Unforeseen Circumstance
Departure Date
(Day 18)
By: Little Ucchan
"Thank you for dropping him off, Papa Fuan."
"Anytime, Cye." The man grinned before turning to his son. "Now Kento, don't trouble Mia while you're there."
"Aw, c'mon Pops! You know me!"
He rolled his eyes, and Cye had to hold back his snicker. "That's exactly why I'm warning you. Cye, you'll watch him in my place, won't you?"
"Of course."
"Hey!"
Papa Fuan smiled, shifting the gear into drive. "Have fun, you two."
Both boys waved goodbye to the van and Kento's father, watching as the vehicle sped down the street, disappearing over the horizon in a matter of minutes. Kento held his position a moment longer. After he was certain that the van would not unexplainably travel back up the street to Cye's apartment, he let his smile bloom into a face-splitting grin.
"Alright! Phase One of 'Operation Izu' is complete!"
"Yes, we've successfully deceived your parents into believing that you're staying at my place before going to Mia's tonight." Cye frowned. "Is that really something to be proud of?"
"Oh hush, Cye! You're ruining my fun."
The brunette crossed his arms, eyes searching down the street. "Are you sure he's going to get here?" he asked after a pause.
"Yup!" He patted his friend on the shoulder. "Relax. You worry too much."
"Kento!" Cye whirled on him, his expression a cross between scorn and shock. "Your train leaves in 20 minutes!!"
"I know," he shrugged. "But I trust Spike." Kento rubbed the back of his head, laughing a bit. "True, he needs to work on his pick-up times. But he's never late for a drop-off."
That's because he has unsound methods of getting places. Cye sighed, exasperated with just the thought of that man. He was aware that Kento was a very outgoing teenager and that he had many friends, on his own merit and through his family and their gregarious tendencies. But still, how he came across a guy like Spike Hatsuken was beyond him.
As if on cue, a car came racing down the street, screeching to a halt in front of the two boys. The owner revved up the engine a bit to further announce his grand entrance before killing the engine and stepping out of the car. Black shades drawn over indigo eyes, Spike grinned at the duo like a Cheshire cat, loving the way they gawked at him in disbelief.
"Yo. How's it going, Ken?"
"Is that a Celica??" was his response, once he picked his jaw off the floor.
He ran his fingers against the roof of the car affectionately. "Sure is. Ain't she a beaut?"
"Hell yeah!" Kento exclaimed, circling around the vehicle. "Damn! The newest model too! When'd you get this??"
"Or, more importantly, how did you get this?" Cye had finally regained his wits, now eyeing the man suspiciously.
"C'mon, Mouri." Spike approached the sidewalk, giving the Brit one of his usual grins. "Don't be such a KJ."
"I am not a kill joy," he retaliated, crossing his arms over his chest. "I just don't remember you having enough money to get another car."
"Sold off my old one."
Kento shot up from where he was examining the rim of the tires. "The Eclipse??"
"Afraid so, my friend." He shook his head sadly. "Had to let her go. I almost kept her too. But then it'd be hard for me to manage this baby right here." He patted the hood of the car. "Besides, I can't have my girl beat me at street races."
Kento opened the side door, tossing his duffel bag inside. "No offense, Spike. But I don't think you'll ever beat May and that supped up machine of hers."
"Oh, we'll see about that." Spike climbed in the driver's seat. "C'mon, Ken. Let me show you how fast this thing can reach a hundred."
"Hold it!" Cye placed his hand on the car door, effectively stopping Kento from getting in. He shot his friend a look that said 'don't say anything' before leveling his glare at Spike. "He has to get to the train station without incident. None of your usual stunts. You'll get pulled over for sure! Especially in this!!"
The Cheshire grin was back again, cool eyes regarding the brunette over the rim of his sunglasses. "They'll never catch me."
"I mean it, Spike!"
"Yeah. Yeah." He waved it off. "Don't get your panties up in a bunch, Mouri. I'll get him there."
Cye scowled, about to say something when Kento pulled him back, getting into the passenger seat. "Like I said before, Cye. Don't worry. We'll get there." He gave his friend a reassuring smile. "See ya in a few days!"
The car sped off, leaving Cye alone on the sidewalk, glaring at the dark blue Celica like it had spite him somehow. More like the driver did. He huffed, stalking back up the walkway of his apartment building. "I just better not get a call saying he missed the damn train."
***
Sage straightened out his shirt collar, looking at himself in the mirror for the last time before picking up his book bag and heading downstairs. True, he was just released from the hospital Wednesday, but he felt absolutely fine when he awoke that morning and decided to return to school today. Being grounded, he didn't want to stay inside the house more than he already had to.
"Sage?"
He stopped while passing the kitchen, entering at his mother's call. "Yes, Okaasan?"
