The Sun Behind the Storm: Chapter 1: A Stray
If anyone asked him how he would describe what he found that one night it would be...
"It's like owning a stray.", from the way he found the small figure walking through the rain. With little clothing and looking soaked from the mere sight. One could only imagine how long they little thing had been going through the storm that had blanketed itself over the city. Driving any sane person inside. Yet for him, out on a drive home. And noticing something idling in the ran. Going with the motions as they stood beneath the canopy of a business long since closed for the night due to the storm. A single light streaming down over them. Huddled against the wall as ran poured around them.
"Owning a stray?", a voice came in questioned intrigued.
"What's with that look?", the other questioned their companion who looked with a twinkle in those hazel eyes.
"Nothing.", the waved their hands, "Just the thought of you, the rather reclusive prince, taking in anything.", especially a 'stray' wandering the streets, "And brought them in from the storm.", the very thought itself lead to a number of ideas of how he even came to do what he did.
"Are you saying I would leave a defenseless creature in the pouring rain?", the other noted.
"Unless that 'creature' is worth something.", the other returned, "I wish I could have seen it.", it would have been a site itself. And he could have taken pictures, "I'm sure your little fans would have loved to see it.", they teased.
"One more word and I'm going to toss you hospital room.", head first, "I merely did what any sensible person would have done.", and brought the stray out of the rain, dried them off, and fed them.
"Adorable.", the other teased earning another leer from the other, "In all seriousness, you actually helped without a cause or reason."
"There is always a reason for any action I do.", he corrected, "Had I left it in the rain it would have no doubt drowned in a river somewhere or have been hit by a car.", or perhaps a number of other accidents as it mindless shuffled on its journey to who knows where, "Keeping them dry and feeding them seemed like a common courtesy one does when they bring a guest in.", even a stray.
"Still it must have been a sight.", the mere thought of the other carrying a little stray animal from the rain. Bringing them into the house where they not only let them bath in his tub. But even fed them. The other made a sound antiquated with that of a squeal and giggle.
"Will you stop it.", the other stated as they saw the look of the other processing the other's weekend activities, "It was nothing more than a common act.", no more, no less.
"Still it must be nice getting to take care of a little...", he paused, "What exactly did you rescue?", they hadn't gotten much detail on what kind of animal the other had found on the weekend.
"A kitten.", was there reply.
"Really?", the other inclined a bit, "I always pictured you as a dog person. Maybe even a bird. Perhaps a lizard.", but a kitten.
"What's wrong with a cat?"
"Nothing.", they said, "Thought most people get cat's because of how affectionate it is.", though cats were also known to be fickle and a bit unpredictable with their moods, "Did you get to hold the kitten?", again he pictured the other hold them.
"Not entirely.", they said, "When I brought him home and got him dry. I found some clothes to fit him and had a quiet dinner.", after that, it went to bed on his sofa. Even after he offered them the bed to sleep on. It chooses the couch, "After that, it mostly moped there.", if not for the lump of blankets they buried themselves in one might forget they were there.
"Oh poor thing.", the other said, "It must have been scared after being out in the rain.", cold and alone.
"It was probably its own fault for being out there.", the other commented, "I swear I would have left him out there if he would act like this."
"And there's the cold-hearted ice prince everyone loves to tolerate.", they teased, "So where's the kitten?"
"Asleep.", if he had to guess, "He hasn't moved much these past couple of days.", making him think it was sick from being in the rain, "I had the doctor look at him.", which basically confirmed his theory. Besides having caught a cold. The cat was, as the doctor put it, underweight for their age. With noticeable scars and wounds. Mostly focused on their arms and parts of their thighs. Couple with that being sick, they concluded they had no doubt been in a fog. Which could have been made worse the longer he stayed out there. Which would have been a long time, given the puddle he left when they were in the car. And what was left at the front entrance, "The doctor was able to clean them and bandage them up. Which was something else for him to do. Making sure they actually got their bandages changed and cleaned.
"Poor thing.", the other said thinking of an injured kitten, "It's amazing how what kind of people live in the world. Hurting and then abandoning a defenseless little kitten in the rain.", they tsked.
"Who indeed.", it wasn't an inclination of curiosity to the question, "Well as they say. Finder's keepers.", and considering the trouble he went through just to get the cat cleaned up and fed. Not to mention the mess that was made just bringing them into his house. And after all this time of continuously finding them coming back to his residence and even popping up. Perhaps it was time.
"So you're going to keep them?", that wasn't an interesting turn of events, "I was wondering when you were going to finally adopt them.", since he had found them almost three months to the day.
