Note:
Bitten by a Muse... woo hoo!
Just an FYI, this would make more sense if you are at least aware of the happenings of CH 201 and 202, because this would take place in between. ^^ Sorta...
A theoretical, observational piece... Much slower and bit wordier, and if you squint a little, perhaps a bit darker... because for a certain computer genius, the situation isn't quite so simple...
And because he is also very plot convenient. Not that there's any real plot here.
--
"You're waiting for him, aren't you."
Eighteen year-old Yako stares at her tea companion, a calm, defensive, strained smile suddenly on her lips. He fights the urge to wince at that look, knowing he's just breached a touchy subject. No one, not even that that ex-gangster-cum-informant (who he had a sneaking suspicion probably didn't care), or her mother ever ventured to speak of it. But, he has to know.
"Higuchi-kun..."
"You are."
"... yes."
The hacker leans back against his chair, sighing loudly to disguise this slight tinge of unhappiness that creeps up. He's never been good with that sort of thing, though (and he is sure she knows it), but ignores that fact, and continues to press the matter against the collective better judgment.
"It's been two years, Yako. You've never even told anyone where he went when you came back in to the limelight. Only that he's on vacation somewhere while you hone your own skills. I can only speculate the truth... I have no solid proof..." He bites his bottom lip for a second, but she catches the nervous act none the less, because she's too good at what she does."Two years. All of your actions from then till now, I know, have been for him..."
A deep breath, a tense pause.
"What if he doesn't come back?"
There. He's said it. The question that was not, now is. The unspoken has been spoken, and out in the open. Higuchi watches her, tentative, ready to bolt lest the subject of the conversation show himself or Yako toss something in anger for his bluntness or, even worse, cry. But, the young woman is silent, staring calmly at him, unflappable, unwavering and outwardly unperturbed by his words; poised, unmoving, everything that is, no doubt, a result of HIS influence and teaching.
"I believe in him, Higuchi-kun. He will come back."
Her voice is strong, full of hope, adoration, and something else underneath that's hidden, but runs deeper, deeper, and deeper still. He is unsure how to feel, wondering if Neuro realizes how lucky he is to have someone like her. And still, he presses.
"And, if it's too late?"
... and the smile on her face transforms, throwing him for a loop while he does his best to not fall from his chair. A deep shiver climbs up his spine and settles in to an uneasiness that he cannot ignore.
This smile... is sarcastic. It's gleaming, dangerous, dark, ironic, foreboding... he'd even go so far as to say it was a tad...
...a tad...
She delicately fingers the braid on the left side of her head, running a tip over the pink ("It's flesh-colored, Higuchi-kun.") clip, her teeth glinting.
... a tad sadistic...
"Well, at that point, I'd just have to go to him, then."
--
(Please note, I do not have anything against Higuchi-san. He's just very, very plot convenient at times.)
Meichiri - *bows* Thank you for the suggestion. ^^ I was unsure what to rate it, and your vote for a 'T' rating was helpful in making the decision. As for anon reviews, I figured out where to adjust that. *giggles* 's layout is a bit confusing, but I'm getting the hang of it. ^^ Also, thank you for your review. I hope I meet your expectations.
SaoirseSpeir – Thank you for your review, too! (XD) I 'm glad you are enjoying the ride while we stal- er, follow Yako and Neuro around. ^^ And, yes, Neuro angry is not something I think any one wants to face. We all saw what he did to DR … though, he looks positively sexy with those wings.
Unknown D Flamerose – Wow, thank you for the reviews. ^.^ And do not worry. I'm plotting things… *insert evil laughter here*
KiwiXxX – Ahhh, but he looks SEXY when he's being cruel, ne? *grins* Don't mind me, just being fangirly… hehehe… Thank you for your review! ^^ I will update as often as I can.
^o^ - o.o I am honored, and thank you for your review. I will certainly do my best. ^^