The awkwardness started the second she was guided into the passenger side of Cye's car. Immediately, the seatbelt was around her torso and her hands silently gripped the cane she brought. When the driver's side door slammed shut and he also buckled up, every bone in her body tensed. Kimon held her breath as the car slowly backed from its parking spot and then into drive. Without meaning to, she almost inaudibly gulped.
His vision momentarily strayed off the side road he was following. "Doushita?" He quietly voiced. What's wrong?
"Sit down and BEHAVE yourself!"
"Ah...KI O TSUKERU!"
She managed a meek, wobbly shake of her head. "Ah...I just...hate riding in cars is all." She evenly murmured.
He managed a small, amused snort. "Don't worry. I'm a good driver. I won't get us into any accidents."
She nearly cringed, but gripped the stick tighter instead and kept silent. If she went and opened her mouth, she'd just start a wave that wouldn't stop until everything was known about her. 'Ja...onna uresai.' She harshly ordered. So...shut up girl.
As the car picked up speed, she listened to the quiet hum of the motor and blinked in confusion. "Where are we going? You don't live in Tokyo?"
"No. I live in Toyama." He reported, going down one of the many main roads in between the cities.
She thoughtfully nodded, now knowing she was better off not having her father drive her to Cye's. He didn't know Toyama very well, if at all.
The longer the car sped across Japan, the more she let the hum entice her to calm down. The period of slow driving as they left the city showed her that he could be trusted with her life in a vehicle...and she let up with the death grip on her walking stick. Her hands ached a little, but instead of shaking them as she wanted to, she lightly flexed the muscles to keep from gaining attention.
Shortly after she was comfortable enough to relax, the car took a turn and slowed down. Instantly, she was alert and took hold of the door handle to steady herself as they took a little sharper turn. NOW where were they??
Her ears tuned to every little movement Cye made, waiting for that announcement that they'd arrived. Just knowing she was in a totally new city didn't sit well with her. She was happy to know they weren't doing any more driving than THIS.
Finally, the car slowed to a crawl and turned up a small incline, then shut off. "We're here." He pleasantly announced. "Matte and I'll come around to your side." He quickly added, undoing his seatbelt. After shutting his side and making sure it was locked, he loosely jogged around the front of his ride and opened Kimon's door. "Here, give me your hand."
She blinked and felt like blushing at this sudden, gentleman-like treatment. NEVER had anyone been this kind to her. He was a puzzle...THAT was for sure. With a small nod, a slim hand extended and touched warmth seconds later. She gripped the walking stick and carefully stepped onto this new ground, being pulled out of the way enough for the door to be shut. Feeling his tug on her hand, she gave a reluctant pull and gulped. This wasn't going to sit right with her, but she had no choice...
"Ano...just a second." Tentatively, she stepped closer and wrapped her arm around his, feeling her heart pound. Though she did this plenty of times with Mia and her co-workers at the restaurant, this was the first time she'd ever done this with a GUY. "This way I'm assured I won't trip."
Cye blinked in surprise, but nodded and expertly led her up the walk and to the front door. He unlocked it and carefully held the screen door open long enough to maneuver Kimon inside before locking everything the way it was.
"Tadaima!" I'm home!
"Cye-ototo-chan? Okaeri." From somewhere in a different room came a pleasant call from family. Welcome home.
Mrs. Mouri appeared around the corner, a wooden spoon in a hand. "Musuko okaeri. Ah...who's this?" A motherly smile appeared as she stepped up to Cye.
"Okaasan...this is Kimon-san. Kimon-san, this is my mother." He answered, smiling in her direction.
She gave a partially deep bow. "Hajimemashite." She quietly answered. A hand patted her shoulder and she startled upright.
"My, you're so polite. Thank you for the respect young one. Musuko, everything is cooking nicely and ready for you two to eat anytime."
He smiled. "Thanks for keeping an eye on everything okaasan."
"Doo itamemashite." She answered, waving a hand. Don't mention it. "Now, you take this Cye and let me get the young girl's coat."
"Eh...that's alright Mrs.-" Hands from behind quickly stopped her as her jacket was maneuvered from her arms. "Ahh...arigatou..."
"There, much better. No use for them in here. Now, just make sure to put your shoes next to the others and you'll be all set."
With a stunned blink, she turned to Cye's direction and stared in the vicinity of his face. A brow rose, asking a silent question.
"Hai hai. Don't worry about it okaasan. I'll take care of everything."
"Ahh, such a good boy you are." She smiled and gave a pat to his shoulder. "Now, go eat dinner. The two of you are FAR too skinny. You, ojousan, definitely need a good meal." Miss.
