Thank you for the wonderful reviews! I love you all! Whee!
This one is dedicated to da*mouse-chan!
Empty House
The metallic click of the lock resonated, bouncing off the walls. The door swings open and he enters, face unseeing, unfeeling, stone. The face of a boy too soon a man, under the heavy burden of guilt and pain and anger.
("Hey! Tokiya-chan! How was school? Slender arms, hugging him)
The jacket went on the rack, powdered snow drifted to the white floor.
(Tokiya! What did I tell you? Why didn't you wear your coat out like I told you? What if you get a cold?)
White walls, white floor, empty empty empty.
(Shall I read a bedtime story to you? Warm comforting voice chasing away fears of the dark)
Sliding under his bedcovers, staring at the ceiling. Twelve hours of darkness with eyes wide open.
And there was no-one there, no-one at all, save for him.
Note: This was set after his sister's death, but before he met the Hokage.