She was in the middle of washing the dishes before she shut off the water, drying her hands on a nearby towel. She caught sight of his school uniform and her lips pulled down into frowned. "Are you going to school today?"
"Yes." He knew that look and smiled to reassure her. "I'm fine, Okaasan. Really."
"Are you sure?" Mrs. Date walked up to him, placing the back of her hand against his forehead. "You're fever's gone." She backed away, looking him over. "You look alright, but what if you get sick while—"
"I'll go straight to the infirmary if I feel that anything's wrong," he replied, then leaned forward to kiss his mother on the cheek. "Don't worry. I'll be alright."
"Okay," she gave in with a sigh. "But take it easy. If you're not up to attending classes, I want you to come home. Is that clear?"
Sage was going to respond with another yes when hurried footsteps down the hall met both of their ears. "Mom!! We're leaving!!" Satsuki's call came from somewhere outside of the kitchen, the footsteps continuing towards the front door.
"Hold it!" The footsteps stopped followed by hushed whispers. Mrs. Date crossed her arms. "Young lady, come in here."
There was a pause, then running as Sammy entered the kitchen, bouncing up and down with early morning energy. The older woman raised an eyebrow at the red-head before she let a wry smile come to her lips. "I meant the other young lady."
Satsuki walked into the kitchen a moment later. "Yes, Mother?" she asked with an all too sweet smile.
Mrs. Date wondered what the two girls had been conspiring about earlier before turning to the counter, pulling out two lunch boxes each wrapped in a different color cloth. "You forgot your lunch."
"Eh?" Satsuki blinked, taking the box in her hand as Sammy took the other with her two little ones. "You had time to make lunch?" Sage was looking at his mother with a questioning look as well. The dojo's schedule didn't normally allow her free time in the morning.
"Actually, Laura prepared it."
"Nani?" Satsuki blinked again. Sammy practically beamed at that revelation.
"Yay! Oneesan made us lunch!!"
"She said to think of it as an advanced thank you for volunteering to take her sister to school," Mrs. Date told her daughter.
"She really didn't have to. I mean, Sammy's on my way anyway." Satsuki rubbed the back of her head, looking at the lunch in her hand. "I'll have to thank her when I get back."
The two girls waved goodbye, Sammy running up to hug Sage around the legs before running after Satsuki. He watched them go, shaking his head at how quick the little girl was to adapting to living with them. Actually, now that he thought about it, Laura was quick to adjust as well. Must be a family trait.
"Okaasan, I'll be going now."
"Oh no you don't," she shook her head, her back to him once again as she prepared something on the counter. "You're not leaving here until you eat something."
"Mom…" He appreciated the thought, since he seldom ran into his mother on school days. But the delay was wearing on him.
"Don't start, Sage. Satsuki and Sammy both had breakfast this morning. I expect you to do the same. You need the extra energy today!"
"But I can't eat a lot in the morning." Not while I've been getting up this late. He'd normally get up a few hours before school in order to have breakfast before leaving. But he'd been skipping out on eating the past few weeks for the sake of getting to school on time. "Okaasan, I'll just eat something between cla—mmph!!"
"Eat." She tapped his nose lightly. "I have your jacket in the drier. Laura gave it to me last night." She walked across the room, giving her son a look that meant to wait for her here, before exiting the kitchen.
Sage scowled at the spot his mother just vacated, biting down on the piece of toast that she had stuck in his mouth in order to silence his protests. Guess I'm stuck here, whether I like it or not.
He was in the middle of contemplating how his mother got him to bend to her wishes, whether he liked it or not, when it came to him that the house was rather quiet. Otousan's at work, Ojiisama should be in the dojo, and Yayoi… Well, his sister always dropped in and out whenever she pleased. All he knew was that she wasn't home at the moment.
Sage sat down at the kitchen table, placing his chin in his hand as he chewed. "Okaasan, where's Laura?"
"She went out for a jog," his mother replied from somewhere down the hall.
"How long ago?"
"About half an hour?" She popped her head through the kitchen door, a inquisitive look on her face. "Why?"
He shrugged. "It's just so quiet."
Mrs. Date gave him an odd smirk, going back into the hall. "She doesn't make that much noise, Sage."
Oh really? Obvious, his mother had yet to hear one of their notorious arguments. Sage forced down his amusement, finishing off the rest of his toast. That would certainly be a sight to see, but he'd rather avoid such a confrontation right now. She left again. And yesterday too, before and after picking me up. And again in the afternoon to speak with Rowen. Laura had been spending more time outside of the house than in, a fact that was quickly bothering Sage. She might be spotted, with her powers in the state that they're in. And she goes out without telling anyone?? She has to be more cautious than that!
He must have been frowning, for when his mother reentered the room she had a worried tone when addressing him. "Sage, is something wrong?"