She blinked again, but dumbly nodded through the unveiled shock written all over her face. "Hai...arigatou gozaimasu..."
With a smile, Cye's mother waved off the thanks again. "No need to thank me. Just doing my part to welcome one of my son's friends into my home. If you need anything else, just let either me or Cye know, ok?"
"Ah...h...hai..." She stuttered, listening as the elderly lady walked to a different room.
"Ah, gomen. My mother is a friendly one." He mused, feeling a tad embarrassed. Fingers scratched the side of his head.
"It's not that. It's just...I've never been around a mother for a while... I wasn't used to such...motherly kindness." She stuttered again, still too stunned to halt her ramblings.
He blinked at this sudden information, but quickly removed his shoes and put on a pair of inside slippers. "Let me help you with these. If you need something for balance, just use my shoulder."
She looked down to his new position and raised a leg. His hands unbalanced her and instead of going for his shoulder, she held fast to the first thing her hand came across. The top of his head.
It had to've been a funny picture. Him kneeling in front of her, tugging her shoes off, and her hand on his hair. He couldn't help but smile and took the other off as well. After setting them next to his, he grabbed a pair of visitor slippers and set them on her feet. "There, all done." The hand let up and he stood next to her, slowly entwining their arms as she did earlier. "Shall we? I hope you like it."
She followed him into the kitchen in a small daze. So many new things that assaulted her at once...one of them being the soft fluff of his hair. It was smooth under her calloused hands, and she couldn't help but shift her fingers through it as she adjusted her stance.
Then there was the homey feel she was getting as he pulled a chair out for her. The place was a comfortable temperature, and that was a catalyst for what she was feeling.
Setting her stick on the table, she accepted the seat and steadied herself as he gently pushed her forward a little. She blinked and sheepishly looked to the vicinity of the table. Such kindness, and so MUCH, in one night...she was having trouble adjusting to it all.
A waft of something good greeted her nose and she couldn't help but inhale in appreciation. "Mmmm...what is THAT?"
He had to grin at her tone, but turned his attention to the stove and getting things ready. As he set the table, he snuck a peek at her face. The tension from when he picked her up was practically gone, and she looked more comfortable. That was a good thing, because he was a little nervous having her in his home like this. They didn't know each other, but a person had to start SOMEWHERE he knew.
"Some beef broccoli, white rice, and-"
"Jasmine tea?" She happily asked, turning her head to his voice. She couldn't help but smile as a mug was nearly stuck in her face. "Arigatou." She murmured, drinking heavily.
He pleasantly smiled and dished them up plates. After setting hers and a pair of chopsticks in her hand, he took his place across and started in.
She inhaled and placed everything in the wide bowl. One hand tapped the side, using the pitch to find out more about its width and height before her chopsticks dug in with no trouble, already catching food.
He watched in small fascination as she ate. How incredible that she could do that, all by sound. Having never seen a blind person eat, let alone be an acquaintance with one, it was highly interesting to see them in action.
She looked up, feeling his eyes. "Nani? You'd better eat because there won't be much time left for work after this."
He startled with a small, embarrassed expression, knowing it wasn't polite to stare. "Yea...sorry." No more was said as he paid attention to what was in front of him. Best not to waste time...she was right about that. Her teachings were strict, but they worked out and he could use as much of her knowledge as she'd give him.
After they finished, she set back in the chair and stretched as he collected their dishes. "Arigatou...you are a good cook."
He grinned at the praise and gave a small bow. "Thank you for the acclaim. I'll wash these if you don't mind, and then I'll go get my things."
She went for the mug and inhaled the smell of jasmine. "Go ahead." She muttered, already distracted.
He started in on the dishes and snuck a few glances while he scrubbed. "If you like, I can get you a refill before I head upstairs."
She turned in his direction, but managed a small smile. "Onegaimasu."
It didn't take him much time to get everything on the rack to dry and the small bit of leftovers in the fridge. Being true to his word, he filled her glass with more water and skirted from the kitchen.
She sat back in the silence and regarded it. This place felt so peaceful. She hadn't known such peace in a household before, but it was a nice thing to feel such serenity, even for a one shot deal. It made this visit easier to bear.
Her head suddenly turned to the doorway, perking up to a new set of footsteps. A faint smell of perfume met her nose and she wondered who this new person was. Cye's mother had no perfume and stepped a little differently.
"Ah, hello. You must be ototo-chan's English tutor."
