A/N: Again, I don't own WHR or these characters, I'm just playing with them for a bit.
Revision #2.
HEARTS DESIRE
Chapter Three: Weakness of the Weekend
A Witch Hunter Robin Fanfic
By Yuriko Tsukino
Though it was still fairly early when Robin left the grocery store, it was already dark. Night fell early in winter, and the heavy rain clouds overhead had made the sky skip sunset and go straight to dark.
Across the street, the clock on the bank chimed the half hour. Five thirty.
Everyone will be in the game now, she thought. For a moment, she felt a pang of longing. She wished she could be one of those girls like Doujima--however cruel she was. One of the girls in the tight jeans and short skirts and cropped tee shirts that flirted with boys and had families to go home to. One of those girls that had places where they belonged. Family. Friends. Sports teams. Clubs. Work.
I'm always going to be the misfit, Robin thought sadly as she turned in the direction of the empty apartment. I'm always going to be the quiet one in the back of the room with no friends, no place to call home. I'm always--
A lump began to form in her throat. Robin shook her head as she attempted to shake off the self pity. Don't think, she commanded herself. Just don't think. Just put one foot in front of the other and keep moving.
Robin rounded a corner, sidestepping a large puddle. The weeks of endless rain had left standing water everywhere--two to six inch puddles on the sides of all the roads; the uneven sidewalks collected water and made themselves prime traps for pedestrians who weren't paying attention, blessing them with soaked shoes and socks that were only a few degrees above freezing.
Robin was still five blocks from the apartment when it happened. A silver car rounded the bend ahead of her and came flying down the street. It pulled over on Robin's side of the street, dousing her with freezing, muddy water.
Shocked, Robin froze mid step, as though the water had instantly solidified, turning her to an ice statue. In truth, that wasn't too far off the mark; the water seeped through her clothes, drenching her to the very skin.
"I'm so sorry!" said the driver, as he got out of his car. He was clad in a ridiculous looking fur coat, but he had a kind face.
"I-it's okay..." Robin stuttered through chattering teeth.
"Please, this is my building; won't you come up and let me dry your things for you?" he said, gesturing at the tall brick apartment building.
If this was any other circumstance, I would say no, but...
She nodded, too cold to speak. There was no way she'd be able to walk five blocks soaking wet in this cold. Besides, even if he is some kind of pervert, I can take him. She glanced at his profile as he led her to the elevator. There was something familiar there...
Anyway, she thought I don't think he's the type to hurt me...he seems sincere.
The man led her to an apartment on the fourth floor, and gestured for her to take a seat on the couch. "I'll be right back," the man said. "I'll get something for you to wear."
"Thank you Mr...Um..."
"Nagira. Call me Nagira."
"Thank you Mr. Nagira."
He grinned. "It's no problem." With that, he disappeared into a room off of the kitchen. He returned a few minutes later with a black shirt draped over his shoulder. "I couldn't find any pants that would fit you..." he said apologetically. "But this shirt is my brothers. It should be long enough to--er--cover you. The laundry room is over there," he said, pointing. "You can go ahead and change in there."
"Thank you," Robin said, accepting the shirt. It was a soft cotton material, and was warm and soft against her half frozen fingers.
Robin changed into the shirt, which reached almost to her knees, and turned on the dryer. She fiddled with the short collar some. I guess this style is more popular than I thought, she mused. I'd never seen it on anyone besides Mr. Amon before...
Pushing open the laundry room door, she sniffed. Nagira and put on tea, and just the scent made her feel a little warmer.
While the water heated up, Nagira was at the coffee table, typing something out on his laptop, files and papers spread out before him.
The kettle whistled, and Robin poured the tea for herself and her host before he had the opportunity to object.
"You didn't have to do that," he said, accepting the mug.
"It's alright. I appreciate what you're doing for me."
Robin took a seat on the sofa, and waited for her clothing to dry. Because of the length and thickness of her skirts, it took quite some time. While she waited, Nagira told her a little of his work.
"I'm a bit of an underdog attorney," he explained when he caught her looking at some of the papers on the coffee table. "I take the cases most other lawyers won't touch." He grinned. He had a boyish smile that was infectious.
After about forty-five minutes, there was the sound of a key in the lock.
"That must be my brother," Nagira said. "I guess he stayed over to grade papers."
