The Definition of Loss

Loss is something you can never get back.
It's been raining again. Yahiko stared out far as the skies tears would let him.
I really gotta skate.
It always seems to rain when you get an inspiration for a trick. Usually the rain makes you realize how much you are addicted.
Yahiko hasn't heard from his dad since the night he left. He was pissed. Even though he agreed a hot anger burned inside him. His dad has always been like that. One minute you'd be laughing and the next he'd be having a fit about how you said something you didn't. When you tried to explain you were arguing with him.
Isn't he just lovely?
"Yahiko, you have a phone call."
"Who is it?"
"Your old man."
His heart sunk. He's been dreading this phone call since he left.
"Hello?"
"Hi, what have you been doing up there?"
"Just skating and preparing for the comp coming up." Yahiko heard his dad mumble about something.
"Nice. When you coming home?"
"I really don't know if I win the comp."
"I highly doubt that." Yahiko ignored the interruption.
"If I win the comp I'll be able to stay up here indefinitely."
"Boy, you stay up there and I'll drag you on your ass to come back home. I never you hear me. Never agree to you staying up there forever."
"Dad I'm a grown man now I can take care of myself."
"Grown. You had to take care of a child and a wife..." Here he goes the whole 'I raised you speech'. Or the 'since I didn't beat the crap out of you like my father did I'm and excellent one.' That was Yahikos favorite.
"I want you to amount to better things and this isn't anything. It's pointless and I want you home. Now."
For once Yahiko noticed his father for the first time. Not as if he never seen him before. In a new light you could say. Lost cause. He didn't think anyone could measure up. His father always said I don't want you to be perfect, but you should strive for it. All else is put aside. He couldn't measure up. Measure to perfection. Maybe that is why he was always tired. Curled himself upon the couch when no one was there to see and wished away his life. Listening to silence and loving the sound. When no one was around he was he. His parents where Bible lovers to an existent. He new verses. I guess he was what he was. I am what I am. He didn't want this anymore. Nothing anymore he couldn't take it. All his life he wanted to scream. He never would. He was too good for that. He wouldn't stoop. He was above. He strove to be himself and grow in the ways his father never would let him allow. His dad kept on talking. Like a drone of bees in his head. Even when he wasn't in the room you could hear him. Like some force making your brain expand with every stupid word.
"Dad... just... shut up." He hung up the phone.

Yahiko didn't want to think about what his father would want in the future. He would probably call back and tell him "those people"- Never his friends just "those people"- are the reason he was disrespectful and they were the reason he was turning into a horrible kid. Yes, he heard that almost every day. He would say this directly but you go the gist of what he meant, "You aren't good but I guess your getting there."
No support.
In his minds eye he didn't have a father. A man who lorded over your life, making you want to cry every time he spoke, and making almost give up the one thing that made you who you are. How can that be a father?
"Yahiko?"
Looked up from where he was sitting. He still had his hand on the phone. His face wad wet from the tears he spilled onto the ground. He didn't even know he was crying. That'll make you more of a man and make Kairi like you.
"Yahiko you alright?"
"Kenshin?"
"Yeah it's me." he slowly sat down beside him with concern on his face like a covering. Like a white washed fence. Plainly seen.
"Kid, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing..."
"It's something. If you don't want to tell me it's cool."
"It's just my...you know my dad called...and." Kenshin gave him a big hug which surprised him.
"Kid you got to let him go. Stop letting him in. He destroys what he can take."
"That's profound where you read that?" Kenshin smirked.
"Opera." Yahiko laughed. "Come on I need help in the store room."
"I'll be there. In a second."
He left Yahiko be. He went in the storeroom and wondered.
Kenshin really cared about this boy. He had more than some scratches. He had wholes in his heart.
He was the definition of loss. He didn't have it hard as most people. He had it weirdest. His father type of man who could try and tell you your flowers looked good and still you find yourself feeling like a sack of shit. What a father.
He wondered how he got such a good son. He knew if it were him. He would've been a fucked up case.
He went outside for another smoke. He needed it.