She blinked and assessed everything from that pleasant voice in a split second. This woman seemed nice enough to talk to. And if it was like anything ELSE in this household, she was polite. "Hai. Atashii wa Ataki Kimon-san." I'm Miss Kimon Ataki.
"Hajimemashite. Atashii wa Cye-chan no onesan, Sayoko-chan." I'm Cye's older sister, Sayoko.
She gave a small nod in greeting and followed the woman's path to the fridge. A hand gripped the mug in slight discomfort as she pondered if she should say something. It would be polite to make small talk until Cye returned, but she was a person of few words. She only wrote them, she didn't SPEAK them.
A chair lightly scraped across the wood floor next to her and a hand grasped hers. It gave a light squeeze and she had to mentally tell herself that this woman didn't KNOW she was blind, ergo, acted as if she could see. Like unknowingly invaded her space.
"I'm so very glad you're helping Cye-chan. We all thought his grade in English was going to be a lost cause. Arigatou gozaimasu for your help."
"Ah...it's, um...nothing." She stuttered, telling her muscles not to pull away. "He asked for my help...so I gave it."
Sayoko smiled. "So modest. Cye might be a little embarrassed to say it, since his past subjects were something he knew...very well...and he is a little frustrated they didn't get him easy A's. But he is grateful for your help. As are the rest of us. You helped change his grade at least one letter."
Her eyes looked to the ground, but she managed a small, sheepish smile. "Doo itamemashite..." She whispered. Footsteps met her ears and she looked to the doorway. Seconds later, she was met with the ocean again.
"Sayoko-chan? What're you...doing?" He queried, skeptically looking to his sister. His heart thudded in his ears, feeling a bit of tension run through his muscles. He didn't think his sister would approach Kimon like this. He hoped she didn't know about Kimon's blindness. Kimon wanted to keep that as secret as possible and he could do nothing but honor that.
"Ah...just came in for something to drink. I thought I'd say hello to your tutor in the process." She easily answered. The chair was quickly put back as she breezed past him, giving a quick pat on the shoulder. "Study hard now ototo-chan."
He dumbly blinked and watched her exit to another room. He felt suspicious of her being in the kitchen, but looked to Kimon and found she looked unaffected. Perhaps she ignored Sayoko and paid attention to her tea the whole time. For those unseeing eyes were adamantly staring at it at the moment.
"Ah, gomen for that. I didn't know she'd come in here..."
"Daijoubu." She whispered. It's okay. She sat back and evenly looked to him; even though her mind was full of thought...her heart full of unnamed, unfelt emotions. The hands cradling her mug tightened. "Shall we get down to business?"
During the whole thing, she felt a little distracted. She listened to everything he had and gave suggestions, but instead of being sure about what she said, now there were a few doubts. Was the knowledge she was sharing REALLY helping him that much? How could it? She didn't think it was anything major, albeit a bit harsh as far as writing went. She didn't accept less than near perfect...and she didn't know anyone else in her class who didn't either.
'He's been so NICE to me since he picked me up. And his mother... Gods...I'd totally forgotten what a mother ACTED like! She's so...so...motherly. Like a protective, warm blanket. And she doesn't even know me! And his sister; nearly as friendly as both of them. I've never known families could be this close. Cye and his mother sure have no problem communicating...' Gray looked to the mug she still held, now nearly empty. 'I could never act that way with otousan. He rarely stands me as it is. And I know he still blames me...even after all this time for-'
"Kimon-san?"
Her head shot up, looking across the table with slightly wide eyes. Had she completely spaced out?? Unacceptable! "Ano...hai?"
"Daijoubu? You looked a little sad over something. Is something wrong?"
She blinked and blankly stared, accessing his concerned tone. Why would he have cause to be concerned? Why? Why? WHY?? 'I just don't KNOW!' She helplessly retorted.
"It's nothing. I was just thinking. Sorry I deviated from the lesson. What were you saying just now? I'll make sure to listen from now on." As if to appease him and throw his concerns off track, she managed a tiny smile.
Blue suspiciously looked across the table for a few seconds before letting the topic go. She was apparently uncomfortable with speaking about her thoughts, and he didn't want to make her uncomfortable right now. Besides, they were in the middle of work. Sigh.
~*~*~
When it was around nine thirty, he decided to call it a night. His 'tutor' was starting to show signs of sleepiness, and he felt a little bad for keeping her up this late. But she never said a word and doubled her efforts the later it got.
"It's late...nearly nine thirty." He reported, gathering his notes. "I'll take you home now. Sorry I kept you so long."
"It's fine. I agreed to this." She absently answered, stretching her arms.
He couldn't help but wryly smile. "Although a little reluctantly." He kidded, unzipping his backpack.
