Hello peoples! We have a big, big, BIG chapter ahead! Like seriously. Mostly at the beginning and end but the middle is important, too. You'll see. You'll see. So, just read the story. I'm sure you'll like it or at least I hope so.
A while later, Ria headed over to the Haring household for her date. She had cleaned up and was dressed in black pants and a dark green shirt. She was extremely nervous, not just the natural nerves of your first date but with Kawino she really liked him but also knew that given everything with his parents he's very fragile. Even the slightest thing could trigger something before she even realizes what she said and the last thing she wants to do is hurt him.
She stopped at the door made sure she was alright and knocked. She waited a few seconds before Kawino answered. He was dressed in blue pants and a white button up short sleeve shirt. "Hey Ria." He said nervously.
"Hey Kawino." She said still very nervous as well. "You look very nice."
"So do you. Come in please."
"Thank you," She smiled stepping in. "So, this is where you're staying now?"
"Yeah, the Harring home." He said.
"Mayor's family right?"
"Yeah, he's Cato's father."
"That's really cool actually." She smiled.
"Yeah, it's been a nice change."
"I'm glad. You seem happy at least."
"I am and you being here makes it better."
"Thank you," She blushed.
"Thank you for coming." He said.
"I'm glad to."
"Well, do you want to eat or see everything or eat first?"
"I would like to see everything."
"Okay, where do you want to start?" He asked.
"Just from the closest and move on?"
"So living room." He said.
"Alright, lead the way." She said taking his hand. He blushed and led her to a small white walled room that had two black couches a black chair and a large book case on the far wall. "Wow… it's amazing."
"Yeah, cozy." He said.
He showed her the family room, study, bedrooms, bathrooms, and everything else before they came back to the kitchen where she found two cooked fishes at the table. She smiled at them and said, "They smell delicious Kawino."
"Really?" He asked carefully observing the steam rising from them.
"Yes, really." She said throwing her arms around him. He wrapped his arms around her waist as she hugged him. "It's perfect, Kawino."
"Thank you, I'm glad you like it." He said blushing at how close she was.
"So, let's go try them." She said blushing as well.
"Right," He said pulling out her chair.
"Thank you," She smiled and took her seat.
"You're welcome; I was told that's polite."
"Well, whoever told you that was right."
"I will thank Cato then." Kawino said.
"Smart boy, how long have he and Clove been together anyways?"
"Them, about nine month give or take." Kawino said.
"That's quite a while."
"Yeah, they go good together."
"I hope we can be like that then."
"So do I." He said.
"I think we will." She smiled and took a bite of the fish. It was good, spicy and salty at the same time. "I was right. It is perfect."
"Really, not too spicy?" He asked.
"Not too spicy."
"Okay good, I was worried."
"Well, don't."
"How can I not? I do not want to mess this up."
"Well, still, you did well."
"Thank you." He said smiling a little.
"You're welcome, Kawino."
"So, am I at least doing well?"
"I think you're doing better than well."
He blushed a bit smiling at her. "Perfect?" He asked.
"Yes, perfect so far." She said rubbing the back of his free hand with her thumb.
He smiled at that, "Thank you. That really does mean a lot."
"I know, so let's eat." She said.
He nodded and took a bite as well. "It did turn out nice."
"See? I told you."
"You were right, it's surprising; that's the first time I have cooked."
"I guess you must just have a talent then."
"Maybe I do."
"That's great then. Did you enjoy it?"
"Yeah, I did; creating instead of destroying."
"Well, I'm glad then."
"Thanks." He said.
"You're welcome. It's good you were finally able to find some happiness."
"You make me happy."
"Well, I'm glad I could."
"Thank you." He said.
"You're welcome. You make me happy, too."
"I do really?" He asked.
"Yes, really."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. Thank you for making me happy."
"No problem." He said. "I don't know how I did though." He added.
"You do you make me feel...special." She admitted.
"Really?"
"Yeah, I love being around you."
"Thank you, I do, too." She smiled a part of her wanted to kiss him. She held back though considering that would be their first.
Soon they were done eating and he offered to take her on a walk. "I would love to. I guess you haven't really ever been able to see the district, huh?"