"Hm? Oh, I was just…" He got up guiltily. "Never mind. Is that my jacket?"
She nodded handing over the dark material that was folded across her arm. It was warm to the touch and smelled fresh; a comforting feeling as Sage slipped on his school jacket, buttoning it up like he normally did. He was actually surprised that Laura had this in her bag. He would have thought it to be lost in the fire.
He raised an eyebrow at his mother, who was gazing at him with that look that only mother's had. The one that read, 'my baby boy is growing up so fast' or 'he's turned out to be such a handsome young man.' Sage waited patiently for which one it was going to be.
"You're growing up to be such a fine young man," she began, missing the knowing look on her son's face. "I'm so happy that you've finally found a nice young lady to court."
Sage was so glad that he wasn't doing anything at the moment because if he was, like walking, he would have failed miserably. Me and…!! Ugh!! GOD no!!! "I'm not courting her," he replied with such smoothness that it was impossible to tell that he wanted to gag.
"But you lent her your jacket," she smiled skittishly, for a moment a young hopeless romantic instead of a practical mother of three. "Wasn't that sweet of you."
"It was cold out and she was sick," Sage defended himself, pulling out a carton of orange juice from the fridge and pouring himself a glass to wash out the foul taste he felt in his mouth. True, Laura was beautiful, and nice company when she wanted to be. But Sage had decided long before that she was too arrogant, loud, and tomboyish for his tastes. "Besides, I'd lend my jacket to any other girl in the same situation."
"But you wouldn't fix tea for them."
"That's…" Sage began but found he had no legitimate excuse for last night. And when he did finally come up with an appropriate excuse, Mrs. Date had already shuffled him off to school. That 'mother's smile' was on her face again, but for a different reason this time, one that he didn't like as she wished him a good day.
***
That gentle dismissal was a sure sign that his mother still held onto her silly notion that there was something between Laura and him. Oh, there's something between us alright, Sage thought as he made his way to school. Just make a complete u-turn and head about a thousand miles in the opposite direction of what you're thinking and you'll find it.
He couldn't understand why his mother would think such a thing. She's only been at my house for two days, and the only time Okaasan has actually seen us talk was when I got back from the hospital. Sage went over that meeting in his head as he walked, finding nothing in that conversation that could have lead his mother into believing what she did. But then, his mind came across something else that might have been the cause of Mrs. Date's statement. She stayed at my bedside all night when I was in the hospital…
Sage groaned aloud, wanting to bang his head against something. And now, Laura's living with me. "This is just great. I hope no one in school finds out."
"Find out what?"
He nearly jumped out of his skin, taking a step back from the girl that had suddenly appeared by his side. "Lilly! …Hi!" he greeted, then mentally kicked himself when his voice rang a tad higher than normal. Well, that was smooth.
The underclassman tilted her head to the side, light brown locks swaying with the movement. "Are you… okay?" she asked. "You look a bit tense."
"I—" Sage shut his mouth again, deciding it'd be best to stay silent till he regained his senses. Lilly Takashima… She was a freshman at his high school; a girl he'd only meet on occasion. Nonetheless, she was closer to him than any of the other girls he'd talk to regularly. And for that reason…
"Sorry." He watched as she lowered her head in apology. "I forgot. …Should I be going now?"
"Lilly, that's not it."
"It's alright, Sempai." She looked up at him, smiling, despite the melancholy air that had taken over her countenance. "I wouldn't want to trouble you. I know how hectic your life can get."
Hectic isn't the word for it, he thought, running a hand through his hair. They had stopped walking by then, standing in the sidewalk. "I'm sorry."
Her smile brightened. "Sempai, it's alright, really. You don't have to keep apologizing to me," she insisted quietly. "I'm actually happy that you'd think of me." That quiet smile of hers drooped slightly. "I wouldn't have run up to you like this. But you haven't been by lately…"
"About that." He didn't know what kind of excuse he was going to give. Fighting demons… Bickering with the new transfer student… Serving detention with said transfer student… All of it sounded lame to him. "I've been…"
"Busy," Lilly finished for him, surprising the blonde yet again. "I know. It's hard being popular, isn't it?"
"Well…"
"Sempai…"
Sage looked at her, reading what the tone of her call meant, and looked down at his watch. "Right. We should get going."
Lilly had already started walking faster in order to increase the distance between them. "I'll walk down Houna, so no one will see that we were together."
"Lilly, wait."
"Yes, Sempai?"
Sage sighed. She always went out of her way for him. And it was mainly his fault. "I'll take Houna," he said. "You just head on to school."
"But Sempai—"
"Don't worry about it." He had already walked pass her, turning left at the next intersection. "Are you working on anything right now?"
