"Heya, Kakipi!" Ken's usual loud greeting didn't surprise me at all anymore. I must be going deaf or something, because everyone within a ten-foot radius flinches from his shout.
"You're off for the break, right?"
"Yeah. You off too?" I knew this guy didn't attend school, but mind as well ask. (It's good 'people skills', so I've heard.)
As I thought he would, he snorted. "Sure! Yeah, of course. Been off for the last eight years, Kakipi!"
We walked off on the usual path. The streets were already empty from people. It started to snow a bit, which was already annoying me. Those white fluffs melted on my glasses. That, and I'll get soaked sooner or later. What a pain.
"Hey, Kakipi, let's go inside. I'm getting cold," to emphasize, he sneezed.
We hurried to the nearest building we could find-a drugstore. Inside it was far from warm, but outside it was nothing but a blur of white already. Winter ceases to amaze me, really.
"Aw man! This sucks!"
Tell me about it...
The snowfall had lasted for the rest of the day. Chikusa and Ken-and some other unlucky customers-were stuck in the drugstore. The first half hour, Ken looked around at the items, while Chikusa sat near the window. It seemed as if it would not stop snowing, so with an inaudible sigh from Chikusa, he stood up.
"Where're you going, Kakipi?" Ken asks, stopping in mid-chew on his gum (that he had asked ever so nicely to have for free).
"The house to shower."
"Eh? But it's still snowing outside!"
"I know. See you tomorrow," and with that, the beanie teen was off. He buttoned up his uniform jacket and took a deep breath. Cold air blasted inside as he swung open the door. Ken was just starting to follow his beanie friend, but yelped when the air hit his face. The door slammed shut once Chikusa left. His body was nothing but a blur as he ran out. Ken let out a huff.
That guy really is strange. Probably more than me.
The harsh snowfall showed no mercy to Chikusa. His vision was cloudy, but luckily he knew the streets in this small town fairly well. He'd get to the house in no time.
. a . m .
He woke up to the sound of silence-if silence even has a sound...
There was hardly any light coming through the dark curtained window. The digital clock read seven in the morning, but the sky was anywhere near dawn. Winter in this small town was interesting for him; though the interest was beginning to dwindle day to day. Maybe it had to do with walking to school? Or perhaps it all depended on his mood? Although, most likely the reason was probably that the weather halted him and Ken from hanging out for the last week. Yes, probably.
He sat up and plucked his glasses off the floor nearby; those lens always fell off his pillow. Even with the clarity, he still couldn't see. It was too dark.
He got up and moved the curtain aside, letting in a pale gray light inside. He wiped off the mist and looked outside. If he had enough energy to jump up and down like a hyper kid does-or like a certain puppy person he knew-he would; but he doesn't. Instead, he sighs.
It's about time it stopped snowing.
"Ugh, this weather stinks," Ken muttered, sniffing a few times after sneezing. He was leaning against the local school's wall, waiting for Chikusa. For some reason the two had decided for the school to be their meeting place. Makes me wonder what Kakipi's house is like, Ken begins to ponder his friend's home. Is it a two-story? They probably have a garden. Or maybe a big tree. Hmm...
These thoughts made him forget of the cold weather. It also helped pass the time for a good half hour.
"Ken."
"Oh, morning, Kakipi!" Ken hadn't noticed when the tall teen got here. "Aren't you cold?" he asks after seeing that Chikusa was only wearing a simple thick sweater and his beanie, of course; he's always wearing that thing.
He shrugs. "Not really. Let's go eat."
And with that, the two set off towards an open diner. Any was fine, as long as it's warm and cheap. It was already time for the town to wake up, and the morning bell would start ringing soon. In no time at all, once they'd set foot in the street market, it was somewhat packed. Everyone scurried around, hurriedly buying what they needed so that they could be back in their homes. The two teens took their time in choosing a good diner.
. a . m .
"I've been wondering, where do you sleep?" Chikusa bites down on his bread after asking.
Ken was genuinely surprised by the question. It took him a couple of seconds to reply. "In a warehouse, obviously."
Obviously? Chikusa pictured one of the many broken and abandoned warehouses he ran around in during that day. Now that he thought of it, those buildings were the perfect home for homeless people.
"Wanna sleep over?"
"What?"
"I asked if you'd like to sleep over. The warehouse, I mean," Ken answers, casually fixing one of his many hairpins-it's amazing that this guy bothers to use them at all; his hair still sticks out in various places, looking as if he'd gotten electrocuted.