"Not until today."
"Well, there's still plenty to see so let's go." She took his hand and led him out. "So, where should we go?" She pondered looking around.
"Not sure." He said.
"What have you seen so far?" Ria asked him.
"Clothing, and food stores, and the doctors."
"So… how about this way?" She said looking in a different direction from those.
He followed her to a large factory. "So, this is a factory where all the weapons are made whether for the Academy, an arena, or the Peacekeepers." Ria explained. "My dad works here actually."
"Wow! It's...much bigger than I thought."
"Yeah, for a country with such strict laws on any weapons you'd think they wouldn't need as much as they do."
"Yeah, I know, but it's amazing."
"Yeah, it is pretty cool."
"Can we go in?"
She shook her head, "It's illegal."
"Oh, okay then." He said.
"Yeah, I'd rather not get shot today."
"Okay then, but still wow."
"Yeah, should we move on?"
"Sure," He said letting go of her hand and wrapping an arm around her waist.
"This is really nice." She said smiling widely.
"Yeah, it's nice." He said as she leaned against him.
"I never want this to end." She said happily.
"Me either." He admitted.
"Unfortunately it's going to have to." Ria sighed.
"Why?" He asked.
"Not soon," She corrected.
"Okay." He said.
"I guess there not really that many interesting things here though."
"I guess not."
"Still want to go on though?" She asked.
"I do, I have you."
"Alright, then," She smiled and they walked further on.
"I do not know what you see in me." He said.
"Well, you're really nice, helpful, and really cute."
"I am?" He asked compliments he still did not take well.
"Yes you are." She nodded snuggling closer against him.
"So are you and you care." Kawino said.
"Thank you," She smiled.
"It's my pleasure really." He said.
"Well, as it is mine."
"I wish I had some interesting place to show you." He said.
"That's okay."
"You deserve something fun though." He said.
"We'll find something."
"I guess we'll have to."
"It will be okay though."
"As long as I have you." He said.
"Which you do."
"Then that is a big upside for me."
"As is to me."
"So is this happy?" He asked.
"Yes it is. Good job."
"I like it." He said.
"Good, by definition it's a great feeling."
"Oh, I did not know." He said.
"Well, it is."
"Got it." He said.
"I'm really glad you are though. You deserve to finally be."
"You think so?"
"Yes, I really do."
"Thanks I am glad I make you happy to, if there is ever anything I can do to show I appreciate you let me know."
"I already know you appreciate me though."
"Still, I feel like I should show it."
"Well, if anything comes to mind I'll let you know." Ria said.
"You promise?" He asked.
She nodded, "I promise."
He smiled and hugged her.
She didn't even hesitate to return it. "This really has been perfect."
"Yeah, it has it's getting late though." He sighed.
"Right, I guess it's time to say goodbye for the night." She said looking around.
"I guess so." He said.
"Would it be okay if I kissed you?" She asked.
"Yeah...what's a kiss?"
"You've probably seen Cato and Clove do it before. It's a nice thing couples do with pressing their lips together."
"Oh, yeah... I would like that if you want to." He said.
"I would." She blushed.
"Okay." He said a bit red himself.
She leaned in and kissed his lips. He was unsure how to respond at first her lips were soft against his own and instinctively he wrapped his arms around her waist. Now he could finally see why Clove and Cato liked it so much though.
Her hands came up and wrapped around his head pulling them closer together.
They did have to separate though and were both smiling widely when they did. "That, was amazing." He said keeping her close.
"Yes it was." She smiled leaning against his chest.
"Do you have to go?" He asked.
"Unfortunately but I'll see you tomorrow."
"Promise?" He asked smiling.
"Yes, I promise."
"Okay, then." He said, but still held her.
"I really do have to go though." She sighed clearly not wanting to.
"Alright," He sighed before leaning down and pressing his lips to hers one more time.
This time it was a lot briefer but still nice. "Thank you for the amazing evening." She said.
"I should really be thanking you."
"No need." She said smiling.
"Well, I don't either."
"See you tomorrow then." She said pulling away from him.
