So it was quicker than last time? Yeah, sorry… I make no promises this time around either…
The pink halls around me almost seemed as if they were mocking me. Their light shining down on me, putting me in their own private show. The star in the spotlight. The crowds of students swarmed around, not noticing the horrible light, or not caring. Their voices chattering like birds, welcoming the day. They greeted the light, while all I wanted to do was hide in the night.
As I sulked through the halls, I couldn't help but be consumed by the thought of how much I DIDN'T want to see any of them. The host club. And I really didn't want to see one in particular. I didn't want to see their pity… their possible anger. I wanted them to ignore it, yet still I didn't. I wanted a perfect solution. I wanted this horror show of a life to be over. I didn't want him to see. I wanted to be strong around him, Mori. Somehow… I wanted him to be happy. I definitely didn't want him to be sad because of me.
I don't exactly remember how I got to my first hour class. The time between walking in the obnoxiously bright halls and suddenly appearing in my cold seat in the classroom was just one large blank spot in my memory.
Not soon after the burning pain in my back started to weave its way to my brain. Announcing its arrival in a blaze of what I assume would be its own version of a trumpet fanflare I sighed in pain. Reaching down into my bag I pulled out a clear plastic baggy filled partly with pain pills. Popping a few in my mouth I took a gulp from the water bottle in my bag. lacing both bag and bottle in my bag again, I then pulled out my supplies, prepping for class to begin.
Just before the bell was to ring the door burst open allowing the rest of the students to flow in like white water rapids. Amongst this chaos was Honey, riding on Mori's shoulders as if to avoid being trampled. Quickly enough everyone took their seats, and in this amount of time they realized that my own seat was no longer empty. With anxious and astounded eyes Honey's jaw dropped like a fish's.
"Tsu-" Was all he managed to get out before the sharp shrill of the bell cut him off. Slowly turning around he tilted his head to the side in confusion, a clear sign that he expected an explanation some time today. Mori though, was not so quick to turn around. His eyes sharp it was obvious that he could see all that my careful application of make up couldn't cover. With a pointed look, which I could only assume had the same meaning as his cousin's. Looking down at my desk I gave a weak nod. With that I heard him turn around in his seat. Feeling a blush crawl across my cheeks I continued to let my head hang.
The teacher walked to the front of the class, quickly jumping into notes. Weighing down my paper with my brace, I began to scribble down the words. Looking up only when I absolutely had to.
After class, I was pushed out of the room in the middle of the stampede of students. Sighing when I finally managed to step out of the mass, and into my own space. Before even the end of my breath, another shout filled the silence.
"Tsu-chan!" Honey yells running toward me. Leaping he leaves the ground for just a few seconds before Mori grabs him, setting him back down.
"Be careful." He says, deep tones grumbling. It seems that only then Honey remembers my brace, or possibly, just noticed it.
"I'm fine. Really." I say, trying to change the subject. Fiddling with my fingers, I begin to walk passed them head down. As I pass them Mori's hand shoots out easily wrapping around my small wrist.
"Wait." He says. "Please." I beg at the same moment.
Slowly the iron grip on my wrist loosens and falls. I didn't dare look back as I walked as fast as I possibly could to my next class.
The first day she was gone I was only slightly worried. She might have been sick, or something like that. Mitsukuni seemed a little worried too, but we both just pushed it of. It was probably nothing. Then the second day passed…...the third…..fourth…...fifth…. soon a week.
I'm pretty sure at that point that the whole host club was about ready to track her down. Everyone that knew had a certain glint in their eye. Whether it was anger, or worry is something that even I cannot tell. Everything was just so clouded… so muddy.
A week later and she finally shows. A week later and suddenly the clouds in my mind disappear, only be replaced with fury. A rage that I could barely keep under control. It was getting worse for her, and I would be damned if I didn't help her now.
And….and then, in the hall. She was there, so close to us all, but not there with her mind. I wanted to help her then and there. Tell her that I would never leave her alone, she would never get hurt that way right? At one point I had her in my grasp. So close. So, so close. But not close enough. I had my hand around her wrist, I had her in my grasp. But then, as our voices sounded at the same time…. I heard her plea, and… and I didn't know what to do. I could help couldn't I? Why wouldn't she let me!? As these question tore my brain apart, I slowly let my grip go. If thats what she wanted….
But I'll be damned before I decide to not try, whether she wants it or not.
The rest of my classes went along the same path. Any of my friends that were in the hour that had yet to see me were surprised. We did the class work, received any homework, and then I was continually cornered in the hall. That was becoming a pattern that really needed to be broken…
And then when the final bell tolled, I felt my stomach clench and roll up into my throat. I could handle all of them in pairs and by themselves but all at once? This would be…..fun.
"MY DAUGHTER!' Tamaki shouts running toward me as I open the door to the host club.
"Yes?" I ask, trying to act like nothing was wrong. And for them nothing was wrong. This was a me problem.
Wrapping his arms around me Tamaki pressed me to his chest. Reusing to hug him back I slipped out of his grip.
"Anyways, I'm back." Is all I said before retreating to a corner, opening a book and beginning to read. Hoping that no one would force a conversation. And surprisingly, nobody did.
When Tsuki left that afternoon I followed. Just as she was about to reach the gate I picked up my pace a little, catching up.
"Tsuki." I called.
Turning around, eyes wide with surprise Tsuki looked at me then with a questioning gaze. Taking a deep breath I steadied my nerves. I would at least try.
"Let me protect you." I said my voice rumbling.
"I don't need protection." Se retorted turning her back again.
"Then let me be there for you."
Her steps paused, but she still didn't turn around. Finally she spoke, the single word barely more than a whisper..
"Sure."
And there's that! I will try to get the next chapter out as soon as possible! Thanks to all of you who are still reading this and those that reviewed, you all are the reason that I finally got this up! It was probably terribly rushed bt now its up at least? Sorry again for it being so late! Tell me what you think! I love you all! Till next time.
~Shade