Alright so a couple warnings for this chapter, canon typical violence, description of injury, and Dio being creepy.
Kakyoin briskly made his way through town. He kept his head down laser focusing on the sidewalk ahead. It was getting late. The cars on the road were dwindling in number and most shops were starting to close for the night. It was probably about nine o'clock. It was quite peaceful. Kakyoin always liked walking through the town at night. The town just seemed so serene when it went to sleep. The stars had become sharper and more visible since he started his journey. Lost in thought, Kakyoin suddenly bumped into someone. He backed away gazing at his backpack now on the ground.
"Oh, sorry! I should've watched where I was going," Kakyoin apologized profusely while nervously running his hand through his hair not looking up.
"It's quite alright, dear Noriaki. I should have moved out of the way."
Fuck. Oingo was right. There was a monster that prowled the town at night. He was the main reason Kakyoin stayed at home. No matter how much he tried to avoid him, that bastard always found Kakyoin. His hatred for this man was immeasurable and it only grew every time he saw his stupid face. Dio Fucking Brando.
Dio held out Kakyoin's backpack that he picked up off the ground. Kakyoin looked up and snatched the bag from Dio's hands. He seemed shocked by Kakyoin's actions, cocking one eyebrow up in surprise. The expression was only on his face for a second before it evened out to a smirk.
"Thanks," Kakyoin said through gritted teeth turning to leave. Dio, however, blocked his path.
"You're welcome, Noriaki, but may I inquire why you're out so late? You know it's dangerous for a young man like you to be out alone. Especially with the legendary demon on the prowl." What a prick. "I could walk you home and protect you. If you'd like." He had a sickly sweet smile on his face that didn't exactly reach his eyes. To say Kakyoin felt uncomfortable, was an understatement. Kakyoin knew full well what Dio wanted, and it was not to just "walk him home." If anything, Kakyoin thought Dio was more dangerous than some made up boogeyman. Either way, Kakyoin didn't put up with Dio's shit when he wasn't in a hurry, and he was certainly not going to put up with it now.
"Mr. Brando, this 'demon' everyone keeps going on about isn't real. It's a myth. Fictional. I will be fine on my own. Now can you move, so I can go home?"
"Well, Noriaki, even if you don't believe, it's better to be safe than sorry, right? Also, don't bother with the formalities. I told you to call me Dio, remember? We're friends, right?" It was a command, not a suggestion. Kakyoin wished he would use formalities. He only wanted people close to him to use his first name. Only one person called him Noriaki now. With anyone else, it felt too intimate, and the way Dio spoke Kakyoin's first name was unsettling.
Kakyoin and Dio were nothing close to friends. They were barely acquaintances. Even though Kakyoin didn't have many friends, he knew a few things about how friends acted. Friends are people you want to hang out with and talk to. You don't try to avoid them any chance you get. Friends care about what you have to say. They don't dismiss your opinion like it's nothing. Friends let you go home and don't block your path. Lastly, friends definitely don't look at you like that.
"No, Dio," Kakyoin said mockingly, "We are not friends, and probably never will be. I need to go home. My dad is expecting me, and he will get worried if I'm not there soon. So get out of my-" Kakyoin tried to leave, only for the path to be blocked again.
"Oh? Noriaki, you've wounded me." Dio stated dramatically while putting his hand on his chest, "Whatever did I do to make you hate me so?" Dio loved to play the victim card. If things didn't go his way, he would guilt you into believing it was all your fault. To make it up to him, you owed him something. Most people fell for the innocent act, but Kakyoin was not one of those people. He wasn't going to suck up to Dio like the rest of this town. Fuck being nice.
"Let's see. You constantly try to talk to me, when I make it clear I'm not interested. You treat me like some kind of toy that's for your amusement. You won't stop looking at me like whatever that is. And last but by no means least, you won't let me go home no matter how many times I have asked." Kakyoin was as blunt as possible. Dio just made him so angry, and he let it out. Kakyoin looked at Dio in triumph, but Dio didn't even move. Instead, he just smiled.
"Oh Noriaki, I'm sure your father will be okay if you stay in town a little longer. Let's go over to the local diner and talk." What the fuck? Was he that full of himself to just ignore everything Kakyoin had just said? Wait, diner? Dio owned the diner like he did everything else in this town. He basically ran the town, and everyone adored him. No one would help get Kakyoin out of there. If anything, they would leave the two alone, which would give Dio the opportunity to do whatever he wanted. That scared Kakyoin more than anything.