She gave a start at the abrupt change in subjects. "H-Hai. I've started a new piece, though I only have the intro at the moment."
Sage smiled. "Great! I'll stop by to hear it sometime. Alright?"
"Hai!" Lilly bowed. "Arigato gozaimas, Sempai."
He bowed back, then headed down the street.
***
Huff! Huff! Maybe I should have just… Huff! …walked to school with Lilly… Huff! …and ignore all the people that'd be looking… Huff! …at us.
That missed opportunity seemed rather inviting at that moment, especially since he was now running in order to arrive vaguely on time. Stupid construction workers. The next street he was supposed to turn down was blocked off because of roadwork. They didn't have to close down the sidewalks too. Sage found himself traveling down another block before finally getting back on his detoured path to school. But better him than Lilly.
Sage had met the aspiring pianist at the start of his second year, his reputation as being the most wanted bachelor on campus already well established. She was timid, with a soft-spoken voice and humble personality. Not a person one would normally associate with a boy holding the title of 'biggest flirt.' And that's exactly how they wanted it to be. Sage hated gossip with a passion, especially when it aspired from half-baked notions from bored imaginations. He and Lilly were only friends. Actually, he saw her more as a younger sibling he needed to protect from the 'horrors' of high school. Her first year started out pleasant enough. There was no need for him to enter the fray and mess things up with how complicated his life was.
She's still having problems with people watching her perform. Sage chuckled to himself at the memory of her last case of stage fright. Though I have a feeling that she'd stand the constant publicity just to hang out with me more.
He shook his head, knowing that the underclassman would have walked down this street without a second thought. Lilly, you're too sweet for your own good.
Sage just turned his last corner, Han'a High already within his sights when he stopped abruptly. He ducked back behind the corner, eyes narrowing at the pair standing in front of the school gates.
Laura was talking with Cye off to the side of the front gates, behind the walls surrounding the school. And from what he could judge by their stances, it was not idle chatter. The girl's hands moved in time with her words; short, to the point, and very serious. She seemed to be the one doing the talking, the auburn-haired boy only nodding a few times here and there for confirmation, his expression also set with the weight of their conversation. Though he seemed a bit on edge, constantly shifting his weight from one foot to the other.
They had finished as quickly as they had started; Laura jogging off to resume her exercises, and Cye entering the school grounds in order to return to class. After a minute or so, Sage pulled away from the corner he was hiding behind, a frown etched into his delicate features. Something was going on. He was sure of it.
***
"You are crazy."
To think that he was thought of as the most level-headed of their group next to Cye. But apparently, even Kento had more sense than him at the moment.
"Oh really?" A thin, golden eyebrow rose, challenging the boy in front of him.
"Yes," he nodded. "Mentally deranged."
The blonde smirked. "Can a crazy person do this."
He charged, Rowen following him as best he could, but Sage had gotten the jump on him at the outset, driving up to the inside court and scoring an easy lay up on his friend. There were cheers all around from his teammates, and many screams from the group of girls watching on the sidelines. Sage kept smiling, mainly to irk his blue-haired companion.
Rowen shook his head, going back to his position as one of his teammates went to the line, the ball going into play a few seconds later. Everything was in motion after that.
"I'm not surprised you came to school," he said, moving back and forth to keep himself open for an upcoming pass. "But gym class? C'mon now!" He caught the ball, backing up against Sage to try and gain some ground, but found that his opponent wouldn't let up. Rowen passed the ball back to a classmate that had cut in front to assist him, watching as he streaked towards the basket. "You're pushing yourself too far too fast."
"I told you I was fine," he gritted, trying to hold a conversation while guarding Rowen at the same time.
The shot was made, but fell short, bouncing off the rim of the hoop. Sage's team got the rebound, the holder dribbling the ball down the court to their basket. The blonde ran forward to get himself open, his teammate passing the ball to him once he was clear. But Rowen cut in at the last second, stealing the ball away from the bewildered boy and running back in the opposite direction.
"You may be fit enough to play, but you're still as slow as hell," Rowen cried once Sage caught up to him. He scowled at Rowen's mocking smirk, the younger teen pulling back up to half court, luring his blonde friend over to him in a blatant challenge. "C'mon, Sage. Let's see what ya got!"
Rowen shot the ball to one of his teammates, then immediately sprinted in the opposite direction, moving along the edge of the court with Sage following right behind. The pass back was made, Rowen ready to make his shot.
"It's not going to be that easy!" Sage jumped up the same time Rowen did, arms raised for the block. He thought he had him, but the boy's smirk proved otherwise, Sage noticing too late that Rowen had not jumped straight up, but had angled back. Fade away!?
Effectively avoiding the block, Rowen released the ball from his hands, sending it sailing through the air to land neatly in the basket with a soft swoosh! He fell to the floor, but not before shouts of praise reached his ears. The students that had been watching from the sidelines cheered, this time for Rowen as his team congratulated him on such an awesome shot.