She would've been miffed, if his tone hadn't said he was trying to poke fun. She shrugged and let it slide. "I don't like my schedule harshly interfered is all."
Cye shouldered his pack and stared at her. Was this such a 'harsh interference'? Does helping me bother you that much?" He suddenly asked, his tone soft.
She startled a little and looked to his voice. What did he mean by THAT? "Of...of COURSE not. I don't mind helping those who need it."
"Just so long as I don't use you as a crutch, right?" He almost sullenly quoted, looking away.
Her brow furrowed at this sudden, drastic change in attitude. Feeling in new territory, but not wanting any misgivings between them, especially if they were going to keep working together...and the fact that she hated it when people fought, she stood and took a few steps toward him. "Cye-san...please don't think me rash. I've been rude to you since we met and...well...I'm sorry for that." She looked away with hooded eyes. "I've always been alone, and I'm accustomed to that. To have someone thrust into my life like this, needing MY help...it's a little hard to get used to. I've always tried to be polite...being rude like this is no excuse."
He was touched by this explanation. A gentle smile took his face as he stared at her almost dismayed appearance. "Gomen for saying those things. I was wondering if you even wanted me around." That smile widened. "Sage-chan is like that. I know what privacy means to a person. I've been his friend for years, yet we're still not that great of friends. I can understand your position."
Slowly, her head swung back to his and she hesitantly looked to him. What was this feeling? Why were her heart beating a little faster and her hands shaking just a tad? Why did she feel like blushing again?? "A...arigatou..." She whispered, feeling like fidgeting. "I...I wouldn't have...said anything to your comments...but this house...it just feels-" She stopped and tried to pinpoint the exact emotion being in this cozy place brought to her. Her face scrunched up in thought. "Content. Serene. I can't say I've ever been in such a snug home before."
He looked about the kitchen, having never thought his home as snug. Sure it held everyone he cared about, but knowing she'd never been able to experience such emotion before was a sad thing. His mouth pursed in thought.
"Demo...enough of that. It IS late and we both have school tomorrow." She reached to the table and grabbed her cane.
He gave an absent nod and set his bag back on the table, deciding to come back for it after he got home. Getting KIMON home was more important right now. "Sure." He entwined their arms again and quietly led her back to the front door. He took off the slippers and went for her loafers, feeling a gentle hand on his shoulder. He spared a momentarily glance up and found her face in his general direction.
Those eyes looked void of emotion, as her face did, but they were soft. Whatever coolness she held around herself, somehow he managed to chip it away. How he didn't know, but honesty was a start. Now, if he could just get her to be a little more comfortable around him... With a small smile, he finished putting her shoes on and stood. After donning his, he went for her coat.
"Musuko? Are you two leaving already?" Soon, his mother entered the entryway and stopped before them. "I suppose it IS getting time for everyone to get to sleep. But you should've come and told me you were calling it a night." Before Cye could stop her, his mother stepped forward and gave Kimon a gentle hug. "Be sure to come back and visit. You hear me ojousan?"
She stood rigid in shock at the tender embrace. How long had it been since she felt a mother's hug? It seemed like she NEVER had... Her eyes fluttered shut as tears threatened to build. But her arms slowly wrapped around the elder woman, returning the hug just as tenderly.
"This...this was supposed to be a...a one-shot thing...but...I...I SUPPOSE I could......THINK about it..." She nearly whispered, her head bowing over Mrs. Mouri's shoulder.
A hand lightly patted her back. "You be a good girl and do that dearie. It's always nice to see new a female friend of Cye around here from time to time. So much more behaved than his male friends."
Cye couldn't help but blush in embarrassment at the jab, but smiled anyway. His mother had to pick the most perfect opportunity to discomfort him... But still... His eyes looked to Kimon as she let go of his mother and turned, head bowed. He NEVER expected her to hug his mother in a million years, since she wasn't a touchy-feely person with anyone. Not even Mia.
'Now that I think about it...I've never seen her mother with her father when he picks her up. I wonder what's up with that.' He mused.
He entwined their arms again, feeling her arm almost tiredly rest around his, and faced his mother. "I'll be back soon okaasan."
"Return safe." She answered, giving a brief wave. "Ja ojousan."
"Ja...Mouri-san." She quietly answered. Quickly shaking herself of the emotions plaguing her, she led the two out the front door this time.
He didn't say anything the entire car ride. So many questions struck his head, but he didn't really want to pry in a time like this. They'd made serious headway, not only with his schoolwork, but also getting to know each other. He marveled at the soft side underneath that exterior Kimon kept up...finding it a little sad that she put up such a front.