"Umm," Chikusa tried visualizing sleeping on the cold cement floor of a warehouse. No heater, no cushions, and the place would obviously be dirty. Definitely not an ideal place for him to rest in. "I'll pass."
Ken furrowed his brow, upset by the blunt answer.
"But mind as well check it out," he added afterwards.
The furrow relaxed and he smiled. "Awesome then!"
After finishing their meal, the pair walked out. The sun was nowhere to be seen, but it was still there...somewhere. The sky was a pale gray. No snow or hail or any kind of precipitation fell. The town was lucky for now. Chikusa could feel there was some sort of 'catch' though. After a whole week of snowfall, and now nothing? He shook his head. Mother Nature had something up her sleeve. The townspeople kept coming, slowly filling the streets. Store chimneys, ovens, and body heat began to warm up the market street. They took their time, loosening their scarves just a bit to breath in the winter air. Every sound was muted by the leftover snow. The roads were really the only areas with little or no snow.
They got to the abandoned warehouses a half hour later. Chikusa followed Ken, a few steps behind him. The buildings around them were all drowning in snow. Entrances were inaccessible by the large bulges of hardened ice. Windows were a frosty white with ice. A few strays scurried by them as they passed by. Their feet sunk a good foot or two a couple of times. Nothing but silence shrouded the area. For a normal human, this setting would be anything but comfortable; but Chikusa found this place very...homey. Though the only flaw was that there was no nearby shower...
"Here we are," Ken spoke up, his voice scratchy. He cleared his throat and spat out phlegm, the icky mucus splotching a foot away. Chikusa inwardly flinched, glad that he wasn't near the blond's side.
They were standing in front of a large metal door. Gripping the large handle, Ken wretched the door open. The metal grinded and screeched jaggedly, making Chikusa flinch. With enough opening for both of them, they stepped inside. Ken huffed before shoving the door close.
"This is my home, you could say," Ken plainly waved his arm around the massive room. The warehouse wasn't as bare or battered as the last ones Chikusa had been in (from last times chase he got to see quite a few). The windows were still in place, none with any cracks, and there were plenty of wooden boxes and a high pile of hay. Yes, hay.
Ken went over towards the hay and began shuffling a small stack into makeshift seating. Once he was done, he looked over to Chikusa.
"Wanna sit?"
The beanie friend shook his head. He'd rather stand.
Ken shrugged. "Suits you then," and plumped down.
The two were quiet for a while, each wondering what to say.
"Don't you get cold at night?" Chikusa spoke up.
"'Uh? Oh um, not really. Got this for warming up," Ken patted the hay and flung some above him. A couple of strands of hay rested on his head.
"Do you at least have lighting? It'll get dark soon."
Ken nodded then inclined his head to the door. "There're a couple of candles and matches over there by the wall."
After that the pair stayed silent, listening to the wind picking up.
"Eh? Where ya going, Kakipi?" Ken watched as Chikusa went for the door.
With a tight grip and shove, the door screeched open this time. He cursed when the sharp wind blew directly to his face. "I'll be back in an hour...or two." And with that, he left into the growing blizzard outside.
"..." Ken sat still, wondering how in the world someone can handle the weather going on right now. He shivered at the thought of being pounded by the icy snow and wind. He could handle the heat, but not the cold. His body-but mostly because of lack of proper clothing-could probably be outside in mild cold weather. He admired his beanie friend, venturing out in the cold with only a sweater and a hat. He's got guts. Maybe as much as me!
After thinking that, his mind was filled with vivid thoughts of the beanie friend. Maybe he's cold blooded or something. Or maybe that hat of his is some sort of heater! Maybe he has thick skin? Probably lots of layers. Nah, maybe he's actually shivering his butt off all the time. That would explain his quietness. I wonder how many friends that guy has. Um, probably not many. Or none at all. He doesn't seem suicidal or anything. If anything he'd probably kick anyone's ass if they try to pick a fight. Buut maybe not. He looks pretty weak. Tall and skinny. Huh, those type of guys always get picked on. Then again, they're also the ones with freaky pasts and stuff. I wonder if he's got a past. He never expresses anything. Like some robot. How weird. Maybe he is one. Or probably likes to act all cool and quiet. Hm, that's probably it. And he's got glasses too. Those people are always a smartass. Smartasses always end up dead in the sewers. Crap, I shouldn't say that. I'd probably end up jinxing him or something. Has happened before...
