Me: Nehh... I'm sorry I haven't updated in so long. On the bright side, I'm taking a keyboarding class to improve my accuracy and speen. Yahoo. This chapter sucks, but it's a chapter so long as I'm sane. Warnings and disclaimers all apply. Oh, and review, too.
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As they quietly sat on the soccer field, Shuuichi quietly tried to fight away biting fatigue. He was not really all that happy to be up when he could be sleeping. As large as the homework load had been, he still shouldn't have been awake that late. Translation: he made too many mistakes. Shuuichi cursed it and began to wonder how Hiei was able to deal with it. Perfect, perfect, perfect! The word almost made Shuuichi sick. He tangled his fingers in his hair and gave a frustrated snort. His frustration faded away almost immediately as soon Hiei walked to the bleachers and sat down a little ways away from him. Once again, he was holding the mysterious book within his grasp.
As usual, Hiei's nose was buried within the pages of the odd, black book. He was clad in casual attire that made the redhead feel as if he'd faint. Hiei's main color had always been darker, and he was clad in nothing other than that this morning. He had baggy black jeans accented by a sleeveless black top that showed off his lean build slightly. Who knew someone could ever make such a plain-looking outfit look so good? So maybe Shuuichi always marveled the way the student looked, but you get the point. His attention turned to the book he was reading. He had been wondering about that book. From a quick glance he'd stolen from it yesterday, he was left all the more confused. Hiei read it as if it were Japanese, from right to left. What language was it written in?
A faint wind blew past as Shuuichi quietly stared down at his lap. It made him wonder sometimes. Why did he love Hiei so much? There was no reason for it at all. Quietly he placed a hand against his forehead and tried to remember it. However, he was only able to sense immense love for Hiei. He didn't know where it had come from or why it was so strong. It almost made him break down in tears at it. If it weren't for this… this curse he would be free from these chains and able to, succeed as he wished. He almost regretted it again because even if it tore his heart apart he still loved Hiei. Not only that, Hiei's sole presence could warm him up even more the intense heat. He couldn't imagine a life without chasing after Hiei.
A shrill wind picked up and blew past, the foreshadowing of an intense storm. It didn't seem like much of a big deal to any of the other players. They sat calmly on the benches waiting for practice to begin. On clasped a jacket around his body and shivered a little. After a minute of thinking, it occurred to him that teams practiced rain or shine. He remembered hearing about it. Youko approached as the rain started to soak the ground. He yelled over the wind to get all the boy's attention. Though most gave acknowledgement that they had heard, Hiei remained reading his book. Calmly, he flipped a page nonchalantly as Youko's eyes narrowed a fraction. The coach obviously didn't like to be ignored. "Hiei, I could always confiscate that book of yours. You aren't supposed to have it anyways. Unless, you're meaning to tell me that this is for your classes."
After another quick shout from, He closed his book and smirked. A gust of wind blew past again; catching the hat Youko was wearing and blowing it of about half a kilometer. He didn't seem to mind though; he shouted instructions over the roaring wind, warning them against slipping because of the rain. Shuuichi took one last glance at Hiei, lowering his head in an almost defeated matter. He already felt that Hiei wouldn't like him ever, but he felt the need to pretend so at least some stability would be promised. He just had the feeling that this was going to be a very long day.
After practice, Shuuichi remained. Though it was storming and there was almost no point in staying out, he wasn't going to allow himself to give up. It simply was not allowed. As luck would have it, Hiei went off to lurk somewhere else. He really didn't find it comfortable to play around Hiei. In fact, he was about ten times better at the sport when it could be assured that Hiei wasn't watching. He followed the ball around in a somewhat dejected manner, though. The shadows were dark, making him almost want to run from them. It wasn't that the dark scared him, but he kept getting the feeling that someone was watching him. It made him feel pathetic that he jumped and tensed the slightest sound, even if it had been one he knew he had made. Visions of stalkers ran through his mind and made him shudder. He felt so… exposed out here. Vulnerability wasn't a sensation he often took comfort in. The only time he felt comforted by such a feeling was when he knew Hiei was around. Hey, he knew that he might not be able to say that the boy was his real protector, but it could always be fun to pretend.
