out, followed by the sound of flesh connecting with flesh.

The hand in his jacket twisted and pushed upward, crushing at his neck; blocking any type of air he attempted to take in. Toboe's mind immediately panicked at this attack, his hands coming up to grapple with the iron hold that was suffocating him, his short legs trying to kick out and falling short of contact. He was slammed again into the fireplace, and he found himself blearily amazed how much more painful this was than the day before when Gats had gotten angry with him.

"Let me explain something that you don't seem to understand," growled the man. "You have only two choices in this, and I'm giving you three seconds to choose, so you better think quick and hard before you give me your answer. You can leave today and you, your idiot friend, and anyone remotely close to you will not live to see the next week. Or you can leave today and show up tomorrow with a fucking smile on your face and willing to do what comes with being part of the Fang."

And Toboe could see it, could see Granny hobbling with her cane while trying to cross the street only to be run over by an unknown driver who would never be caught. These men were capable of going through with their threats without fear of the authorities…the kind of men who had connections within the authorities. He was entrapped with no way to get out without risking the only person who cared for him without limitations. With these burdensome thoughts Toboe dropped his gaze and answered lowly, "Fine."

Abruptly the hold that was pinning him was gone, and he let himself slide slightly against the fireplace in defeat, unable to look up at the form that still was unwilling to let him escape just yet. "Your idiot friend claimed that you're pretty quick on your feet." The man snorted, "Hard to believe that such a scrawny runt like you can even run. Keeling over in a faint from exertion is more likely."

This jab stung in a different way than his words before. Everything of himself had been forcefully stripped away from him, and now his pride was being trampled on. He wouldn't stand for this; he was tired of the whole thing. The whole bar and the people within it seemed to drift away into the dark shadows, leaving only Toboe and the Fang boss facing each other, each one trying to beat the other down. The fear that had been there was gone in the moment, leaving him feeling slightly empowered before the much more imposing man. Snapping his head up proudly, he met the man's look and narrowed his eyes boldly. "I'm the fastest," he said without hesitation. "I haven't met anyone who can beat me yet."

The dangerous aura that surrounded the man seemed to dissipate, his posture relaxing, and his features softening so that it was not as harsh. Toboe watched in enraptured awe as the man raised a pale eyebrow, his lips twisting into a cynical smirk. "Oh," murmured the man softly, the deep sound seeming to vibrate from his massive leather bound chest. He smelled like leather. "You don't sound like a whipped puppy anymore. But are you just boasting, pup? Got any proof? Like track or some school shit?"

Toboe lifted his chin arrogantly and replied, "I've got better things to do than to join track."

The man barked an amused laugh, his look now appraising as he gazed down at Toboe. "Definitely," he chuckled, "I like you much better like this."

The guard who had brought them over moved away from where he stood over Gats, chuckling, "You better keep that attitude yup, girl; it's a rarity that Tsume ever says he likes anyone!"

Toboe was about to protest quite loudly when the man who had been called Tsume leaned down very close to his face, his gold eyes unfathomable. It was then Toboe felt the large hand groping at his crouch, a strong feeling of pleasure and horror running up his spine before he managed to shout out and jerked away from the invasive touch. He was aware of all the eyes staring at him, as well as Gats, whose pale face was contorted in rage. If looks could kill, Fang boss Tsume would have died right on the spot.

But Tsume seemed oblivious to the looks he was receiving, casting a condescending look to the guard. "The kid's a boy," he said. Gripping Toboe's shoulder, he forcefully turned him to completely face the accuser, "Feel him up if you don't believe me."

And Toboe could see that the man was going to follow through with it, could see the excitement and curiosity as he stepped forward. He heard Gats' enraged yell before he managed to wrench away from Tsume, twisting around and blindly swinging his arm at the tall Fang leader, his fist smashing against the bottom of his jaw.

There was a deadly silence, even the prostitutes somehow detached themselves and were looking warily. Toboe knew he was dead, could feel it like the obvious throb in his fist, and found himself helplessly frozen as the tall man massaged his jaw, his gold eyes gleaming. He heard Gats hissing numerous curses from, "Shit," to "We're gonna die" and could not make himself look at his friend.

Toboe flinched when Tsume grabbed him, expecting a blow that would probably end his miserable existence, but instead he was shoved into Gats who caught him. "Get out of my sight," he hissed from between his teeth, his clenched fists and stiffened shoulders speaking of severe consequences if he was not complied with. "Tomorrow, four o'clock. If you're not here you can already guess what's going to happen." He then pointed a finger at Toboe, and the boy felt Gats' hold tighten around him, imprisoning him completely, "And you…I'm going to be personally watching your every move."

He suddenly stalked over to them, and Gats shoved Toboe behind him, making a feeble human wall to stop the growling beast that had eyes only for Toboe. He stopped less than a foot from Gats, but easily looked over his wild red hair to pin the smaller boy with his eyes. The man grinned, and it could have been a trick of light, but for a moment he could have sworn he'd seen dangerously sharp fangs instead of flat teeth. Leaning close the man growled softly, "Wherever you go, you'd better be certain I'm going to be there, even when you go to take a piss in your own home. I'm going to be waiting for an excuse to tear your bony limbs apart."

When he stepped back, Gats grabbed Toboe's hand and fled, no one coming to bar their way as they made their way out into the gray rain that was the outside. There was light drizzle, tickling their faces and giving their jackets a sparkling dewy sheen.