His thoughts continued, never noticing the droopy eyelids as the sky outside darkened.
. a . m .
Ken was startled awake at the sound of metal screeching. He felt dizzy as his eyes saw nothing but darkness...and the door opening. He yelped and fell deeper into the hay at the sight of a white figure entering.
The door began to close after the figure was inside. A thud followed by a sigh was heard in the darkness. "Ken, why is it dark?"
Chikusa's hoarse voice surprised the blond. "U-um, I fell asleep."
Another sigh and a flicker of candlelight later, Ken's pupils contracted a bit as the room dimmed. Chikusa set the candle inside a lantern before picking up bundles of...blankets?
"Kakipi?"
"Hn?" he set them against a nearby wall.
"What are those for?"
"To keep warm, what else?"
Ken noticed that Chikusa had left another bundle off to the side. He felt a strong thump in his chest. Are those for-
"Well, what are you waiting for? Aren't you sleepy?" the beanie friend glanced at him before settling himself into his set of sheets.
"Oh-right." Ken stumbled out from the hay, still drowsy. He took the sheets and fixed them around his body until he was nice and cozy.
...
"So um...why the sudden sleepover?" Ken couldn't help but ask.
"The blizzard damaged the electrical power."
...
"A blackout."
...
"There's no power at the house."
...
"...The heater doesn't work."
"I know what all that means, Kakipi. Geez, I'm not stupid. I'm silently asking why you're staying over."
"The house would be cold with no heater."
"I know that!"
"Then why are you asking? Stupid."
"I am not! I just don't get why you'd stay now."
"The temperature's the same here."
"What?"
"Weren't you the one who asked for me to stay over?"
"Yeah but-"
"But nothing. Just shut up and sleep."
...
"Kakipi?"
"What."
"Why did you bring so many blankets?"
"The more the merrier."
"Won't your folks get mad?"
"They won't care."
"...Did you at least leave out some?"
"There's plenty more."
"Oh..."
...
...
"Kakipi?"
A sigh. "Yeah."
"G'night."
"Yeah, sure."
They two fell silent after the small exchange. The only noise was the howling of the wind. The blizzard was still blowing, and from the sound of it, it was not even close to letting up. The howling would occasionally reach a higher octave or two, sounding almost like a shriek. The wind was nothing close to lulling. Ken couldn't even rest easy. Chikusa had brought earmuffs, so everything was muffled; though the sound of glass shattering was not. The pair was startled by the sudden occurrence. They looked at each other just to make sure they realized what had happened before getting up to their feet. There were plenty of boxes to place in front of the window, and luckily the shattered thing was near ground level. Ken stuck a few bundles of hay to somehow soften the whistling air that seeped through the cracks of boxes; it worked, but hay was blown over from time to time. The pair then went back to their resting spot, quickly shoving the blankets over and around them. It. Was. Cold.
...
...
...
Chikusa had begun to fade into his sleep, but a whisper had woken him up.
"Kakipi?"
"What now?" he really wanted to sleep.
"I'm cold."
"So am I."
"Yeah but...I'm really, REALLY cold."
With a sigh, the beanie friend turned his head to face the blond. Even with the fiery dimness, he could see that the blond was pale from the cold. "You're really weak against the cold, aren't you?"
Ken grinned weakly, wincing at the feeling of his lower lip cracking. "Y-yeah."
For a moment, Chikusa couldn't decide on whether to laugh or to pity this guy. He looked at the bleeding lip, and without thinking, placed his thumb over it. Ken stiffened at the sudden action, and not knowing what to do, asked, "Kakipi? What're you doing..?"
"Stopping the blood," he all but murmured. He had no idea what he was thinking-nothing at all, thanks very much-but he wasn't totally freaking out internally. He was more worried if the lip would heal soon. A chapped lip hurts a lot, especially when the victim is a person like this pup.
A not-so-strained-but-still-somewhat-awkward five minutes of silence later, Chikusa removed his thumb from the lip. He wiped his slightly bloodied thumb with a blanket.
"Don't lick."
"Wha...oh, right..." Ken was stopped midway from licking his lips-the main cause of his chapped lip. He'd forgotten why he had called his beanie friend, when a sudden chill went up his spine. Oh right, he was cold.
Chikusa had already gone back to lying his back against the wall, comfy and warm... "Ken, what are you doing?"