"Is your brother a teacher?" Robin asked.
"Yep." Nagira grinned again. "He teaches Literature at the high school a few blocks from here. That's actually his shirt you're wearing."
Robin felt all of the color drain from her face. "Honors...Literature...?"
"Yes, do you know--"
Nagira was cut off as the door opened and Amon entered the room. He had his back to them as he pulled his key from the lock.
"Ah, Amon! You're late! But that's okay. I had a pretty girl to keep me company!" Nagira said cheerfully, flashing a smile at his solemn older brother. "This is—" But as he turned to introduce the guest, he realized that she was gone.
"Robin?"
"Talking to your voices again?" Amon asked, dropping his briefcase onto the couch in the spot Robin had occupied only moments before.
"Ah..." Where did she go?
00000
I have to get out of here! Robin thought desperately, flinging open the drier. Her
skirt tumbled out, landing on the floor. Scooping it up, she yanked it on, even though it was still slightly damp.
I can't let him see me! How on earth would I explain the fact that I'm in his apartment, wearing his clothes? she wondered, pulling off said shirt and tugging on her blouse as fast as she could. Not to mention what people would say if they saw me leave his apartment! And he could get fired for that, even if nothing happened--Even if technically, he wasn't here to do anything?
Robin pulled on her coat, opening the laundry room door as quietly as she could. She didn't see Amon anywhere. Nagira had his back to her, working on his laptop.
I'll just sneak out since they're not paying attention... She tiptoed out of the
laundry room, watching Nagira closely to make sure he didn't turn around--
--and smacked into a firm chest covered in black cotton.
"Eeep!" Robin looked up. "Mr. Amon!" Her face went from snow white to tomato red in two seconds flat.
"Robin...What are you--?"
"I was just leaving!" With that, she made a mad dash for the door, and ran as fast as she could out into the street and to the relative safety of the empty house.
00000
"Would you mind explaining to me why one of my students was just in our apartment?" Amon asked, turning to his brother.
"She's your student?" Nagira asked, looking up from his computer. "Well, I guess that explains how she knows you. She seemed pretty terrified when I told her we were related. What do you do to your students anyway? Particularly the pretty girls like Robin?"
"I don't do anything. You're the one they have to worry about."
Nagira grinned. "Hey, they're the ones that chase me. I can't help it if I'm the one
that ended up with all the looks," he said. He inspected his half full mug of tea. It had
gotten cold. He rose to take it to the sink. "But that Robin girl is very pretty. Maybe
sometime--"
"Keep your hands off of her."
Nagira jumped at his brother's tone. His voice was quiet, a near whisper, but it was laced with a threat--a lethal one.
"What, you want her for yourself?"
"I said, keep your hands off her."
"Yeah, I heard you. But you know I'm not the type to just follow orders blindly."
"She's too young for you." And she's not your type, anyway. She's much to good for you. He narrowed his eyes, glaring at Nagira, before turning on his heel and walking away.
Nagira watched Amon leave in silence, then gave a little smile. "I guess that means she's too young for you, too," he murmured to himself. He shook his head. "You're a fool, Amon."
00000
"Amon, I need to see you in my office."
"Yes, Principle Zaizen."
It was Monday morning, and even if the sun was shining and the temperature had risen to a shaky ten degrees above normal, Amon still felt chills running down his back as he followed Zaizen into his office. This can't be good.
"Do you remember that assignment I gave you a few weeks ago concerning our new student?" He asked after lighting a cigar. Amon started at it before answering. Is he forgetting the rule about no smoking? he wondered. but then, Zaizen always has been a rule unto himself.
"Yes, I remember," Amon replied, his voice neutral, even though he felt his stomach knot. I was supposed to spy on Robin. I never did. I'm...not sure I can.
"It seems to me that you must have forgotten. You failed to keep me informed as to her situation." After only a few puffs on the forbidden cigar, the principal snuffed it out with his crystal ashtray.
"There hasn't been anything to report," Amon replied. Just think of something.
Anything. Just something to keep him happy.
"Nothing, hm?"
"No sir. She hasn't been into any trouble."
"I see."
Here it comes... Amon knew that tone of voice. Zaizen was about to drop a bomb. And it wouldn't be good, for either Amon or Robin.
"I've been told that Miss Sena has been spending a lot of time in your classroom. How can it be that you spend so much time together and yet you have nothing to report to me?"