Letting go of Toboe's hand, Gats turned to the smaller boy, his face concerned when he said, "Hey, that didn't go as planned, but it'll be okay. You're not going to do anything stupid, so nothing's gonna happen."

Toboe nodded his head, not looking at his friend.

Gats grinned, getting wound up, "We did it, Toboe! We're part of the Fang! Even though you popped that bastard, we're in!"

Again he nodded, not saying a thing.

"But that Tsume," muttered Gats, suddenly serious, his green eyes flashing possessively, "I know the guy's the leader and all, but you should stay as far away from him as possible. That pervert was getting excited when he touched you, I could see it. So just lay low and don't give him a reason to get to you, okay?"

Toboe turned his back on Gats, wrapping his arms around his chest, realizing that they were shaking. He wanted to go home.

"Hey…Toboe…"

"Leave me alone," whispered the boy.

"But…"

Toboe ran, ignoring his friends outraged calls for him to come back, but relieved that he was not followed.

The drizzle became another downpour, and people pulled out their umbrellas and lifted their hoods over their heads. Shops and people flew by him in a manic blur as he ran, ignoring warnings to 'watch it' and senselessly running into individuals he could not dodge in time with his speed.

He could feel them, those gold eyes at his back, watching him even as he ran faster.

Only when he had hurled himself into the his apartment building did he stop, breathing in painful gasps, eyes shut, and leaning dizzily against a dirty cracked wall. When he opened his eyes he felt the hairs on the back of his head rise in alertness at the sight the man from the fourth floor, his gaunt hand cradling the hand of the little girl from downstairs; there was a lollipop bobbing in her mouth. He stared at them, at the man's stained yellow undershirt, the unbuttoned trousers and the rhythmic way the little girl sucked on the candy.

The man smiled, his teeth blindingly white and perfect when he addressed the boy. "Ah, you're Toboe, aren't you?" He let the girl's hand go and the small appendage fell to her side lifelessly. The man stepped forward and Toboe flinched, shifting himself away from the wall and putting his guard up before the larger male. "Now, now, no need to be so defensive," simpered the man, "but then, you're a teenager, and it's in your nature to be so. You look ill," he observed, "I'm guessing you left school early? Poor thing. Isn't he a poor thing, Alisia?" This he gestured to the little girl who nodded her head, sucking.

"I know," the man exclaimed softly, "I'm sure your dear Grandmother is sleeping, so why don't you come upstairs with me, and Alisia and I can make you something to warm you up. I have some great games, and even a video camera. Alisia loves it when I bring out the camera. Don't you, sweetie?"

The little girl nodded.

"What do you say, Toboe?" asked the man, reaching a friendly hand towards the boy. "Come play with us?"

But Toboe lashed out, knocking the hand away, mentally shuddering at the curling revulsion he experienced at the little contact of flesh. Side stepping around the man, he ran past the girl to the stairs, shouting back with a quivering voice, "You're sick!"

It took him a few drawn out seconds to get his keys into the lock, his hands were shaking so bad. He kept on glancing to the stairwell, imaginary shadows of threatening figures seemed to be coming for him, reaching with their long arms and chain-like fingers. When finally the door opened, Toboe slammed it so hard that a part of the plaster from the ceiling fell and crumbled on the floor.

A flustered Granny came out of the kitchen, a damp dishtowel in her wrinkled hands. "Toboe…" she inquired in shock.

The boy threw his wet jacket off, and kicked off his clinging shoes so viciously that he fell, causing the old woman to gasp in worry. But Toboe ignored her, storming into the small bedroom, flinging himself onto his sleeping mattress face first.

He buried his face into his pillow, clutching it with clawed hands. They shook. He could not stop shaking…

…because the gold eyes were still there. They wouldn't go away….

He could feel them, Tsume's eyes, piecing through him like a stake. He could still smell his strong aftershave and leather, so powerful that it was clogging his senses. Even now he could still feel the hand that had touched him and made his body race with excitement.

"Toboe…"

There was a gentle hand on the back of his head, skeletal fingers running soothingly through his hair, down his neck and along his spine. Again, a stroke of tenderness, unfettered, nothing holding it back. It was the only hand that had never demanded anything of him, the only hand that truly loved him; and would love him no matter what.

"Toboe," whispered Granny quietly, "you're shaking so bad."

"I'm fine," his voice broke, and he trembled even more, those gold eyes mocking him.

"Toboe," repeated Granny, and his name sounded like a bell on her tongue, "you're shaking so bad. I don't know what to do."

And Toboe turned around, wrapping his arms around her legs, and pressing his face into her lap, curling up into a ball. And there, like that, with Granny holding him and stroking his back, Toboe wept.

"…I'm fine…"

TO BE CONTINUED….O.o

Extra A/N: I would like to explain something that I realized after reading over my stuff (and realizing that my grammar sucks more than I imagined). Toboe's view of intimacy is not your average fourteen-year-old mentality. As it was shown in the previous chapter and this one as well, anything that has to do with sex or the supposed 'love' is twisted and violent. Gats' possessiveness and dominance over him, and the vile things he sees on a daily basis makes him hesitant to form any type of sexual relationship with anyone, even his best friend. Sex is something to be taken, predators and aggressors take it, and all the others have to lay still. In a way, it is survival of the fittest. This is way different than the Toboe that we know and love from the anime, but in that world he had been totally protected by Granny and had not been exposed to any harshness until she was dead. He is in no way harsh, and I am trying not to make him OOC, but he isn't as naïve and innocent as before.

Tri