"See you tomorrow." She smiled blew him a kiss and headed off almost wanting to skip with how happy she was.
She headed back home in a dazed state. "He really likes me!" She sighed happily.
"How did it go?!" She heard Lani ask.
"It was amazing." She said happily smiling.
"That's great, Ria!" Lani smiled hugging her sister.
"Yeah, he was so sweet." She said.
"Care to share some more details?"
"Well he showed me his new home and he cooked for me. Then we walked around a few other places throughout the district, and we talked." Ria turned redder and said, "And kissed at the end."
"How was that?"
"It was amazing."
"Well, you sound happy."
"I am very happy." Ria said just like that.
"Yeah, you seem dazed happy."
"It was my first date. What do you expect?"
"Not sure."
"Well, yes, I am."
"Good," She said.
Meanwhile, Kawino arrived back at his new house in a similarly dazed state with his fingers to his lips. "So, how was it?" Clove asked.
"It was perfect."
"You look happy."
"Well, I think I am."
"I'm glad." She said smiling.
"Looks like you gut you first kiss as well, huh?" Clove asked since his fingers were still against his lips.
"Yeah, I did." He said dazed.
"That's great, Kawino! I'm so happy for the two of you."
"Yeah, it was incredible." He said lying on the couch.
"Can I tell the others?"
"Sure, you can." He said still dazed.
So Clove ran off. "They kissed!" She said smiling wide.
"They did?!" Cady asked jiggidy now.
"Yeah they did and from the looks of it, he's happy." Clove looked back with a smile and said, "He definitely needed that."
"How is he now?" Cady asked.
"He's just lying on the couch in an extremely dazed state."
"Wow, just like Cato after your first kiss."
Clove was a little surprised by that and turned to Cato turning slightly red. "You were?"
"Yeah well...I..." He stammered. He threw a glare towards his sister for telling her that.
"What?" Cady asked.
"You weren't supposed to tell her that."
"Why not? It's sweet."
"Yes, it really is." Clove said moving closer to him.
"I just was not sure how you would feel." He said.
"Well, you don't have to worry about that."
"I don't?" He asked.
"No, it is really sweet."
"Well, thank you." He said.
"You're welcome." She said and gave him a quick kiss.
"Well, I am glad Kawino has someone." Cady said.
Clove nodded, "She will definitely help."
"I hope so." Cato said.
"I'm sure it will. She BETTER not hurt him though."
"I don't think she will. Do you see how she looks at him?" Cady asked.
"Yes I do and I trust her."
"Good." She said.
"So, what do we do now then?"
"Sleep." Cato yawned.
"Right," Clove said and yawned as well.
"So, let's go then."
"What about Kawino?"
"What about me?" Kawino asked.
Clove jumped slightly then turned to him, "You scared me. How long were you there?"
"Just about a minute."
"Oh, impeccable timing."
"Thanks." He said.
"You're welcome." She smiled.
"So, bed then?" He asked.
"Yes, we all need sleep." Clove answered.
"Sure," Kawino said.
"Good, you still really will need it."
"If you say so."
"I do." She said and everyone else agreed.
"Okay, okay." Kawino said. "So, let's just go then." He added.
They all headed down the hall. "Goodnight," Clove said to all of them.
"Goodnight!" They all called.
With that they each headed to their own rooms for the night. Clove, who had the room beside Kawino's, could hear him rolling around in his bed. Getting worried she got out of her bed and headed to his room to check. He was writhing and shaking in his bed.
Clove carefully went over and attempted to shake him awake. His hand shot out catching her wrist. "Kawino, it's just me." Clove said staring at his hand that was still clenched around her wrist.
"Clove?" He asked sitting up.
"Yeah, it's me." She said carefully.
"Sorry, sorry." He said.
"It's okay. You're just a little jumpy."
"I...had a nightmare."
"I figured. That was why I woke you up." Clove said. "Want to talk about it?"
"No, I don't want to bug you."
"You wouldn't be bugging me. Tell me what happened in your nightmare."
"Mom and Dad were let out and they attacked you all of you."
"That must have been extremely terrifying but I can tell you with the utmost confidence that with our Peacekeeping force there's literally no way that could happen."