Sage, on the other hand, had a hand on his hip, shaking his head at the boy before helping him to his feet. "You really love that move, don't you?"
"It's my trademark shot," Rowen shrugged, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Can't go through a game without making that shot."
Sage rolled his eyes. "Whatever."
"Hashiba!! Date!!" The two boys turned to the source of the call, Sensei Udon, their gym instructor. "Quit the chit chatter and get back to the game!!"
"Hai!"
The duo quickly shuffled back to their positions, but the chatter did not cease.
"So where's Cye?" Sage asked when their sensei had his back turned. "Doesn't he have a free period right now?" The brunette usually came in to TA their class, mainly to get a chance to play basketball against Rowen. But today, the upperclassman was notably absent.
"Yeah, but his train leaves in about an hour," Rowen answered, watching the ball bounce on the rim. Once. Twice. "He left last period." It didn't make it in. He and several other boys jumped up for the rebound.
Violet eyes widened for a second. Cye… left? But it doesn't take that long to get to Naruto by train. Why would he leave early?
He was so caught up in his thoughts that he did not notice the mini battle for the ball underneath the basket till one of the players, finally able to grab the ball, slammed right into him in his haste to get the pass off. The two went down in a tangle of arms and legs, Sage hitting the ground first with a startled cry.
"Sage!" The game immediately stopped, the boys forming a loose circle around to two as they tried to pick themselves up. The boy, Sean, had risen unsteadily, still a bit disoriented from the fall but otherwise fine. Sage, however, was sitting on the floor with his eyes wide and downcast, the violet orbs going in and out of focus, and if in the middle of a battle.
"Sage!" Rowen called again, grabbing the blonde by the underarm and hauling him to his feet. "Hey man! Are you alright?? Why were you just standing there??"
He didn't respond. That and the fact that he seemed to be supporting more than half his weight had gotten Rowen worried. I knew he was pushing himself too much! "Sage! C'mon! Talk to me!!"
Sage groaned, wearily placing his face in the palm of his hand before he collapsed in Rowen's arms. "Sage!!"
"What's going on?" Sensei Udon broke through the circle of boys, lines creasing across his forehead at the sight. "He is alright?"
"Sean rammed into him by accident after getting the rebound," one of the students had offered.
"He… He just got out of the hospital a few days ago," Rowen said as a way to explain. He draped Sage's arm around his neck, hoisting him up as best he could. "He's still a bit weak."
Sensei Udon nodded, making way for them to pass. "Can you take him to the infirmary by yourself?"
Rowen stole a glance at his best friend, his hand still covering his face from view. But he had noticed how Sage's weight had shifted in an attempt to help him out, at least a little bit. It was a good thing he hadn't completely passed out. "I'll be fine. Thank you."
***
The walk out of the gymnasium did not take as long as he had predicted; what with him dragging Sage along at a snail's pace. But the blonde had made an effort to walk partly on his own. Rowen still had his arm around his shoulder while the other kept a steady hand on the swordsman's waist, guiding him along the path towards Kyo-san's office.
He had been trying to figure out what had caused all of this. It was so sudden. Sage's fatigue and dizziness seemed to jump out of nowhere, considering how fit the blonde was when playing basketball. If anything, the collision would have caused him some pain from where Sean had struck him and from the fall itself.
Rowen stopped, eyeing the double doors of the school's main building, blocking their path. It had been easy when they had left, since the doors of the gym swung outward, but now this could prove to be a problem. He looked at Sage again, his head still lowered so that the archer couldn't see his facial expression. But he seemed to be a little better than he was before. Rowen wasn't supporting nearly as much of his weight like he did earlier, and the blonde's groans of illness had faded to silence.
"Sage," he prodded gently. "How ya feeling?"
There was no answer, but Sage lifted his head ever so slightly. Rowen had to bend in order to get a look at his face. And all his concern and fear vanished within a heartbeat.
"You little bastard!!" He shoved Sage against the wall, the blonde grunting in pain upon impact, but chuckling nonetheless. "You were faking?!?!?!"
"Hey, be gentle with me, Ro," Sage flinched, rubbing a sore spot on his side. "Sean managed to ram his elbow into my rib when he fell on me."
"I was worried about you!!"
"And for that, I'm forever grateful."
Rowen clenched and unclenched his fists before folding his arms across his chest. "I want an explanation. A good explanation. And I want it now."
Sage pushed himself off the wall, dusting off his clothes. "I need to get home."
The reply was devoid of any humor, making Rowen lower his arms, his indignation forgotten. "It has to do with Cye, doesn't it? With what I said." Sage nodded. "I don't know what's up with that either," he ventured, running a hand through his hair. "Why he had to leave so early. Especially considering…" He stopped.