It was to keep from getting hurt, he knew. That was easy enough to see. She had no real friends but Mia. She lived by a strict schedule and hated to stray from it. From the few times he watched her father pick her up, they sure didn't act like much of a family. He wondered about THAT too, but wasn't going to say anything.
She didn't trust him yet, and there was a part that he didn't trust about her...which was ironic given his kanji. It just took time was all. Trust was a process...not an event.
When they reached Tokyo, he finally looked away from the road and to his passenger, managing another small, tired smile. She lay against the bucket seat as if she were asleep. She looked pretty asleep, much more tranquil. "Kimon-san..." He murmured, a hand straying to her shoulder to shake her awake.
He nudged only twice before her eyes fluttered open. "Nani?? Ah...I fell asleep?" She tiredly muttered, rubbing her eyes. "Gomen. I didn't mean to."
His smile widened. She looked like a little kid the way she did that. "It's alright. I just need directions to get to your home."
Home eh? "What street are we on?" She gave a thoughtful hum after his report and mentally mapped the route in her mind. "Go straight for...three more blocks, then take a right. I'll give you more after that."
With her skillful supervision, they reached her apartment complex within another half hour. As he let the car idle in the parking lot, he looked across the way as she zipped up her jacket and unbuckled her belt. "Do you want me to walk you to your door?"
She paused and slowly looked over. More chivalry. This would undoubtedly stick with her and she wouldn't see him the same way the next time they met. "No...I'll be okay. I've got plenty of experience walking around here."
"Okay...there's a parked car to your right when you get out, but the space next to it is empty." He reported, immediately feeling a little foolish. Should he have done that?
She opened the door and extended the stick. "Arigatou. Ja ne." After shutting the car door, she quickly swung the stick to find the vehicle's placement. After that, it was an easy walk to the door. Just as she unlocked the security door, she heard his car drive off. "So...he wanted to make sure I got in okay? Omoshiroi..." Interesting...
~*~*~
Pulling the covers over her torso, she tried to find the dip in the mattress. "Oyasumi Beethoven-kun." She whispered, a yawn splitting the air. Her eyes gave a quiet snort in the black room and yawned as well. She gave a small smile and turned to the wall.
"Where are we going okaasan? Do I have to go? I don't want to go!"
"I need to pick up some groceries for dinner tonight musume. And don't whine. It's unbecoming for someone your age."
"Demo! I don't wanna GO! I wanna stay and watch my tv show!"
"Do as your okaasan says musume."
"Demo...chichi! Don't make me go!"
"Musume...behave yourself in front of your parents! Don't be such a problem child. You're going because I'm going too and you're not staying here alone."
"But I don't WANNA!"
"Don't stamp your foot young lady. You ARE coming with us and no more backtalk."
"...Hai okaasan..."
"Musume...I know you don't want to be here...but behave yourself and sit down."
"But I don't WANNA!"
"Listen to your okaasan, musume. And get back in your seat!"
"Aroon, please don't be so harsh with her..."
"Hai hai tsuma. But she won't stay buckled in. Can't you talk some sense into her? She normally listens to you more anyway..."
"Aroon...she listens to you too. Kimon, sit down and BEHAVE yourself!"
"Ah...KI O TSUKERU!"
She woke up with a gasp and shot up in bed. Shaking hands went to her face as she tried to even her breathing. It kept getting worse rather than better, and her hands created a small seal to keep fresh air out. Why was she hyperventilating?!
She tried to swallow and found her mouth dry as a desert. What was going on?! Why did she dream THAT again?? Hadn't it been in the recesses of her mind since she was a child? What brought it up now?? Why did it have to continue terrorizing her??
She fell back onto the mattress when her breathing got under control and sighed. She hadn't expected this to happen. She didn't WANT it to. And one night with Cye's okaasan brought it all back.
Because his mother acted like such a mother toward her, her mind opened up the worst memory she ever possessed...and didn't ever want to relive again.
"Kami-sama...why NOW?? Why ME?" She weakly muttered. Tears burned her eyes again and fell, even though hands pressed against her lids. She quickly rolled over and buried her face in the pillow, letting out a small, muffled cry. "I don't want this! I don't want these MEMORIES!" She weakly cried. A foot stomped on the mattress.
Her ears heard a faint echo of screeching and she winced. "Iya, iya, IYA! Go AWAY!" She cried, pressing her face harder into the pillow. The pain brought to her eyes hardly registered. "Please...go away and leave me in peace... I've paid my debt......haven't I??"
Silence was her only answer.