"How are you so sure?" He asked.
"Their execution is tomorrow, Kawino. It's over."
"Are...are we going to see it?" He asked.
"Yes we will."
"Will you be okay?" Kawino asked.
"Yes, it's less than they deserve after everything they've done to you."
"They were good to you though."
"That doesn't matter." She sighed.
"Just want to be sure you want to see this."
"I do." Clove said clenching her fist.
"If you're sure."
"I am sure."
"Okay." He said.
"Think you're good to try to get back to sleep?"
"I could try."
"Could you maybe stay? Until I'm asleep at least?" He asked.
"Sure I can."
"Thank you, Clover." He smiled.
"I love you Kawino."
"I love you, too."
"I will always be here." Clove said.
"I don't want to be a burden though."
"You are not a burden." Clove said.
"Yes I am. You just don't want to tell me that."
"Why would you ever think that?" She asked.
"You've all just been putting in so much to make sure I'm okay." He said looking down.
"We love you of course we would."
"You shouldn't have to though."
"Would you for us?" She asked.
"Well, yeah, of course I would."
"Would you consider me a burden then?" Clove asked.
"No, of course not." He said.
"Then why should I consider you one?"
"I am useless."
"Kawino, we went over this at the doctor. You are not useless at all."
"I guess so." He sighed.
"You still don't believe me though?"
"I am not sure."
"I swear you're not. You are the only one who thinks you are. I'd bet anything Mother and Father didn't even really think that. They just said it because they knew it would make you easier to control. Destroy any confidence in yourself so you wouldn't even try to fight back."
"You really think that?"
"Yes, I honestly do."
"Okay." He sighed.
"The problem is it worked spectacularly."
"What now?" He asked.
"Now you try to get back to sleep."
"Okay." He yawned. He laid back down really trying to go back to sleep. Eventually he managed it.
He woke up on his own to next morning surprised to find Clove still there. He was relieved though to find that she had at least falling asleep her head lying on the edge of his bed. Since she did not have to be awake yet he moved her so she was more comfortable. He got up and moved her into the bed being careful not to wake her up. He then snuck out into the hall leaving the door open.
Once he was out, he looked around wondering if anyone else was up. It was still weird to him though, waking up in the morning without an arrow implanted in his shoulder.
Heading for the kitchen he decided to surprise them all with breakfast. He went to the fridge taking out the eggs and bacon and starting on cooking.
A while later, Cady was the first, well, second to wake up. "Smells like breakfast."
"It is. I figured I'd try to surprise you guys." Kawino said remembering what Mrs. Haring said breakfast is yesterday.
"Well, it smells great!"
"Really?" He asked.
"Yeah really, can I have some?" She asked.
"Of course," He said and went and dished her up. "There." He said setting the plate in front of her.
"Thank you, Kawino."
"No problem." He said. She took a seat and started eating. "Like it?" He asked.
"Yes I do." Cady nodded with a smile.
"Good, glad I can cook right." Kawino said.
"Well, yes you can. It is rather impressive."
"It is?"
"Yeah, not everyone can. Especially not the first few times." Cady explained.
"Thanks."
"You're welcome, it's only true."
"Well, again, I am glad."
"The others are missing out still sleeping." She giggled and kept eating.
"Do we wake them?"
"Think we should?"
"Yeah, it's a big day." Kawino said.
"Oh! That's right!" Cady remembered getting excited.
"The execution." Kawino said.
"Yeah, I know."
"You seem excited."
"Well, yeah, this has been needed for so long."
"I'm nervous."
"You can talk to me about it if you want."
"I just... am not sure what to expect."
"Well, you don't have to worry about it. It's not like they could suddenly escape, take the Peacekeeper's gun, and shoot Clove or something."
"You think they could!?" He gasped.
Cady eyes widened and say said quickly, "No Kawino, I swear that could never happen!"
"You just said it could." He said.
"I just said it's NOT like."
"What does that mean?"
"It means it can't."
"Are you sure?" He asked.
"Yes, I'm sure. I promise."
"Okay, okay." He sighed.
