-1Show me the meaning
By EpitomeOfMisery
Chapter VII: Scars
Kai rolled his eyes, watching how Tyson and Daichi were drooling over a commercial for food on the television.
Ray laughed at the two, taking the opportunity to sneak the popcorn from beside Tyson. He offered the bowl to Kenny, who accepted politely, before the Neko-jin turned to give it to Max, only to find the blonde wasn't there. He looked around, smiling when he saw the American sitting at the back of the room, surprisingly next to their anti-social team mate.
"HEY!" Tyson shouted suddenly, noticing the absence of the popcorn bowl. He lunged at Ray, quickly grabbing back the snack, spilling several pieces onto the floor.
The Chinese teen merely laughed, watching Tyson's antics with amusement.
"Hey, Max!" The world champion called. "What are you doing back there with the sourpuss? Come sit up here with us, buddy."
Max blinked, before regarding his friend with a smile. "No thanks, Tyson. I'm okay here. I thought I'd keep Kai company."
"Why?" Tyson asked. "Kai doesn't even like company." When Max merely smiled at him, he shrugged, turning back to the movie.
Max leant back against the wall, looking up suddenly as Kai stood. "Hey Kai, where are you going?" he asked, watching as the elder left the room. The blonde stood up and followed.
"Leave him, Max! I'm surprised he came in the first place!" Tyson called, his voice fading out as Max caught up with the Phoenix master.
"Kai! Hey, Kai!" The American called, stopping beside the other on the decking. "Where are you going, Kai? The movie isn't over yet and we haven't even started on the food or games yet."
The Russian didn't look at him, gazing up at the sky as the snow continued to fall lightly. "I'm leaving. They don't want me here."
"Of course they do!" Max protested, trying to be cheerful. "Tyson was only messing around. He wants you to stay. Really. You're our friend."
Kai didn't respond, moving to walk on when Max caught hold of his arm. "C'mon Kai, please don't go. It's not the same without you."
"Yeah, right, whatever," the slate haired youth said, trying to pull out of Max's surprisingly strong grip.
"Please, Kai. Just come back inside," the American said, pulling on Kai's arm.
"I said no!" The Russian snapped suddenly, wrenching his arm away, causing Max to fell back, taking the silver cuff around Kai's wrist with him.
Max fell back hard on the wooden decking, rubbing where he had banged his arm slightly. He stood back up with a sigh, holding his hand out to return the metal cuff to it's owner.
As Kai extended a hand to take the metal ring, the American stopped, spotting something on the other's now bare wrist. "Oh my god, sorry Kai! I think I cut you!"
The older jumped slightly, quickly retracting his hand.
Max blinked in confusion. "No wait Kai…. How did you get all those cuts?"
Kai didn't answer, turning around to walk away, but Max grabbed hold of him once more.
"Kai, those look pretty deep. How did it happen?"
"None of your business!" The Russian growled, shoving the blonde off and snatching back the metal cuff.
As he hastily reattached the band, Max's eyes were fixed on the scars. It suddenly hit him. His eyes widened, hoping he was wrong. "….K-Kai, did y-you… do those?"
The Russian gritted his teeth. "Leave me alone, Max," he said coldly. "Stay out of my business."
"But Kai!" The American said. "You didn't, did you? You didn't… cut yourself?"
The teen's silence told gave him the answer, as Kai turned and walked away, leaving the blonde American standing on the decking by himself. He watched silently as Kai walked away into the snow, his scarf blowing around him like a banner. The young boy's gaze didn't waver, even when his team-mate was out of sight.
"…..Kai…..why?"
He turned slowly, heading back into the room, more confused than ever.
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Slate haired shifted slightly in the cool breeze, the wind occasionally increasing to an icy blow, stinging at his skin.
The cold felt good. Numbing. It took away the pain. He didn't have to think if he was numb.
He focused on the quiet whirring, just listening to his blade spin below. It calmed him. Training distracted him from everything else. When he was blading, he only had to focus on Dranzer. Nothing else.
Crimson eyes opened slowly, as he gazed down at the blade spinning just below him on the rooftop. He sat on the thin fence around the building top, perfectly balanced, both hands gripping the metal pole securely.
"…..Max," he said softly, a slight growl evident in his voice. He wouldn't tell them… would he?
He called his blade back to his hand, turning as he stood on the thin metal railing. He stared out at the city, the cold wind blowing his scarf out behind him. The icy breeze stung at his skin as the wind increased.
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"Hey Max, what's up, buddy?" Tyson asked, sitting down beside his friend.
The blonde turned to the other, forcing a smile. "Nothing's up. Why do you ask that?"