"Might as well.", he had already let them into the house and fed them, "Plus, it would be nice having something to take care of.", his parents always thought he would do well to take care of something other than himself. Give him a sense of 'responsibility'.
"Again, something you need to see to believe.", they said, "Think of it. Ice Prince Yue. Cat owner."
"Consider this.", Yue said, "Reporter Donny Morgan's. Automatized.", Yue warned.
Donny laughed, "Of course.", they brushed off a bit at the hollow threat, "Still it's rather cute. Having a little friend, besides me of course, would really help you come out of your shell a bit more."
"It will definitely make things a bit more interesting.", a little change in his routine, "He's rather quiet at the moment.", just lounging on the couch or maybe even looking out the window.
"Probably just wants some TLC.", Donny pointed out. "You give it a little affection here and there.", a pat on the head, some food, and a lot of attention now and then, "Next thing you know it's following you around."
Just the want to be near another they know will care for them.
"I'm sure even you can manage these simple tasks.", they added.
"You really want to go to the emergency room don't you?", Yue closed their books, "At any rate, it's time for class.", they pointed out.
"Mathematics and Statistics.", oh the joy of learning, "Perhaps something interesting will happen today.", and maybe even get them out of class for the day.
"Such as?"
Just then a buzz went off on Donny's phone.
"See!", Donny showed his phone, "An akuma alert.", and it was close by.
"Attention!", a voice came over the intercom, "This is Headmaster Reeds.", the headmaster spoke, "An akuma has spotted close by. All classes have been canceled for the moment. All students and staff are advanced to find a safe area to hide in until word is given that the threat has been dealt with.", they instructed an immediate evacuation of the campus for the time, "I've also been told to watch for...um, flying ducks.", as the effects apparently would cause people to play in the mud and refuse to take baths, "Again please remain calm and seek safe places to hide.", after the announcement the intercom went off.
"Rubber ducks and playing in the mud?, Donny hummed, "Must be another child akuma."
"And a waste of time.", Yue commented at the sheer ridiculousness of the current akuma, "What about not taking a bathe is the least bit threatening?", besides germs and possible hookworms.
"Most akuma's aren't threatening in the usual sense.", usually just someone having a bad day, "This week is more or less the same.", just some random person, a child, throwing a tantrum, "Want to help videotape the battle?"
"Why?", it had nothing to do with him.
"Who knows? Maybe we'll get to see the heroes in action.", up close.
"No interested.", Yue declined, "Honestly I don't see the appeal. Especially if they have trouble with the akuma's that had been made.", which again came down to the most ridiculous 'things' he had to witness, "Last week was someone trying to wrap the city in ribbons because they had lost their favorite bow. And just last week was a dentist who wanted to give everyone cavities because of an unruly patient."
"Well at the moment heroes and villains are the hot topics of the city.", with most stories dedicated to the heroes.
"Don't remind me.", he was already losing interest.
"Well, you can be disinterested.", Donny teased the other's mood for the day, "I actually want to get a look at the heroes. Especially one of the newer additions.", he mentioned, "Quite sad
"Do as you wish.", Yue had other business to handle, "With this open time I can use to finish my current project.", something he had been working on for months and was near completion, "Did you get what I told you?", he looked to the young journalist.
"Of course!", Donny declared, "I never shy away from a project. Especially one as interesting as this.", and when it was set on his lap he nearly hugged the other for giving such an interesting scoop, "I'm almost tempted to give my viewers a taste of what I've put together.", it was sure to turn a few heads and shake the city of Paris down to the core, "Couldn't I just give everyone a little tease?", something to keep them coming back for the full event.
"Do it and I will put you the ground.", very deep in a hole.
"You're no fun.", Donny teased, "But, fine I'll comply with your wish Mr. Ice Prince.", it wouldn't be a long wait and he never wanted to ruin the other's surprises, "So I'll bite my tongue.", lest the other bites it off himself.
"Again do as you wish.", as long as he kept his mouth shut, "I have some phone calls to make."
"Okay.", Donny smiled, "Good luck with your new kitty.", with that the boy rushed off. Calling his cameraman to meet him where the action was. Leaving Yue one of the few, if not only person, on campus. At least out in the open.
With a short exhale Yue took out his phone. He sent out a few texts. And took his leave.
The next few days would be critical to his project and he didn't need to waste time on ideal things. But, for now, he had a bit of shopping that needed to be done. Not to mention getting in touch with a few individuals for information and research he required from them. And of course, he would need to contact his parents to let them know how things were going in the city. Especially with his newest house guest that had basically taken up residence with him for the moment.
If things panned out. Perhaps he would become more permanent.
Just a few obstacles to resolve.
To Be Continued...
A/N: Please commit and review. Until next time.