"I'm sorry… I shouldn't have…"
"You did not mean to." He said.
"I guess. I still should have known better."
"It's okay. I never even thought of that though." Kawino paled.
"It won't happen." She said. "Kawino, they don't even know how to use a gun."
"You, you're right."
"Exactly," Cady smiled.
"Okay, I will calm down." He said.
"Good, I'm going to go wake up the others." She said getting up.
He nodded. "Clove's in my room." He told her since she'd obviously check Clove's room and find nothing.
"Why?" She asked.
He sighed and told her about last night.
"Oh, I am so sorry." She said.
"Not your fault. It was just a nightmare."
"I made it worse though." She sighed.
"You didn't mean to as I said."
She got up walked over and hugged him around his stomach. "I'm sorry,"
"I'm not mad, Cady." He said returning it.
"You sure?" She asked.
"Not at you."
"Okay, thank you." She said.
"You're welcome. Now go." She nodded and ran off.
She headed to Kawino's room first indeed finding Clove asleep in his bed. "Clove," She said shaking her gently.
Clove woke up fairly easily. "Hey Cady, where's Kawino?"
"Kitchen,"
"What's he doing there?"
"Go see."
"Okay," She said stretching. She got up and headed there. "Breakfast?" She asked on arrival.
Kawino turned to her, "Yeah, I was up first so I figured I'd surprise you guys."
"Well, that's nice of you."
"Thank you, you can go ahead and dish up."
"I think I will." She said.
"Cady seemed to like it at least." Kawino said.
"Then I am sure they are great."
"Well, let me know what you think even if you don't like them tell me that."
"Let me try them." She said.
"Go ahead." He said.
She took a bit and smiled they tasted amazing. "I love them."
"Really?" He asked.
"Yes really."
"Well thank you." He said smiling.
"You're welcome. You really do have a talent."
"Yeah, apparently."
"Do you not like it?" Clove asked him.
Kawino just shrugged and said in the simplest way possible. "I like food." She smiled; maybe he could really be happy. "Do you honestly think there's hope for me, Clove?"
"Of course I do." She said.
"Sometimes it seems like I'm just too broken for it to do any good. Like I'll never just be able to be normal."
"You will be, Kawino."
"What makes you so sure?"
"I know you; you're a fighter."
"What does that have to do with anything?" He asked.
"It means that you will not stop trying."
"How long do you think this will take though, then?"
"Months, probably." She sighed.
"Oh," He sighed looking down realizing she's probably right.
"We will be here every step."
"Thank you but you still shouldn't have to be."
"Kawino, we have been over this." She said.
"I know but it's still hard not to feel that way."
"I know, but give it time."
"I guess." He sighed.
"Good." She said.
"Thank you though. For everything."
"No need to thank me." She said smiling.
"To me I do."
"Okay," She said.
Then Cato came in to join the party, "Breakfast!" He said smiling.
"Kawino made it." Clove told him.
"Cool! Thanks Kawino."
"I figured it's the least I can do. You all have been doing so much for me."
"Well, thank you." He said.
"You don't need to thank me." He said remembering Clove saying that.
"Still thank you."
"Well, okay." He said not knowing what he's supposed to say.
"You want to say you're welcome."
"Oh, okay… you're welcome then." He nodded. "So… that's what you say when someone says thank you?"
"Yes it is."
"Okay, that is good to know." He said with a sigh.
"Be happy, it's a big day." Cato said.
"I know that." He said with a slight smile.
"Well we will all be there and so will Ria."
"I know that. This execution is nothing but a good thing though."
"Yeah, but you're nervous."
"Well, yeah… I am."
"Well talk to us then." Clove said as Mr. and Mrs. Harring arrived for breakfast.
"What am I even supposed to say?"
"Tell us your worries."
"I'm not exactly sure is the thing. It just can't be this easy though."
"Why not?"
"Because nothing's ever that easy. Especially with them."
"Maybe your luck is changing."
"It's still all very suspicious though."
"Not really." Mr. Harring said.
"Well, at least to me it is."
"You are not used to good things happening to you." He pointed out.
"So, why should they now?"
"Sometimes things do change."