"Dio," Kakyoin was very close to punching him, "I have to get this to my dad as soon as possible, so he can leave to get supplies in the city outside the woods. I need to go home, now move." Kakyoin elbowed Dio in the stomach this time to get Dio to move. Kakyoin managed to walk a few steps and started speed walking home. Dio quickly recovered after a few muttered curses and caught up walking beside him.
"Come on Noriaki, let's spend some time together. Let me make up for unintentionally hurting your feelings." It almost seemed like a threat instead of an offer, and anger seemed to be creeping into his voice replacing its normal lazy purr.
"Please just leave me alone!" Kakyoin quickened his pace, almost running. He was livid, but when he looked back at Dio's eyes, there was something dangerous in them. It made Kakyoin almost shiver and his hair stand on end. He wasn't staying to find out what those eyes meant.
"Noriaki, wait," Dio called out. Kakyoin was running now and didn't look back. He just had to make it to the fence, and then he would be okay. His backpack hit him with every thunderous step he made. He could hear his heartbeat in his ears.
"I SAID, WAIT!" Dio screamed, and everything just stopped. Kakyoin blinked, and then Dio was in front of him. Dio grabbed Kakyoin's wrist, and his sharp black nails dug into Kakyoin's skin. Dio had the appearance of a feral animal. His pristine suit was now a wrinkled mess and his tie was coming undone. His usually calm and amused amber eyes were now a crimson red, and they were wild with almost murderous intent. His teeth were bared and he pulled Kakyoin in closer. Were those fangs?
Kakyoin was terrified, but still ripped his arm from Dio's grasp. Kakyoin pulled it close to his chest. He was pretty sure he would have scratches from Dio's nails. That got Dio's attention and snapped him out of his trance. He then composed himself, fixing his mangled tie. He smiled and then opened his mouth to say something, but Kakyoin didn't hear anything. He bolted. He was going home, and nothing was going to stop him this time.
He got to the fence, and flung the gate open and let it close. He ran to the door, harshly turned the handle, and swung it open. When he got in, he slammed it shut, and locked the door. Kakyoin then slumped onto the floor breathing heavily and tore his backpack off. He laid it beside him and just sat down to comprehend what happened. How did Dio do that? It was almost like he stopped time.
"Noriaki, what have I said 'bout slammin' doors?" Hol Horse shouted. He started walking down the stairs of their house. He did not expect to see his son on the floor trying to catch his breath. Kakyoin's cherry-colored hair was a mess, and his jacket had started sliding off of his shoulders.
"Kid?" No response. "Kid?" He tried a little louder. "Kid!" He exclaimed. Hol Horse's eyes were concerned, this wasn't like Kakyoin to not answer if he wasn't reading.
"What?" Kakyoin's head whipped up and his eyes were wide. He was clutching his arm close to his chest. He tried to hide his arm, so his dad wouldn't get worried.
"Y'okay? Did somethin' happen in town?" Kakyoin just gave a forced smile and pulled his wrist closer inside his jacket.
"No, Dad. I'm fine," he lied, "Nothing happened." Kakyoin began heading towards the stairs for his room. He needed to bandage his cuts that were starting to bleed.
"Y'sure?" Hol Horse raised an eyebrow. He wasn't convinced, and after knowing the kid for so long, he knew when he wasn't telling him the truth. Kakyoin wasn't getting out of this that easy.
"Yeah. I'm just tired from the trip, so I'm going to bed." Kakyoin stood at the top of the stairs. He had his hand hovering above the door to his room. Oh yeah, Kakyoin was lying to him. Hol Horse came up with a plan after he noticed the red on Kakyoin's arm.
"Oh? Are you not even gonna give me a hug before I leave?" Crap. "You too good to say bye to your dad?" Kakyoin turned to see his dad standing with his arms outstretched and a knowing smile across his face. The last thing Kakyoin needed was his dad thinking he didn't love him, but he knew this was probably a trick. He went with it though.
"No, I'm not." Kakyoin descended the stairs and hugged his dad back. It was nice and comforting. The hug distracted him from his arm and the events that just occurred. As Kakyoin pulled away though, his dad carefully held his wrist. No.