He turned to look around as the ball scattered off somewhere. His breathing grew slightly shallower at the idea of being watched. It just felt like he was being stalked, almost. Rain running down the sides of his face; he turned to look at the empty bleaches, a silent call for anyone hiding to reveal it. He jumped about two feet out of his skin when a figure materialized out of the shadows. He hadn't expected to see Hiei. He almost literally kicked himself at this. He really hadn't been like this until as of late. He'd never jumped in Hiei's presences of felt any need for fear or nervousness. It just wasn't like that. He used to be so calm. It almost made him wonder if he had some sort of mood disorder. He was oddly not himself, anyways, even with being in love with Hiei.
"What are you doing here?" his voice held quite some annoyance, but not much more than what could be considered normal. Shuuichi shrugged and did his best to turn casually so as to talk to him. To his surprise, he found it to be a lot easier today than it was usually. "Nothing really, I just decided to get some practice in while everyone else headed off to breakfast. I didn't expect to see you here so suddenly, though. What are you doing, then?"
Hiei shrugged off at the comment without replying. Though this way Hiei was acting quite rude in general towards him, Shuuichi didn't mind in the least. Yes, he may be out of it as of late, but there was nobody in the universe that could offend him with rudeness. Shuuichi just seemed to have a tolerance that belittled his age. Such young boys, even polite Japanese generally still had years to go before reaching that level of maturity. Anyways, why should he care about that? Hiei was rude to everyone, not just him. If it was a case that Hiei was only cruel to him, it may have been slightly different. It only reassured him that Hiei wasn't a creep just to him, that was in sense as good as having Hiei's trust and friendship.
"So I'll ask again, Hiei, why are you here? I didn't imagine that you really need extra practice. There're many other days you could choose, not one like this. Aren't you good enough to a point where the school practices suffice for you?" He could faintly hear Hiei sigh over the roar of wind and rain. He blinked curiously. Somehow, that single sound alone gave him the idea that he was actually going to say something civil to him for once. It made his heart pound with anticipation.
"I'm coming to ask if you want to come to breakfast. It's getting sickening about Youko voicing his worries about you. He thinks you need more sleep and you should really come to breakfast. I really agree with him on the notion that you'll freeze to death out here. Stop being an idiot and come. I'm not leaving until I've convinced you." Though the voice was cold and held little to no reassurance of real concern, Shuuichi was still practically jumping for joy at it. For once, he finally had witnessed a shred of proof that Hiei may care for him just slightly. Surprisingly because of this, a smile made its way across his lips, leaving a presence of its own. Hiei's sharp voice brought him back from his reverie. "Are you coming willingly, or am I going to have to drag you there?" Shuuichi barely heard the question. Without him willing it to happen a statement all its own slipped from his lips in place of the affirmative reply he had planned out.
"Yes. Do you really care for my well being so much as to drag me, though?" he immediately cursed himself for saying it, practically jumping again because Hiei replied back without any reason to. "Hn. Don't flatter yourself. I just got sick of everyone saying you'd catch your own death. They're all cowards, not choosing to come out here and ask you to come in themselves." He snorted and walked closer to Shuuichi as lightning streaked across the sky dangerously. He could sense the mood Hiei was in, not wanting to have to resort to forceful measures to bring him inside. He could vaguely feel the rain soaking him to the bone, running in thick drops down his cheeks almost like tears would. He lowered his head slightly and squeezed his eyes shut tightly. Hiei... his only real wish was to be with him. What had he done wrong to make it so that it hurt so much, though. He almost cursed love. It hurt him horribly to see someone who could never reciprocate his love. His hand involuntarily traveled up to his chest and clutched his it. He only wished for this to go away. Slowly, he nodded in Hiei's direction, a sign that he was going to go with him.