Amon could feel beads of sweat forming at the back of his neck. "She reads."
"I should hope so. Other wise she wouldn't have made it into your class."
He's testing me, Amon thought. He's baiting me, trying to get me to crack. I
won't! "When she's in my room at lunch, all she does is read. Poetry mostly."
"I see." Zaizen leaned back in his chair, resting his elbows on the arm rests. "Tell
her she can no longer stay in your room at lunch."
"Sir?" What is he getting at?
"Tell her the truth. Tell her the amount of time she spends alone in your room is
inappropriate and she should hold company her own age. After all, we can't investigate these suspicious fights if she isn't around her antagonists." Zaizen smiled, and it sent a fresh of dread washing over Amon. He had the sudden mental image of an extremely poisonous snake preparing to strike.
"...Yes sir."
"Good. The bell will ring in a few minutes. You can't be late to your own class now, can you?"
"Hn." Amon spun on his heel, vacating the room as quickly as he could.
00000
While she had outwardly taken the news that her sanctuary was now prohibited quite calmly, Robin was crestfallen that she was being evicted from Amon's classroom.
Now what am I supposed to do? she wondered as she looked around the crowded cafeteria. She reached into her bag for her book--another loan from Mr. Amon--but it wasn't there.
I must of left it in my locker, she thought. Gathering her things, she went out into
the halls. Lets see... She fingered the lock. 3...18...26...
-Click-
Her locker swung open, and she rummaged through it for a moment before locating the book.
"You know, you're not supposed to be in the halls during lunch," said a deep, mocking voice behind her. Robin started to turn, but three sets of hands grabbed her hands and waist, and another covered her mouth so that she could scream. A voice spoke in her ear, rancid breath blowing across her face. "You need to be punished when you break the rules."
Robins eyes grew wide, and she tried to scream, tried to attract anyone that might help her, but the meaty hand over her mouth prevented that from happening. She was lifted roughly out of her kneeling position, right off her feet. She kicked and squirmed as hard as she could, but the three boys holding her were much bigger and stronger; members of the football team if the glimpses of red leather letterman sleeves were any clue.
She could feel the power growing inside her. It's the only way out! she thought
desperately. The only way I can--
The hem of a letterman jacket began to smolder--
NO! I can't hurt them!
Finally overpowered, the four boys shoved her into her locker, slamming it shut behind her. "Have fun in there, Robbie," said the leader. She heard something scrape across the door as they jammed the latch, preventing her escape. The only way out now would be if someone found her...or if she burned her way out.
I've never caused that much damage before, she thought. They'll catch me for sure. But what other option do I have?
Her breath was coming in frenzied gasps, and her thoughts were swirling in panicked circles. I need to calm down, she commanded herself. She forced her muscles to relax. She was truly stuck; her back was to the door, her legs tangled in textbooks, skirts, and notebooks. Her elbows were pretty much pinned to her sides. One of her buns had snagged on the coat hook; the other had snagged and come free as she was being forced inside, and now hung limp over her left shoulder, bobby pins and ribbon sticking out of the tangled mess.
To put it plainly, I'm screwed, she thought. She wiggled a little, and managed to
free one arm; she used it to untangle her bun from the hook.
Sweat ran down her back. The locker was heating up fast, and it was getting increasingly difficult to breathe.
I have to get out of here, she thought, over and over. After a few moments, she
managed to turn around until she was mostly facing the door, but her skirt was shut in it, which prevented her from facing it completely.
Air...I need air... she thought. The bell for seventh period rang, and students began to fill the halls. Robin wanted to call out to them, but she couldn't. The heat was making her tired. All she could manage was a breathless whisper.
Her whole body ached. Her legs and back were sore from the cramped conditions, and her right arm, still pinned to the wall of the locker, was falling asleep. Her head was throbbing from lack of air, having her hair pulled out by the hooks every time she moved and banging it against the shelf above her.
Robin leaned her head against the door. She couldn't even get to the vent to get fresh air; the one at her feet was stifled by her skirts, and the one above was blocked by the shelf.
Helplessly, Robin fumbled for the latch. It was pitch black in the locker; the only
light coming from a few cracks along the door. If I can just get what ever is blocking the handle out... But thinking even a few sentences was beginning to get difficult. Her head felt cottony, and she was drenched in sweat. Her fingers wouldn't obey her.