"Considering what?" Sage asked.
"Well, I assume that Ryo was the one who ended up telling you about Cye's battle at Kanaji." He nodded. "During the battle, Cye had used his surekill twice. The first acted like I had expected. Weak. But the second went beyond what the Torrent armor is capable of at full power. That's where I got the idea to restore our powers at the armor's places of origin, because it was raining the second time around. But I have a feeling that the sudden power boost didn't just die with the rain."
"So you think that he doesn't need to go to the Naruto Whirlpools," Sage said after a moment's deliberation. "Because his armor's power has already been restored to him."
"That's the idea, although I can't confirm," he shrugged apologetically. "My senses aren't what they used to be."
Sage heard the hidden inquiry Rowen's words had presented, searching through his own memory of Cye ever since he woke up at the hospital. "I can't be certain myself, since all three of your aura's had an energy boost ever since the armors were returned. But…" His mind went back to that morning, when he saw Cye with Laura. "…I think you might be right."
"If that's the case, then why's he going?" He didn't get an answer, but the blonde had one of those looks on his face that implied he wasn't entirely as clueless as he was. "You got an idea?"
"Maybe," he replied, thinking a moment longer before a mischievous smirk spread across his face. "You gonna help me convince Kyo-san that I'm dying?"
Rowen grinned. "With pleasure!"
***
Ziiiiip! Laura closed up her duffel bag, slinging the light pack over her shoulder. Packing had been easy enough since she didn't have much, only what she was able to bring with her from the apartment. Quite a depressing realization, but she didn't let it get to her.
She looked over the room to see if she forgot anything, then checked the time. It was close to noon. Sammy should be having lunch right now. Laura smiled. She had left a note in her lunchbox telling of her leave. Though she'd prefer to tell her sister in person, with the trip being a secret, the note was the best option she had. Well… time to go.
Laura opened the door and stepped out into the hallway, calculating how long it would take her to get to the station when she turned the corner and immediately backed up, hiding in the hall. No way! She wanted to peek around the corner again, just to make sure, but knew that to be a risk within itself. Besides, there was no one else in the house that had blonde hair… His blonde hair. GOD! Why is he here?!?! He's supposed to be in school!!
This was bad. Very bad. But first thing's first. She needed to get back into her room.
With her ninjutsu training guiding her, Laura slid through the door with ease, listening by the crack in the hinges for any movement on his part. Now how am I going to get out? Her shoes were still sitting by the front door.
Waiting, she continued to listen, footsteps fading and rising. A door closed from somewhere upstairs, indicating that Sage had gone to his room, most likely to change out of his uniform. That didn't give her much time.
Opening her window, she tossed her bag outside, then left the room. Her ears always open to any sudden sounds, Laura walked to the entrance hallway, grabbing her shoes before exiting through the front door. She closed the door quietly behind her, slipping on her shoes before circling around the house to where she discarded her bag. Glancing around again for any signs that she was spotted, Laura pulled the strap over her shoulder and headed straight for the dojo.
She had promised Mrs. Date to see her when she was leaving, the only one aware of her trip to Naruto. It would have been rude of her otherwise to leave without telling at least one adult.
The older woman was in the middle of class when she entered, waiting for a break in exercise to wave her over. "You're leaving already?" she asked while watching the students practice today's lesson. "That's good Fae! Keep it up!"
"Yes," she bowed. "Thank you for watching Sammy for me."
"That's the fifth time you've thanked me today." Mrs. Date giggled at how Laura seemed to fidget where she stood. "Don't worry. She's not a bother at all. In fact, it brings back memories of when my kids were still young." She smiled, reminiscing before laughing again. "I think I liked it better back then. At least they didn't argue with me."
Laura bit back her own giggles, imagining how Sage was at the age of six when her appointment with Cye brought her back to reality. "Miyoko-san, I must be going now."
"Oh right. Say hello to your aunt for me," Mrs. Date waved to her before cupping her hands around her mouth. "And can you tell Sage to drive carefully?"
"Sure thing!" she answered back, a frown creasing her face once her back was turned. Tell Sage to drive carefully? She shrugged it off in a hurry, going out the back of the dojo. He must be running errands for her. But he can drive?? She smirked. Who would have guessed.
The exit lead to the house's driveway, which was at the adjacent side of the front entrance. And it's a blind spot from Sage's room, she noted with a grin. That was right before her smile faltered, a solitary figure standing in the driveway.
His arms were folded in front of his chest, his body leaning against the side of the car, a pearl white Corolla. He had been waiting for her.
"Where are you going?" he asked when she didn't say anything, preferring to stand still at the edge of the driveway and stare at him in disbelief.
