I devote my inspiration of the first two paragraphs of this chapter to Stella-neko who gave me the idea in the first place.
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The redhead paused on the lawn, hesitantly gazing at Hiko's car that sat waiting for him in the driveway. His lavender eyes shifted to the bright lights streaming through the door of the living room. He'd just said goodbye, for the last time, to Miss Kaoru and yet, no matter what, a small part of his heart was still crying out.
He shook his head, turning away. He had to go before she decided to come after him. He turned his sights back on the car, Hiko was watching him intently through the windshield. There was no way the redhead could make a break for it. Hiko would see it immediately and stop him. He approached with a determined step, swaying ever so slightly as he moved. He was exhausted right now, he'd deal with Hiko later; all that mattered at the moment was getting away before Miss Kaoru decided to appear.
He slid inside the passenger side of the car. He pulled the door shut, his long fiery hair hiding his eyes. His face was not its normal neutral look, Hiko noted, never a good sign. "You alright?" asked the raven-haired man, starting the car. He began to back out of the driveway.
"Fine," said the redhead.
Hiko sighed, not only was Kenshin back to answering with single syllable words but he was also clearly lying. "At least he's speaking to you," muttered Hiko. The first week or so after Kenshin had moved in with him, the teen hadn't spoken a single word. It'd taken time, Hiko realized now, for the redhead to trusthim enough to let him get closer. Kenshin stared out the window not really paying attention to anything. His face was flushed and his eyes looked slightly glazed. He hadn't seemed to even notice they were taking a longer rout to get home. Hiko took a deep breath. He'd never been good with children. "This isn't permanent Kenshin." He could tell Kenshin was listening, though the teen gave no sign of being so. "You'll be coming back here afterwards, I promise." The teen stiffened at that word but didn't respond. "Giving me the silent treatment? Don't you think that's a bit juvenile?" He'd hoped that would provoke the redhead but he didn't even so much as bat an eyelash. Hiko sighed, it looked like he had to go to his last resort. "Do you know why I took you in Kenshin?" The question took Kenshin off guard, he glanced up at Hiko for a second before looking away. Hiko couldn't help the smirk that appeared on his face.
"Pity," came the teen's answer.
The smile immediatelyvanished, the small victory taken away. "That isn't true!"
"How?"
Hiko groaned, this wasn't going entirely as he planned. "How long have we known each other?"
"Half year."
Two words, a slight improvement. "That's how long we've been living together. What I'm talking about is the first time we met." He paused, hoping for an answer, but none came. "You were at Mizuki High at the time, something like two years ago now." He fell silent for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "Despite everything you'd been through, your circumstances, you respect my authority. You're one of a kind Kenshin, and I don't mean that by your history. All those kids who were in gangs, but you… I can't think of anyone else who was like you. I just wish I could have gotten custody of you sooner from that moron Enishi."
"Pity," the boy spat out the word with disgust.
"I know that isn't what you want."
"That's all this one ever receives," came Kenshin's reply barely audible over the hum of the tires. He struggled to keep his eyes open.
There was a long silence before Hiko spoke. "When you were in the hospital, I… was sent to check up on you. You probably don't even remember my first visit. You'd gotten a bad case of shock, and were completely out of it." He was quiet for a long moment. "What amazed- still amazes me is your strong character. You're bright and you know how to look after yourself. I saw a chance in you. You've got qualities to be a great person, better then being a thug who brawls in the streets." He glanced over at Kenshin's tired face.
His eyes were closed, Hiko thought he'd fallen asleep till he spoke. "This one… has no future," his speech was slow, struggling to string those few words together. The man could tell the teen was trying to fight to stay awake but the soft lulling sounds of the car were proving to be too much.
"How do you know?" Hiko kept his deep voice soft, not wanting to startle the redhead. His voice added to the calm atmosphere of the car. "You're trying so hard to escape your past, to get out from it's shadow. You've lost sight of everything else that exists. The more you try to ignore your past, the harder it is to get away from. Kenshin, you have to except what has happened and move on."
"Move… on," murmured Kenshin, before falling completely silent. Hiko smiled as the teen finally drifted off, his breathing slowing to a gentle rhythm. The raven-haired man turned the car onto their street. He was slightly worried that Kenshin didn't notice they had been taking a longer rout. He gazed down at the redhead for a moment. He looked so different when he left the worries of the world behind. His feminine face looked so peaceful with out the constant mask hiding it. Hiko found it hard to believe, even now, that Kenshin had once been the great and fearsome Battosai.