She thought about calling the fire. Can't...control it now...Too hot...anyway...
Feebly, she banged her knuckles against the door. But the halls were already empty, and no one knew she was there, let alone that she was slipping quickly into unconsciousness.
00000
Amon couldn't help but sigh with relief as his last class poured from the room as the last bell rang. It had been a long, stressful day. He still felt bad about telling
Robin she couldn't eat lunch in his room anymore. He had found his lunch period surprisingly...empty without her quiet presence at the back of the room. He hadn't realized how many times he had looked up at her while working until she hadn't been there to look at, and he found himself staring into empty space, looking for her.
He shook his head as he gathered up his things. I can't think like this. I have to
forget about it. Maybe Zaizen was right; it is inappropriate her to spend so much time in here with me. Heaven only knows how long it will be before I crack...
Amon tried to push the thoughts from his head as he went out into the hall. Stop it. You're never going to get over this if you keep thinking about it.
He was so focused on his thoughts that he almost tripped over a large black object in the middle of the hallway.
What...? One of the students had left their messenger bag in the middle of the hall...and looking up, he saw several books and notebooks scattered across the floor as well.
Sighing, Amon knelt to collect them. I'll just turn these in to the office on my way to the car... He flipped open one of the text books to check the name inside.
What?!
Robin Sena. The name was written neatly in its proper place, followed by her homeroom (his) and the year of use.
It's not like Robin to... He pulled the other text books nearer, checking inside those as well. They were all marked with her name, in her handwriting.
Now completely puzzled, Amon collected the papers and books (including one of his own poetry books, which he found with the cover torn almost completely off about ten feet away) and put them in the messenger bag, which he now recognized as also belonging to his student.
At first he didn't see the last notebook, but when it did, he noticed immediately how unusually it was placed. It was hanging out of a locker, held in place by two or three pages that had been caught under the door with a length of black cloth. Upon closer inspection, however, he knew instantly what it was.
Robin's poetry notebook.
There wasn't any other student's handwriting he could pick out easier; her handwriting was so light as to be nearly illegible, and very neat. And here or there, she would throw in Italian without even realizing it.
This page, however, was written in all Italian, and as far as Amon knew, she was the only student in school that was fluent in any language other than Spanish or English.
He tried to tug the notebook free, but it was stuck tight. The only way it would come free would be if he tore the pages, or if he opened the locker.
Technically speaking, he had no right to open a student locker without a reason that didn't involve suspicion of drugs or weapons. Even then, it was usually left to the police. But he only needed to open it a quarter inch to get the notebook loose. It wasn't like he was going to search it or anything. And there was only a ballpoint pen holding it closed; the owner of the locker was asking for someone to open it and steal something. And technically he wasn't stealing. He was...removing to return.
The entire moral debate lasted less than ten seconds. Amon stood, and wiggled the bent (?) pen from the latch. He pulled it open, and realized immediately that things weren't going to go as planned. There was a large weight leaning against the door...
The weight tumbled out before Amon could stop it; he caught it just before it hit the floor.
He only just caught her before she hit the floor.
"Robin!"
She was covered in sweat, her face pale and flushed, her skin clammy. Her clothing was rumpled, her hair tangled and limp.
"Robin, wake up," he said in a whisper as he gently slapped her cheeks.
He should take her to Zaizen, or to a hospital. But Zaizen...he would only make things worse. And Amon never had trusted hospitals.
Leaving her things behind, he scooped the unconscious girl into his arms, making for the parking lot as fast as he could. He was suddenly aware of all the cameras the school had.
And yet no one noticed while she was getting jammed in that locker? How long ago was that? Why didn't anyone see? Why didn't anyone help her?
He crushed her more tightly to his chest, finally breaking free of the school and into the gravel teachers' lot. He laid her gently in the back seat of his car before peeling out of the lot.
His apartment was a lot closer than the hospital, anyway.
00000
Robin woke slowly, keeping her eyes closed. She was cooler now; the air not so stifled. She was still stiff and sore, but she was laying someplace comfortable. She was wrapped in something warm and soft; it caressed her cheek as she turned her head.
There was something cool on her forehead; someone was stroking her hair.
Father? she wondered. Juliano?
But no. Juliano was still back in Italy, very far away.
So where am I then?