"At least you're cooperating. I was thinking you were going to go and be all defensive about it" was his reply. Shuuichi feebly shook his head and locked down almost in shame. If it weren't for Hiei, he repeated to himself he'd live a lot more normal a life. He wouldn't bee in too many advanced courses to handle and he wouldn't have made himself commit to this. An awkward silence passed between them as neither spoke. Once again, Shuuichi looked down, feeling a deep urge to run away.
"Come on! I want to get edible food as much as you want to." Complying with Hiei's orders, he followed along without protest. He walked with a slightly stiff posture. While Hiei went off a few feet ahead, he still lingered behind, following reluctantly. He cast a wistful gaze towards Hiei and then turned it away, ashamed fully. Unless he was out to get his heart broken, he should simply forget about his dreams. He was being no less conspicuous about his feelings than if he was specifically trying to get attention. A broken heart was one thing that he did not want to suffer from. It always came back to haunt you years later. It felt as if the yearning would be unbroken, even by the passage of many years. He didn't notice, but of to the side, a dark figure watched the two, silent and unobtrusive.
He sat at the breakfast table long afterwards, pushing his food around on his plate without the slightest interest whatsoever. Botan and surprisingly, Hiei currently accompanied him here. His excuse was that he was tired and all the other people he sat with had been annoying. Botan was staring at him as if he was some type of monster out of a horror flick. Hiei didn't seem bothered in the slightest by this. "Shuu-kun, are you alright? Thee soft voice jolted him out of a death-like stupor. He turned quietly to Botan and gave a soft yawn in doing so. He face was line with worry, even though she knew he was in no mood to concern himself with it currently. "Please eat, Shuu-kun. I know you aren't hungry, but you could at least eat a little. It isn't healthy; you'll end up getting even sicker. He took a few dispassionate sips of miso soup. It just didn't peak any hunger for him today. He turned himself to the dried fish Botan had set out on his plate and gave them a few nibbles. Botan had really saved him some of the better tasting fish today, but he still could care less. After a quick glance at the soup, he found that he lost his appetite.
"Shuu-kun, are you alright. Perhaps you should go to the infirmary." Her voice pleaded with him, but he held his head and put out a hand to stop her from lecturing. A groan passed slightly, repercussion of a pounding headache. He really couldn't let himself skip classes today. He'd be even more stressed with the work load, then." I'm fine, Botan. It's just a little headache." He waved her off and went back to staring absently at the liquid set in his bowl. A minute later, he buried his head in his arms while groaning again.
"Shuuichi! Don't pretend that you aren't yourself. If you aren't going to go to the infirmary you'll at least lie down in your room for a few minutes. C'mon I'll walk you" her voice was exasperated and almost frustrated. As she tried to pull the boy to his feet, soft protests were issued. Botan tugged with all her might but Shuuichi clung firmly to the chair, causing it to slide forwards. This was enough to send Botan off balance. She went flying to the ground below, an angry scowl implanted on her features. Shuuichi still protested that he was fine when Botan stood on her feet again and tried to pull him up. Hiei stopped her, a hand parting both Shuuichi and her. Both gazes turned over to the black clad boy. Wordlessly, he pulled Shuuichi to his feet and ushered him away soundlessly. Botan could only stand frozen back at the table, shocked by the sudden course of action.
Hiei hissed as he literally dragged Shuuichi back to his dormitory, through the empty hallways past a few classrooms. Some bewildered teachers stared. At some point, Shuuichi had given up fighting it. He allowed himself to be guided by Hiei while he was left to ponder on Hiei's actions. His breath caught his throat as Hiei pulled him close when they rounded a corner. His jade orbs blinked curiously up at the expressionless face for a moment, lost from his original purpose. He only cursed the dizziness, which seemed to be growing by the moment. It was not longer even fatigue.
