Chapter 12

Friday passed quickly. I was back in school, telling each teacher about my 'virus' and how I was 'sick' yesterday too. They all accepted it without too much thought though. Well, except one or two. Ms Mew gave me her signature 'I-don't-belive-you' look but told me to sit down anyway. See how easy it is to cut class?

I woke up Saturday at 10, just how I liked. Today, we were free to do whatever the crap you wanted. Some of the students' parents came to visit them and took them out for a few hours. Obviously, my parents were not going to.

I dragged myself out of the bed and forced myself to get dressed. I grabbed an old woolen hat I had, some old gloves and cursed because I didn't have a scarf. I walked outside, ate breakfast quickly and went behind the wall to where Yuma and co. usually sat. But only Rook was there. He was leaning against the wall, flicking his lighter on and off. I walked over to him.

"Heya Rook," I said.

Rook looked up, a sour puss on his face. He gave me a small smile and turned back to the lighter. I cleared my throat again, feeling very awkward. I hadn't actually had a conversation with Rook. He was always following Yuma, like a loyal servant. But here he was, alone.

"Where's Yuma?" I asked. "And Dell and Haku and Neru and Lily?"

Rook looked up at me with a bitter smile. "Gone out. Dell went to town with Haku, Neru's parents took her and Miku out, Yuma's gone to visit his sister who lives out of town and Lily's off with her mother and step-father."

I was almost scared to ask but I swallowed and looked Rook directly in the eye. "And... What about you?"

Rook looked at me shocked, surprised I even asked. "Yuma told you, didn't he? About how my Pa's in jail for selling drugs. He was a good man though, real family one. After he was arrested, Ma got a divorce and shoved me off to this school to get rid off me. I ain't got no one."

He glared harshly at the ground. "Bet you were raised sucking a silver spoon, eh? Bet your Ma and Pa put you here for the 'education'."

I glared back at him, scowling deeply. "Ah shut it! My sister has bone cancer, osteosarcoma. We're always in and out of hospital, paying money for chemo, the whole lot! My Mom and Dad always gave her the most attention, neglecting me completely. In an attempt to gain their attention, I got three ear piercings, a tongue piercings, began smoking, stayed out way past midnight, anything I could think of. One night, Mom and Dad called me in, asking for blood and marrow samples. I refused and stormed out. That night, I set fire to the school. Mom and Dad had enough, Kaiko had just been emmitted back into hospital, so they packed me off here. And you think you're bad!" I huffed, folding my arms across my chest like a spoilt brat.

Rook looked at me with wide eyes. "S-Sorry, man. Didn't know."

I took a deep breath and unfolded my arms, shoving my hands back in my pockets. "S'alright. Sorry 'bout you too, I guess."

Rook grinned. "Parents suck, eh?"

I nodded, returning the grin. Rook looked back down at his lighter, sighed and shoved it back in his pocket. "Hey, you mind leaving me alone for awhile? J-Just wanna be left to my thoughts."

I nodded and turned on my heel. I walked out into the Ringu and stopped, looking for somewhere to go. My eyes fell on the garden so I walked briskly over.

The air was cold and you could see the frost from the previous night hanging on the flowers. Even though it was my second time being here, its beauty didn't fail to shock me. If I stood on my tippy-toes, I could see a hill with a tree on top. I continued through the maze of garden until I didn't even know how to get back. I walked quickly, with my hands in my pockets and my shoulders shrugged up in an attempt to keep my neck warm. It wasn't working... I really needed a scarf.

Just as I was about to turn around, I heard a familiar laugh. It was coming from behind the hedge. I turned the corner, looking to see who it was.

Sitting down on a bench were Meiko and Luka. They were both wrapped up in coats, hats, gloves and (goddammit) scarves. Luka was sitting with her back to me and Meiko in front of her. She caught a glimse of me over Luka's shoulder and waved me over.

"Heya Kaito!"

I smiled and walked over. Meiko pushed Luka gently and patted the spot beside her. Luka smiled shyly and waved when I sat down.

"So, why you not out and about with your parents?" I asked the two of them, rubbing my hands together.

"Luka's brother is coming to collect her, isn't he darling?" Luka nodded, a big grin on her face. She told me about her brother on Thursday. I wished I had enough money to visit Kaiko in the hospital. I'd have to visit her tomorrow, it was her birthday...

"What about you Meiko?"

Meiko smiled sadly, her eyes gazing off into the distance. "My Mama and Papa died a few years ago. Car crash."

I instantly felt bad. "I-I didn't mean..." Wow, just wow. I made two people upset. First Rook, then Meiko.

Meiko shook her head, grinning. "It's fine! If they hadn't past away, I wouldn't have been sent here and I never would have met Luka! See, every misfortune has its perks. I know Mama and Papa are smiling down at me now, and they're always watching me!"

Luka pulled at Meiko's sleeve and showed her something written on her notebook. Meiko giggled at whatever it was and hugged her. "Mama and Papa think you're an adorable piece of pie and love you like jelly tots!" she squealed. Luka smiled back, letting out a silent giggle.

"Luka?"

I looked up at the unfamiliar voice. Standing in front of me was a tall man with light pnik hair and azure eyes. Luka grinned hugely and ran over to him, letting him spin her around in a hug. He put her down and smiled at Meiko, who smiled back. His gaze turned to me and I could already feel the 'I-don't-like-this-guy' vibe coming from him.

"Luki, this is Kaito. He's new in our dorm. Kaito, this is Luki, Luka's brother," Meiko said.

I looked back up at Luki, my eyes narrowed in confusion. Besides the pink hair and blue eyes, Luka and her brother looked nothing alike! Her face was round and cute while his face was more oval-like. Luka had a small, button nose and Luki had a long pointy one. Luka was as pale as a ghost and her brother was more tanned.

"Kaito... You one of Luka's friends?" Luki asked suspiciously.

I froze. Was I her friend? Did she consider me a friend? Was I in the 'acquaintance' category or the mere 'roommate' category? Even worse, what if I was in the 'disliked' category?!

Luckily for me, Luka nodded fiecely, her hands on her hips. She waggled her finger in front of Luki's face, who only laughed and hugged her again.

"Sorry, Kaito. I'm a little protective of my little Luka." You think? He was sending me death glares!

Luki took hold of Luka's hand and began to lead her out of the garden, calling out a goodbye to Meiko and I. Luka turned to wave at us before running to keep up with him and leaving us behind.

Thank you to reviewers:

-Sheepy

-karenanzora 09

-Kegi Springfield

-Ambokiko

-Sal The Happs Dude T3T

Guys... We're at sixty reviews! On a KaitoxLuka story too! One of the most underrated pairings in vocaloid history and we're got to sixty reviews! Thank you so so so much to every reviewer, follower and favouriter out there. The story's also almost at 2000 views! This makes me so happy, you don't even know!