"Just shut up and stay still. I'm friggen cold," Ken grumbled. He had huddled (or snuggled) next to Chikusa, burying his face inside the blankets. He did not want to meet Chikusa in the eye in this position (and neither did the other) and certainly did not want to speak to him ( as goes with the other). The pair remained silent, warm, yes of course; but mostly due to the-what was it?-embarrassment. (?)
. a . m .
Chikusa awoke abruptly when his head collided to the concrete floor. With sluggish response, he sat up and looked around. Where am I? He searched for his glasses and once the sight cleared, he remembered. He was inside a warehouse. Correction, he had slept over in a warehouse. He then vaguely remembered...the window shattering. "...Ken?" He scanned the area for the blond but didn't see him anywhere. He could clearly see the shattered glass from last night, and most of the hay had been splayed all over the floor. Such a mess it was, but where was the blond...?
Snore
He turns toward the source, and stands up. Looking closely, Chikusa could make out dark clothing from the haystack. Ken's hair blended perfectly with the hay, and he looked pretty comfortable sleeping there. Chikusa watched as the sleeping blond shifted in his sleep, snoring lightly with a smile. The small trail of drool glistened from the morning sunshine coming through the windows. Chikusa wondered what kind of dream was playing in Ken's head.
Someone like this guy probably dreams of escaping. Being free and rebelling. Just like a dog.
...
His mind went blank for a while. Ken was similar to a dog. Dogs like to be free and do what they want, the owner-less ones that is. Free dogs tend to be rabid and dirty...Very dirty...Dirty...
A realization struck.
"Ken."
The blond only snored more.
"Ken, wake up," Chikusa said more sternly.
"Mnnn..." he stirred a bit, but was still fast asleep.
"KEN."
"Mnn...what?" he groaned sleepily.
"How long has it been since you've showered?" he questioned.
Ken, confused that this was the first thing he was being asked right when he woke up, looked as his beanie friend. "Umm...about two months, why?"
"..."
. a . m .
"Ow! Hey! Kakipi, what's going on? Ow! Hey, you're chok-guh...ow! Hey!" Ken pulled his collar, keeping it from choking him, while at the same time trying to stand up. Chikusa has surprisingly enough strength to drag Ken-who was about 132 lb.-by the back of his collar. The startled blond had no idea what triggered his beanie friend to do this. After answering his question, Chikusa had just stayed quiet and proceeded towards him. Now they had gone through the entire market. Nobody had bothered to ask if anything was wrong or tried to help the obviously struggling Ken. A few minutes of dragging later, Ken heard a gate creaking open. He couldn't turn around to look, but he could certainly feel the presence of a house looming over them. Chikusa had not softened his death grip from Ken's collar as he opened the door; nor did he let go as he dragged the blond through the hall, 'round a corner, or UP THE STAIRS. Opening another door, he finally released his captive and pushed him into a bathroom.
"You do know how to use one, right?" his voice sounded dead serious for some reason.
"Um...y-yeah," Ken definitely knew how to use a shower but-
The door shut close.
...
He's scary.
Steam fogged the mirror after the fifteen minute shower. Ken had no idea that a shower would feel that good. At first he was worried that the water would be too hot or too cold, and that the soaps would burn; but after stepping in-and yelping from the sudden sting of hot water on his bare skin-he was at ease. To be honest, he did sort of forget how to use the shampoos and soap-two months of no shower did have an effect on him. He winced every so often when the cleaning substances grazed at his many cuts and scratches; but he knew they would heal even faster being clean from the dirt. Ken really had no idea this would feel good. Now he stood in front of the mirror, towel wrapped securely around his waist, staring at the small bundle of clothes that lay on the counter. Chikusa must've come in and set them there while he was showering. A simple grey t-shirt and black jeans and-he sighed in relief-boxers. They seemed large enough.
A shiver went up his arms when he opened the door. The house was too cold inside.
"Don't you people have a heater?" Ken muttered.
"It takes a while to start back on."
Ken flinched, he had not noticed his beanie friend standing against a nearby wall. "Kakipi...geez."
"You get scared too easily."
"I do not! It's called being startled," he defended.
"Sure," he didn't sound convinced. "They fit. That's good."
"Huh? Oh, the clothes?"-he pulled the pants down a bit-"Yeah they do. They yours?"
"No."
No? Then, "Brother's?"
"Something like that."
Ken felt a slight change of atmosphere from the answer. Not liking the short silence, he picks up his own dirty clothes. "What do I with these?"