His head spun, making him feel as if he'd be sick. Fighting nausea and a growing numbness in his limbs. He fought to focus his vision. Hiei's image faded in and out, blurred by cloudy vision. Again, he groaned, something more to get Hiei's attention. It didn't seem like the other boy cared much about it, though. He still pulled him along at an uncomfortable pace. His grip on him made Shuuichi wince through the nausea. He felt like the circulation in his arms had been caught off. When he tried to stray from the grasp, he was jerked back with amazing forth. He settled slightly and allowed to be led by Hiei.
He was much to dazed to be able to focus on anything other than taking shaky steps. In the back of his head, he wondered why he was doing this. Hiei was actually doing an incredibly kind thing, leading him back to the room. He sensed that Hiei had knowledge of his nausea and dizziness. Of course, he probably was stumbling around in a stupor already, so the dizziness wasn't all that hard to pick up on. His limbs were going numb and he felt like he could vomit. He almost felt sure that Hiei knew these two things. Somehow, he felt Hiei wouldn't really care if he even threw up on him right now. He could sense the boy's urgency and irritation; however, he felt that there was an odd compassion to this side, too. There wasn't any hint of loathing he was able to pick up on right now.
It had seemed like an eternity since they had left the breakfast table, and they still hadn't reached the dormitory. Shuuichi felt ready to collapse. His limps were now like lead whenever he tried to move them. It was now more like Hiei was dragging him towards some punishment rather than simply leading him to his dormitory. When he felt himself fall into soft material, he finally felt relief. There he was, back in his own dormitory. He wanted to keep his eyes open, even if they felt like lead.
He wanted to thank Hiei, but most of all; he wanted to question Hiei as to why he had helped him out like this. Warmth was overpowering, not to mention and overpowering voice, lulling him to sleep. It simply repeated one word again and again. Now at this point, even Shuuichi felt that he was delirious. He didn't know whether it was a figment of his imagination or if it was really Hiei. Heck, he wasn't even able to make out what it really was saying. It just simply seemed like a lullaby in some ancient language. Wistful and comforting, the voice brought back all the fatigue he had been feeling earlier magnified about ten times more. Something about it brought warmth. So warm and for once, feeling secure, he felt like drifting off to sleep. He promised himself to only listen to the voice for a few more minutes before allowing sleep to claim him. That, however, never happened darkness and unconsciousness took him immediately after that, his only last thought being focused upon Hiei, and the image of him smiling warmly.
Hiei sat on the side of the bed where Shuuichi had automatically chosen to curl up on. He sighed, finally glad that the boy had fallen asleep. The original reason he had taken Shuuichi from the breakfast table was because he was getting sick of hearing the girl and him fight. It was just about the most brainless argument he had ever seen in his life. Casually, he looked back over at the sleeping form next to him. His quiet breathing calmed him for some reason. For the fist time in the time he had known Shuuichi, the boy looked calm. He didn't think that there was any other time that he had seen the redhead like this. It was always slightly odd. From what people always said, Shuuichi's expression was just about the most emotionless, stoic, and calculating looks that he could ever wear. However, it contradicted what he always saw. Every time he and Shuuichi came face to face, the boy's expression was inexorably twisted and insane looking he had ever seen. The way the redhead looked at him made it look like he had personality disorders of sorts. He saw a twist of insanity, irony, and self-loathing all mixed together in one glance. This young boy was such an odd person to figure out. He didn't truly know what to really think about him. It was hard to pass judgment on him. With a sigh, he blinked. What an odd person, indeed.
Casually, without much thought, he brushed his fingers across pale cheeks. The skin felt soft and smooth under his rough touch, almost seeming to be silk. Again, without much thought, he ghosted his touch further down, brushing his neck and combing his fingers through the crimson mane for a quick moment. Completely despite his nature, he leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on the cheek he had been previously caressing. Such soft flesh felt warm under his lips, giving him indistinct warmth in his own chest.