"Quite honestly before the night before last nothing good had really happened to me in my fifteen years of life and now look. Nothing's meant to just change like that."
"Maybe the universe owed you." Cady said.
"Maybe," He shrugged still not buying it.
"Just try and be happy."
"I am trying."
"It'll be alright."
"What makes you so sure?"
"I helped plan this being the mayor it's my job." Mr. Harring said.
"What if something goes wrong in the plan though? You guys keep telling me that no one's perfect."
"No one is but we have accounted for anything that could go wrong."
"And you're sure about that?"
"Yes I am." He said.
"Well, alright?"
"Do you want to be on security?"
"I'm more worried about you guys."
"Why us?"
"Because I really care about you all and they know that."
"They can't hurt us."
"What about Ria?"
"She can sit with us, then she'll be safe as well will that help?"
He nodded, "Yes, it does actually."
"Good then it's settled."
"Thank you,"
"You're welcome."
"How long is it until then?"
"About two hours."
"Oh, so what until then?"
"We eat and get ready"
"Right," He said going back to his own eggs. They ate in silence no one really knowing what to say. Soon everyone was finished though. "We should get ready." Clove said.
"Right," Kawino said getting up.
"It'll be okay." She reassured him.
"I believe you."
"Good." She said as they went to their separate rooms.
I don't think you guys want to read about that boring stuff so just before the execution Kawino was looking for his girlfriend. 'Where is she?' He thought moving as if gliding through the crowd. He did find her after a while though, "Ria!" He said running over to her.
"Kawino!" She exclaimed with a smile. He hugged her as soon as she was close enough. She instantly returned it, "How do you feel?" She asked him.
"Nervous." He said honestly.
"What are you nervous about?" She asked pulling away slightly to look him in the eye.
"I just am. What if they get loose and hurt you all?"
"They won't, Kawino."
"Yeah, everyone says that." He said.
"It's true though."
"You don't know them." He said.
"The Peacekeepers will make sure of it."
"I suppose." He said holding her. "Mr. Haring suggested that you can come sit with us. You know, just in case."
"I would love to." She said.
"Come on then. It's going to start soon." She nodded taking his hand as he led her there. He took him right back to the Haring's and Clove.
"Found her." He said happily.
"Good, you both take a seat. It's almost time." Mr. Harring said. They sat near the front and they all waited.
A short while later, Mantear and Drusus were dragged on to the stage of course bound. Neither seemed afraid though. The head Peacekeeper faced them. "Mantear and Drusus Yetter you know why your here." He said.
They both nodded and Mantear looked off into the crowd spotting Kawino and sending him a glare but instead of flinching back Kawino glared back with all the hatred gathered towards the both of them over the years. At the same time Ria snuggled into Kawino's side. He put his arm around her not break the glare.
That seemed to surprise Mantear. The ever familiar to anyone in 2 click of the gun brought her back from that though. What no one noticed though was she was carefully slipping out of her restraints.
Instantly she was out and sprinting toward them. Kawino slid Ria and Clove behind him ready for a fight. Right before she could reach him though, a bullet went right through her brain. She fell to the ground with a rather loud thud rolled for about a foot then moved no more.
Kawino wiped the blood from his face considering how close she had gotten and looked over at her body with a large smile, "Serves you right." He muttered.
"Mantear!" His father shouted. He tried to get out of his own restraints until he was met with his own bullet and he slumped instantly
"Finally," Kawino breathed smiling widely.
"It's over." Ria said.
Kawino nodded and turned hugging her, "Thank you, I couldn't have done it without you."
"It was my pleasure." She said.
See? I told you it was a big chapter. Mantear and Drusus are dead! Good. They were two of very few people that deserve to die with how they practically tortured their own son. Now that I think of it. Why do we consider the Table in Don't Blink, May the Best Tribute Lose, and many PnF stories (on Marcus' account) literal torture but what they did to Kawino only practically torture? Where exactly is that line drawn? It's actually a real tough one on which situation I'd least like to be in but when it comes down to it I'd rather be in either of them than The School in Maximum Ride… which now that I think about it was never actually referred to as torture. Why am I rambling? Review!