"You just seem a bit down, pal." The navy haired teen grinned. "Hey, shall I ask Grandpa if we can start on the food yet?"
The American laughed, though it sounded slightly fake. "Sure thing. I'm starving!"
The blonde joined the others, as Tyson ran through to whine to his Grandpa about the food. It wasn't long before the teen returned, carrying several bowls and plates packed high with snacks.
"Okay guys, dig in!"
Daichi was predictably the first over, sitting crossed legged on the floor, surrounded by several dishes which were quickly being emptied.
Max chewed his noodles thoughtfully, glancing every so often at the door.
Kai…. Why did you do it? How many times? What could be so bad that you would want to hurt yourself like that? I know you've had some hard times, but….. Did it really drive you to this? he sighed, placing his bowl on the floor. I just wish you would tell me what's wrong, Kai.
The American stood, shrugging on his coat.
"Hey Max, where you going, dude?" Tyson asked, as everyone turned to see the blonde standing by the door.
Max forced a smile at his friend, one hand on the door handle. "Sorry guys, I just remembered my dad wants me back at the shop."
"I'm sure you can stay a bit longer," Ray said. "Your dad's shop isn't usually too busy around Christmas, is it?"
"He needs me to help out in the back. We got to tidy the house ready for Christmas day as well." The American pulled open the door, the icy wind instantly blowing at him. "I'll see you later guys!" The blonde called, letting the door slide shut behind him.
Max ran down the decking, toward the entrance of the house and out into the street, trying not to slip on the icy roads. He looked all around, bright blonde hair blowing over his face, framing his bright blue eyes.
"….Where are you, Kai?"
He set off down the street, in search of his stoic team mate.
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Dranzer sailed through the snow, cutting through the air with impressive speed. The blue blade tossed up the white flakes, spinning in a near perfect circle before running up the side of the building.
He stood braced on the fence, his legs spread evenly apart, never once shaking in the slightest. Perfectly balanced. Crimson eyes watched the blade's every movement, his launcher gripped in his hand.
Down below a figure squinted up at him, blue eyes widening in shock. "….Kai!" The boy set off on a run, dashing through the doors and into the entrance of the BBA and flying up the stairs. "….Please, don't jump, Kai. I'm coming!"
He reached the roof, breathless.
"…..KAI!"
The slate haired youth's head snapped up, turning to regard his team-mate. His blade stopped spinning as his focus was lost. He blinked in confusion as max approached him cautiously.
"….Kai. Don't jump, Kai. Please," the blonde said, his eyes wide and begging.
The stoic Russian just stared at him for a few moments, before he closed his eyes slowly. "I'm not suicidal, Max." His voice was even, not a hint of any emotion. No sarcasm. No sadness. No anger. Nothing.
The American stopped, standing in front of the teen that was perfectly balanced on the fence. He blushed slightly, looking at the snow covered floor. "…sorry, Kai. It's just that after I saw…. A-and… well just seeing you… up there… well…" the blonde trailed off, realising he was rambling. "I'm just worried about you, Kai."
"Hn," Kai responded, jumping down off the fence and landing a few feet in front of the other. He returned his blade to his hand, walking past the American haughtily. "You don't need to worry about me, Max."
Max ran after him, but stopped, seeing Kai wasn't heading for the stairs. He stared in shock, dashing up to the boy as Kai swung himself over the edge of the roof. He sprinted to the edge, leaning over the fence, his heart pounding.
He sighed in relief, seeing Kai walking casually along a slightly lower roof, his hands in his pockets, completely casual.
The American was slightly stunned, watching as the Russian strolled along as if it was normal to be walking on, not mention jumping off rooftops.
As the teen disappeared once more, Max leant on the fence, his arms folded and his chin resting on his forearms. "I wish I could understand you, Kai," he muttered.
The blonde turned, heading back toward the stairs. As he headed back down, he thought over when he had noticed the cuts on Kai's arm. He just wished he could help the teen.
The memory of seeing those scars played over and over in his mind, until he got back home.
"Hey Max, you okay there?" His dad asked, seeing his son's downcast expression as he entered the shop.
The blonde pondered over whether to tell his dad, staring at the man's kindly face. "I'm just worried about, Kai." He sighed, walking over and leaning on the counter.
"I'm sure the boy's fine, Maxy. Don't worry. That boy can take care of himself."
Max nodded slowly, deciding not to tell his parents of his discovery. At least not just yet.
He headed back up to his bedroom, sitting on the bed, staring out the window at the gradually darkening sky. The snow still continuing to fall.
Author's note
Two updates in two days! I got this up quick as a thank you for all your reviews:D Tell me what you think and I'll try to get the next one up as soon as I can.