"Throw them away," he stated bluntly.
"What? I can't do that!" Ken was startled by suggestion.
"Why not?" again, bluntly.
"They're my clothes!" to emphasize, he hugged the bundle closer.
"So you want to keep those?" he looked at the bundle with an annoyed stare.
"That's what I said."
"Even if they're torn and beyond use?"
"Yeah."
"...Fine. Follow me," with a sigh, Chikusa led Ken down the stairs, around a corner, and into the kitchen. He opened a door that had a washer machine. Opening the top lid he said, "Throw them in."
Ken did as told and watched as his beanie friend set the timer. The machine beeped before starting the water.
"Hungry?"
"Huh? Oh, um, yeah," Ken had become distracted watching the machine. He seemed startled at the sight of Chikusa's eyes. They were darker than usual, probably from the lack of lighting. Now that that's mentioned..."Hey, Kakipi? Why's it so dark in here?" Even with the open curtains, the morning light hardly lit up anything inside, and the grayness of winter did not help.
"Saving lights." Not much of an answer, though he decided to keep his mouth shut for now. He took a seat at the table and watched the birds through the windows.
. a . m .
Their clinking of silverware was interrupted by the washer's beeping. Chikusa got up from his seat next to Ken and went for the machine, Ken following.
"We don't have a dryer," Chikusa said to the blond.
"And it's too cold outside...why don't you put them in the microwave?" Ken suggested.
The beanie friend shook his head. "Tried that when I was young. Didn't work."
A little surprised by the answer, Ken asked, "Did you burn the house down?"
"Obviously not, but the microwave blew up a couple of uses later."
The blond laughed. "Seriously?"
"Why would I lie?" Chikusa shook his head at the memory.
"Heh, what about the oven?"
"...Never tried."
. a . m .
"I think they shrunk."
"They smell burnt."
"You wanted to keep them."
"I guess. Hey!"
"What?"
"There's a hole down here...I never noticed that. Did you?"
"..."
"Kakipi?"
"Kind of."
"What? Why didn't you tell me?"
"Thought you knew."
"But it's down there! How would I?"
Chikusa shrugged. "I'd notice."
"Well that's you, not me!" Ken sighs, embarrassed that he'd had a hole down there all this time.
"I can get it sowed for you if you want."
"You can sow?"
"No, but I know someone."
"M'kay then."
Ken handed his torn clothing to his beanie friend, hoping that he'll really get it fixed.
"I think the weather's getting warmer out," Chikusa held his hand against the window, feeling the temperature.
"Awesome, let's go then!"
And as said, the weather was definitely much milder. So much that Chikusa was wearing a light sweater, whereas Ken stuck to a much thicker one. He couldn't begin to wonder how his beanie friend could stand the cold. The pair continued onwards to the market and went on as normal...
Late in the evening, inside one of the many houses in the neighborhood, a couple spoke worriedly.
"We have to start soon. The pharmacy won't be light with us any more," the woman spoke, slipping her fingers over her arms.
"It's either us or them. I've already been given the message," proving his point, the man showed a letter to the woman.
She looked it over and sighed. "I've heard rumors that he's been seen with another boy."
"What?" the man was shocked.
"It seems that he's been acquainting himself to others without our notice."
"Do you think the drug has been wearing off?"
The woman shook her head. "It's a possibility. That, or he's already been off from its effects for quite some time."
"How can that be possible?" the man was becoming furious.
The woman shook her head. "All I can say is, we have to initiate it soon."
They were startled at the sound of the front door opening. With one last glance at each other, the man calls, "Chikusa."
The youth appears a few seconds later, he stands at the entrance away from them. "Yeah?"
A thin bead of sweat trails down the man's temple. He gulps before speaking. "Where were you?"
"Out. What do you want?" his stare seems to look down at the pair in front of him.
The man's throat goes dry. Luckily, the woman speaks up. "Be careful out there, alright?"
"...Sure." And with that, he leaves for his room.
Once they're sure he's gone, the couple sigh.
"It shouldn't be this way," the woman places her head in her hands.
"It won't be anymore," the man assured.
Were they actually worrying? He shook his head. Not possible...what are they up to? With one last sigh for the day, Chikusa slumps into his messy bed. I shouldn't worry. Just keep my guard up. He shuts his eyes, letting sleep sweep over him.
...
Hopefully they won't use the oven any time soon.