She was surprised at how his inquiry lacked the accusing tone that one would expect in a situation like this. After all, she was sneaking out. But then again, people didn't normally sneak out of a house at noon.
"Out," she replied nonchalantly.
"Where to?" he asked, equally smooth. "The gym? Or maybe a place to change for a little lunch date with a handsome fellow you just met."
She knew her fingernails were biting into the strap of her bag, trying to contain the anger than had suddenly sprung up at that sly accusation. "Sorry, but living with you for two days doesn't mean I'd pick up on your dating habits."
He seemed unfazed by her retort. In fact, he smiled. An act that quickly pushed her anger up a few more levels. Is he patronizing me??
Sage had that 'look.' The one that said he knew something that she didn't. And he was getting a kick out of keeping it from her. Laura couldn't understand how someone who was nice enough to serve her tea could be such a jackass with a snap of the fingers.
"No need to be harsh," he waved his hands, trying to calm her down but knowing very well that it irritated her even more. "Were you going to walk?"
"No, I was going to take the bus," she snapped back, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Sage smiled again, this time opening the car door and getting inside. "C'mon. I'll give you a lift."
"I'm not getting in a car with you!" she cried out, fed up with him. If he actually thinks I'll accept help from him after he…!!
"You'll be late for your train."
The phrase was simple. The meaning was there, along with the truth and the hard facts. Facts that she had a very difficult time swallowing. It was giving her so much trouble that she didn't speak, remaining mute for a few minutes.
Sage, in the meantime, leaned back in his seat, one foot still out on the pavement. He waited, listening to the silence that was his companion before the passenger side door opened. Laura threw her duffel bag in the back before taking her own seat, slamming the door shut and putting on her seatbelt in annoyance. She roughly folded her arms over her chest and slumped down in her seat, brooding.
Sage paid her no mind, getting fully inside the car before closing the door and starting the ignition.
***
He knew.
He had known the entire time they were talking outside. He knew of her plans, and she bet he knew about Cye as well. And he had just been waiting to see how she'd react to him knowing.
Now, the best way to get him back was to take it in for stride, as if it wasn't such a big deal and ruin the blonde's fun. But that's not how it happened.
Laura didn't take it very well. And she was pissed off for more than one reason.
The main cause of her aggravation was the young man sitting across from her—Sage Date—who had been toying with her from the start. Most likely out of boredom. She had noticed that the blonde had a chronic habit of wanting to get the better of her by means of catching her off guard. He seemed to find amusement in seeing her surprised.
The second reason was more personal. The fact that she had actually gotten caught. Laura prided herself in her heritage and training, wanting to live up to her family name. And ninjutsu was her clan's strongest point. To be caught… Not even caught. To be cut off… was a giant blow to her pride as a ninja. And being caught by a certain haughty, blonde-haired halfwit wasn't much consolation either.
"How long are you going to pout there?"
"I'm not pouting," she growled.
"…That looks like a pout to me." He was smiling. She could hear in it his voice.
Laura took in a confined breath, still not bothering to look at him. "What will it take for you to shut up?"
There was a pause, the boy thinking for a moment before she felt him smile again. "A kiss."
Laura grinded her teeth together, the muscles in her arms constricting as she kept them firmly folded across her chest. Sage had seen her left hand twitched, silently breathing a sigh of relief when that was the only thing it did. He was within her backhanding distance, after all.
She has a lot more control today. I'll give her that. And strangely enough, he had a lot more tolerance towards her violent nature. Maybe we have changed…
"How did I ever get caught by a moron like you."
Or maybe not. His eye had twitched at that muttered remark. "Does it really matter?"
Laura looked at him pointedly. "I don't like being thought of as predictable."
He unwittingly smiled. "You're not." Far from it. Truth be told, Sage had just gone home to change, planning on seeing Cye, despite his grounded status, and find out what he was up to. But he had stopped by the dojo first, and his mother had told him of the girl's train ticket to Naruto. He had known that Laura was involved somehow, but he didn't expect her to be going with Cye. I just thought she had gotten him to do something for her.
Laura was still glaring at him, one eyebrow raised at his reply. 'I'm not?' the expression asked, demanding then for an answer as to how she got caught if it wasn't because he had predicted her moves.
Sage chuckled, his eyes focused on the road. "But your luck really sucks."
She growled, slumping further in her seat, one of her feet rising to be placed on the dashboard.
"Don't even."
She glared at him, her foot suspended in mid air before she stomped it on the ground, turning away from him and mumbling something about guys and cars.
***
When they had reached the station, Laura had grabbed her bag and gotten out the car without a word of thanks, storming off to the platform and not looking back. Sage shrugged it off, figuring that she was still mad at him.
Getting out himself, he leaned back against the car, crossing his arms over his chest. He scanned the crowd of people waiting to get on the train. They hadn't started boarding yet.