"Noriaki," He was definitely in trouble now. "What happened? Why is your arm bleeding?" Hol Horse asked softly while turning Kakyoin's wrist to survey the damage. The marks were pretty deep, and it looked like a bruise was starting to form. Kakyoin looked down and mumbled something inaudible.
"What happened?" Hol Horse repeated. He hated being hard on Kakyoin, but if he was hurt badly, he needed to know. Kakyoin finally caved and took a deep shaky breath.
"Dio," He quietly replied with his long bang falling in front of his face. Oh. Hol Horse didn't need further explanation from Kakyoin.
"Let's go wash this out okay?" Hol Horse led a silent Kakyoin to the bathroom. Hol Horse removed Kakyoin's green jacket and placed it on the tub. Hol Horse would have to wash the tiny bit of blood out later. Hol Horse reached into the cabinet to grab a cloth, disinfecting ointment, and some bandages. He turned on the sink and washed his hands. He then took the cloth and ran it under the lukewarm water.
Kakyoin sat on the edge of the bathtub with his arm out. He hadn't been treated like this since he was a child. It reminded him of the night he and Hol Horse met. Hol Horse kneeled on the tile and started gently pressing the damp cloth on Kakyoin's wounds.
It was deep, but it wasn't as bad as Hol Horse had previously thought. Kakyoin's wrist might have a big bruise and a scar, but that's all the damage it could do. Hol Horse started rubbing soap to help disinfect the cuts. Kakyoin winced for a second but then relaxed again. Hol Horse grabbed a cue tip and squirted some ointment on one side. He swabbed it lightly on Kakyoin's injuries. He then took the bandages and started wrapping Kakyoin's arm.
"There y'go kid." Hol Horse pulled away and looked at his son. Kakyoin was silent. His eyes were downcast, fixed on the tile. He was probably thinking to himself.
"Feel better?" Kakyoin peered through his hair and his eyes met Hol Horse's.
"A little," Kakyoin mumbled. "I'm getting tired."
"Go to bed then." Hol Horse helped Kakyoin stand up and go to Kakyoin's bedroom. Kakyoin was just tired. His energy just felt zapped. He usually stayed up later, but tonight he didn't even have the will to change into his pajamas. He burrowed under his covers and clutched his pillow.
"Where'd you put the pack?" Hol Horse leaned down to sit on his bed.
"It's in my backpack downstairs," Kakyoin replied sleepily.
"Alright. Night, kid. I love you." Hol Horse started to head to the door to turn out the lights but was stopped at the door by a whisper.
"Dad?" Kakyoin was sitting up in the bed and was fiddling with the covers.
"Yeah, kid?" Hol Horse asked after turning around.
"Do you have to go tonight?" Kakyoin brought his eyes up to face Hol Horse instead of staring at the blankets.
"I do. I'm sorry." As much as he wanted to stay, they needed supplies with winter coming up. There was a general store in town, but with snow, it was almost impossible to get there. If he goes to the city now, he can get as much as they need for the time being.
"Can you at least stay with me until I go to sleep?" Kakyoin hadn't asked him to do that since he was a kid. Kakyoin's eyes were pleading with Hol Horse. Kakyoin didn't want to be alone tonight. How could he say no?
"Of course, kid." Hol Horse smiled softly and walked over to the bed to sit on the covers. Kakyoin made himself comfortable and laid his head on his dad's chest. This was better. Hol Horse put his arm around Kakyoin and pulled Kakyoin closer. Both of them had missed this.
"Dad, can you sing?" The first night Kakyoin had met his dad, he had been so scared that he couldn't sleep and was shaking. His dad tried to calm him down by reassuring Kakyoin that everything was okay, but that didn't work. His dad then tried a different tactic. He went to another room and grabbed his guitar. He told Kakyoin to get under the blankets and relax. Hol Horse then started singing songs while strumming his guitar. It did the job, and Kakyoin fell asleep after a couple of minutes.
"Sure, kid. Any requests?" Hol Horse asked. It had been forever since he had sung for Kakyoin.
"Anything is fine." It didn't matter what it was, it would work either way.
"Alright." Hol Horse started softly singing a lullaby he would often use after Kakyoin would have a nightmare. He started lightly stroking Kakyoin's hair, and Kakyoin snuggled closer. Kakyoin then closed his eyes, and slowly drifted off to sleep.