Within a moment, he had drawn away, cursing himself for allowing emotions to get the better of him, especially something such as lust. No matter how hard he tried, though, there was nothing to stop him from kissing the redhead further. It really didn't feel like he was doing this. All that he was able to feel was a faint sensation, tickling his with the odd new warmth. Silently, his lips hovered over the unconscious man's. He had to restrain himself so that he didn't dive down and ravage the boy one the spot. Stealing the boy's first kiss was out of the question, guessing that Shuuichi had ever been in a close enough relationship for that to ever happen. Besides, there was a likely chance of being found out for it later. He'd be a laughingstock if he kissed a boy, much less, the most attractive one in school that just so happened to be young, delicate, and pretty innocent. People would accuse him of being a sadist. Sighing, he quickly threw a blanket over Shuuichi and went towards the door. He couldn't help but turn back to look at the boy, faintly touching his lips, still warm from the sensation of kissing Shuuichi's cheek. Sneering angrily at another thought, he turned and walked out, door slamming behind him.
So, classes past in a boring manner for Hiei. After explaining to the nurse in the infirmary about Shuuichi, he had gone to classes as he would have normally. He really hated classes, in a way. The pace was slightly slow for his preferences and the subjects were much too easy. Every day, though, he was reminded angrily of it, that he'd never make it in the working world without collage. This meant that without proper reassurance that he did indeed know the subjects, there was no way that he'd be able to ensure that he passes his exams for collage. Today was a rather odd day. His mind kept wandering back to Shuuichi. He kept getting the odd feeling that he was forgetting something, something pertaining to Shuuichi's safety. It was a really odd feeling of foreboding because there was no way that he was in any way in danger. There was only one person in danger… that girl with the set of red eyes, matching his exactly.
He felt a strong pang at his heart unlike anything else. Yukina. Years ago, she had been kidnapped. Hiei didn't even want to think about it. Those cruel men who had captured her angered him more than anything else in the entire world. She, being his twin sister, had been very close to him. He was devastated when it happened. The events leading up to it was something he didn't like to think about. It was all so clear to him, what he needed to do in order to get her back. All he needed to do was track down those guys again and then they'd all be dead. However, they disappeared only a half a year ago. The only clue they had given him was what they wanted in exchange for Yukina. This was one thing he wasn't able to give them and the sole reason why the police were unable to rescue her when they tried.
No matter how hard he could try, there was no way he could give it up. They requested many things, the biggest being the permission for them to take his own life and the life of the one closest to him as a fair exchange. Of course, it was not at all fair. Not only did they require the first, but a lot of bloodshed too. It wasn't his own life that he was concerned about. In fact, he would've gladly given up his life for Yukina's. He owed her a lot, and it was no reward to let he sit rotting away in their hold, if there was even the slightest chance that she was alive. He banged his fists on the desk and swore loudly and in doing so, snapping himself harshly back to reality. He was met with the harsh and irritated gaze of his language teacher, glaring daggers at him. "Yasuda-kun, if you're unable to focus in my class, I suggest you leave. Out in the hallway. Now."
With an irritated sigh, he headed out the door while the class stared wide-eyed, still startled from the outburst. This is why he hated classes. He sighed angrily and pushed his back against the cool wall, breathing deeply while trying to regain control. His head was a jumble of emotions, anger and desperation being the most prominent. He felt another urge to go see Shuuichi, and seeing as he wasn't going to have to listen to the teacher lecture afterwards. He wasn't worried because he always got sent out in the hall in that class. The teacher never wanted to see him afterwards; so the words 'go out in the hall' were practically a free invitation to do as he pleased, so long as he didn't get caught doing it. He slipped away quickly and soundlessly, heading in the general direction of the boy's dormitories.
On the way, he ran into someone. Rather, someone ran into him with surprising force. Annoyance coursing through him, he was just about to yell at the jerk who did it. "Shimokawa?" He asked curiously, studying the teary eyed schoolgirl's face. Botan looked like she was about to burst into tears. "What the hell's wrong with you?" he asked, irritated by the whiny nature.
"Shuu—Shuuichi's missing."
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Me: Yeah, I'm guessing you'll say that really really sucked and it's too fast paced. Truth is, I guess it is. But I slaved over it for two days just to get it done and I'm hoping for reviews.