There was a familiar fragrance in the air. She couldn't place it, but she knew she had smelled it before. Detergent...leather...and something else. A cologne of some sort...?
What happened? she wondered. The last thing she remembered was trying to get out of the locker...It had been so hot...not being able to breathe.
Slowly, Robin opened her eyes. It took a few minutes for things to focus. She was in a bedroom...there was a balcony...Lots of dark wood...
A person. The person stroking her hair. A person all in black...with black hair...
"Mr. Amon!"
Robin's first instinct was to jump out of bed and run to the opposite side of the room, but she was too weak. She had barely gotten into a sitting position when her teacher pushed her back down.
"You need to rest," he said in his low, steady voice. "Then you need to tell me what happened. Who did that to you?"
Robin shook her head. "I don't know. I didn't see their faces."
"Do you have any idea at all?" He asked. There was a hint of urgency in his voice, and even though his face was a mask of calm, she thought she saw a glint of something in his dark eyes.
"I...I think there were four. All guys. And they had letterman jackets. That's all."
Amon's face creased, but whether it was anger, worry, or something else, she couldn't tell. He leaned forward, propping his elbows on his knees. He seemed deep in thought.
"You're not going to school tomorrow," he said. "I'll take you home in a little while, once you've been able to rest a little more. I'll talk to your gaurdians then, and explain things."
Robin turned away. How could she explain to him...?
"They aren't home," she said after a pause. "They...They're on vacation. They won't be back until next week."
Amon raised his eyebrows. He knew a lie when he heard one.
Why? Why does she keep lying to me? he wondered. A pang of hurt blossomed in his chest, but he smothered it quickly. Doesn't she understand that I'm trying to help? Why doesn't she want her parents to know?
"I'll walk home. You don't have to trouble yourself anymore. I don't live far from
here."
What is the matter with her? Amon wondered. Why won't she look me in the face and tell me what is the matter?
"I really can't let you do that. I have to at least take you home," he said. Then,
"And you'll have to give me your parents phone number; Even if they are out of town--" Which I know isn't true "--they'll still have to be told about this immediately."
Amon watched as the girl in his bed tensed. Caught her now. She'll have to admit the truth--
"Fine," she whispered. "But I don't have the number. It's at home. I'll bring it to
you tomorrow at school."
"I just told you that you shouldn't go to school tomorrow."
"...I have a test in Algebra. It's not my best subject; I should be there."
"I'll talk to your teacher."
"No. I can--" She started to rise.
"No." Amon placed his hands firmly on her shoulders, pushing her back down on the bed. Leaning over her, he said, "You were assaulted at school. I can't let that happen again. You could have been seriously injured. Even killed if you'd been in there too long. I'm going to protect you."
Robin swallowed hard, tears forming in her eyes. The intensity in his gaze was making it even more difficult to breathe than when she had been trapped inside the locker. I wish I could tell him! I wish I could tell him everything! She thought fervently. But then he would hate me. He wouldn't want to protect me. He would want to run from me; destroy me.
"Alright," she finally said, giving in. She relaxed beneath him. This might be the only time I have someone to look out for me. I might as well take advantage of it for as long as it lasts. Besides, this is Amon...He...He wouldn't hurt me. Somehow, Robin was sure of this.
"Good."
Amon continued to stare into her eyes for several moments. So green and beautiful. He wanted to kiss her. He was already leaning over her; it wouldn't be so hard...All he had to do was lower his face a foot or so...
With out his permission, Amon felt himself leaning closer. Six inches, that was all it would take...he had never wanted to kiss anyone this much, not even his last girlfriend...Four inches...Her eyes were wide, she knew what he was going to do...He had never been this close to a student before--
The thought snapped him back to reality. He pulled away as though he had been burned, taking a step back from the bed. "Good. Good," he said, trying to find the strand of thought he had been on before being so thoroughly distracted. "Just make sure that you get rest while you're off tomorrow. And--" He was starting to ramble, which he didn't do often. Darn Nagira. I've been living with him too long. I'm starting to pick up his habits.
The front door opened. Speak of the Devil.
"That's Nagira," He said, needlessly. "I'll be back in a moment."
Amon rose and went hurriedly to the kitchen. He needed to get away from her. She was making his heart pound...His thoughts weren't coming out correctly. She made him think of other things...Things that shouldn't cross his mind, especially concerning her.