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The redhead awoke to find himself in his room. His room, a hollow smile slid onto his face. It wasn't going to be his for much longer. It was a feeling in the air, the way the bed suddenly felt foreign. He lay there, staring blankly at the ceiling. He felt a lot better now, his fever was almost gone. He could hear Hiko walking around his, no, it was just the small kitchen now. The clack of plates being moved and the sizzling of something being cooked on the stove, Hiko was making breakfast, never a good sign. Kenshin had only tasted the man's cooking on a few occasions and had nearly been poisoned on one instant. He knew the reason why Hiko was doing this. His hands tightened and for a second his resolve wavered. It'd be so easy to give up and let Hiko win. It'd be all too easy. He buried his face in a pillow, refusing to acknowledge the tears in his eyes as he blocked out all thought.
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Time was running out. Kaoru dashed across the lawn towards her bike. She'd meant to get up extra early today but somehow it hadn't worked out. She swung herself onto the saddle and began to peddle madly. The cycle wobbled for a moment, before balancing as her speed increased. She had felt it as soon as she opened her eyes that morning. She had to get there, for once in her life she wasn't going to be late.
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Breakfast had been a silent affair. Kenshin had eaten little before retreating back to his room. He'd been rummaging through his drawer when he found it. The sound of wood clacking on the bottom of the drawer had startled him at first but after a quick investigation he discovered it to be the wooden top that he'd owned since before he could remember. He touched the worn paint gently, afraid that if he pressed to hard it'd fall apart. It'd been a long time since he last seen it. He didn't even realize the top had managed to come with him in his move here. He sighed, pulling away slowly, staring down at it longingly, he wasn't going to take it.
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Her lungs were burning as her bike zoomed down the street nearly flattening a bystander. "Sorry!" she shouted over her shoulder, not bothering to slow down. She was running out of time, she had to get there. Kenshin was leaving.
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Hiko sighed as he half-heartedly scrubbed at the dishes in the sink. The car to pick Kenshin up would be here soon. He paused staring down at the soapy bubbles. A sad look coming onto his face. Even if it was only temporary, the house was going to be a lot quieter without the redhead. Hiko nearly laughed at the thought. The teen was so quiet that it was hard to believe he was even there sometimes but it was his presence in the small house that made it feel less empty, Hiko decided. He heard a car pull into the driveway. The sound of a bag rustling drifted into the kitchen then the front door opening. "Kenshin," shouted Hiko, breaking away from the sink rushing towards the door. "Wait!"
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She dove around the corner at incredible speed. She had to get there. She couldn't be late, not for this. She could see Kenshin's house just ahead. She turned into the empty driveway nearly toppling off her bike. She dropped it, stumbling a few paces before dashing past Hiko's car and up the walkway. She came to a dead stop just before the porch. Breathing hard, her head throbbing slightly, she gazed up at the man sitting there. "Where's Kenshin?" she asked, trying to catch her breath.
Hiko looked up at her slowly. "Gone," he answered simply.
Her voice had suddenly disappeared. All she could do was, just stand there in stunned silence. The one time that it mattered, the time everything was riding on her. For once in her life, she was late.
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I posted two chapters last time 12 and 13 just wanted to remind you guys since more than half of you missed chapter 12.
Anywhoo, here's chapter 14. Short? Why yes, reason being, on top of homework I'm also sick now. XP (sigh) things just aren't going my way recently. I have to say I'm pretty happy with this chapter despite its length… lots of stuff planned for the next chapter.
Big thanks to my wonderful reviewers: (see below)
AceRaptor Argh puppy eyes! My one weakness, can't resist cuteness…
Stella-neko I put a lot of effort into that seen with them on the porch, glad you enjoyed it. It was my attempt at putting some hummour into the story. As to the sword, no he didn't have one talking with Kaoru. (What kind of teenager keeps a sword under there bed? -shakes head- I keep mind on the wall) Interesting thoughts on Kenshin's dream thingy and what's going to happen next, you're going to have to wait and find out what happens.
summer star You'll just have to wait and see to get your answer. (grins widely) I promise I'll make the next chapter longer.
MikaylaMae Wee! More Kenshin torture! I'm so cruel, but it's fun (evil smile). Yay, my only review for chapter 12! I'm so happy. I'm hoping to put a little more Kenshingumi moments in, so keep your eyes out for those!
Reignashii You're going have to wait a see! Mwahaaaaaaa!
Once again big thanks to my reviewers and see you next time!