He kept Laura in part of his line of vision, the people surrounding her always in check by his keen violet eyes. He felt a little embarrassed when he realized what he was doing, and almost turned his gaze away, but thought it to be better safe than sorry.
A cab was coming up at his left, and Sage grinned at who happened to step out of it. "Cye!"
The boy jumped, then turned extremely pale at who had called him. Oh, he's sweating. He knew he shouldn't find humor in his friend's discomfort, but it was just so funny.
Sage sauntered over to him, Cye fumbling with his bag before regaining some sort of composure. "Sage," he began, hoping that his voice was some semblance of his normal pitch. "What are you doing here?"
"Just running an errand for my mom. And you?"
"Oh, my train to Naruto leaves today."
"So early… There's no trains leaving tomorrow?"
"Ah, well… Not exactly, but—" The whistle blew, the PA system crackling to life with the announcement that they were now boarding passengers bound for Naruto. "Sorry. But I've got to go," he laughed nervously, pointing towards the platform. "They might leave without me."
Sage nodded, signaling for him to go. "Tell Laura to stop pouting for me, will ya?"
"Oh sure! No prob—" He froze. Caught like a deer in the headlights. "…Sage, I didn't mean to—"
The blonde raised a hand to stop him. "If you decide to tell me about it now, you'll miss your train." He smiled at the bewildered look on Cye's face. "It's okay. You guys just watch out for each other. I'd feel guilty if I found out something happened to you when I had let you go."
"Why?" Cye asked, expression turned serious after his initial shock had worn off. "Why are you letting her go?"
Why am I letting her go? Not 'them.' But her. "Because I'm not Ryo."
"Sage…" Cye warned.
He shrugged. "It's the truth, isn't it?"
Cye was giving him one of those stern looks. There was more to it than that, and he wanted to hear it.
Why am I letting her go? "She can take care of herself. I don't need to watch her."
"It doesn't dismiss my concerns," he added as an afterthought. "It's just that, she's having a hard time trusting us. It doesn't help that Ryo's constantly watching out for her. It makes a person feel… inept, you know?" The words caught up with him after he had spoken them, and he laughed suddenly, shaking his head.
Cye raised an eyebrow at the blonde. "Sage?"
"Now I know why she was so mad," he chuckled to himself, eyes dancing in comprehension before he turned back to the brunette. "Cye, can you do me a favor?"
***
"What took you so long?" Laura looked at the British boy curiously as he walked down the isle. He had the oddest look on his face; a mix of shock and utter confusion. "Something wrong?"
"I just talked to Sage."
She raised a hand to her mouth, realizing her error. "I should have warned you beforehand. I'm sorry!"
"No, it's alright," he said, regarding Laura with that same bewildered look on his face. "He asked me to relay you a message."
"Really?" she deadpanned, not finding any humor in the turn of events. "You don't have to repeat whatever he said to you. I think I'm better off not hearing it."
"Actually, I think you should." Laura looked up at him, now more confused than angry. And when she didn't say anything to hinder him, he continued. "He said for you to have a good trip. And that he was sorry for teasing you earlier. He didn't mean to offend you."
Cye wasn't exactly sure what reaction he'd get from the girl. He was already shocked as is by the message alone.
Laura lowered her head, her fists clenched tightly in her lap. "That jerk."
He had reached out to touch her shoulder, but she had already calmed down on her own. Though she still seemed frustrated, resting her head against her hands. She stayed like that, Cye standing next to her, ignoring the attendant that had come towards them, asking him to take his seat. He wanted to make sure that she was okay first.
Laura then moved her elbow against the windowsill, placing her chin against her open palm. The train had yet to start moving. But Sage's car was already gone from the parking lot, the vacant space glaring at her, making her feel even worse.
She laughed, humorlessly. He always has to act so cool.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
I don't know what to say other than… SORRY!! ::bows apologetically, knowing that someone, namely Panthera, was going to hit her with a sledgehammer:: Yes, I know. A cliffhanger… ish. BUT, I was able to come out with this at the end of June instead of early July, so give me some credit. Writing DOES take a lot of time.
Next chapter update is… unknown. ^^;; Since I'm not in school anymore, I don't know when I'm updating. ^^;; I'm just so lazy. Plus, in my apparent boredom, I decided to create a website dedicated to this work of fanfiction. It's not up yet, mainly because I wanted to expand the number of pages I have to unlimited and I don't like posting things half finished, so you guys will have to wait. ^_^ Any suggestions as to what you'd like to see on a site like this would be helpful, though I do have a pretty good idea of what I want to do.
Leave a review!! Rants, raves, opinions, bullsh*t… ^-^ you know I love hearing from you, even if it's mindless chatter. ^.^ Ja ne!!