"Don't worry…you're going to be okay."

"Promise?"

"I won't let anything hurt you."

The day started crisp. Cold to the cheeks as cool whips of wind edged at the pink flesh that was once so sickly pale. His hands shoved deep in his pockets as he continued to walk at a steady pace. The gavel beneath his feet crunched up until he reached the walkway to the school. The ground became smooth, finely shaped into wonderfully symmetrical tiles that curved into a beautiful fountain at the front entrance. He had been here so many times, yet the symmetry never failed to get prettier every day. Stopping to stare he let out a deep sigh, watching as the heat from his breath appeared to be smoke filtering out into the air, the world was an interesting place…

"Kid! Kid!"

The natural response would be to greet his caller, but he knew that voice; this was more of an attack than a summoning process. Kid had deliberately left earlier this morning to walk peacefully alone; his plan had been successful up until this point. Maybe if he managed to continue walking…he lifted his heel to continue on, freezing in terror as a hand grabbed onto his so suddenly.

"You're going to catch a cold standing out here like that…come on…"

It was too late. Kid's face darkened with sadness, his head slouching to hide from the shame, "Naoi, do you have to be so touchy…"

"Huh?" Naoi seemed caught by this remark, tilting his head with curiosity before smiling cutely, "You're silly." His grip tightened around Kid's hand, his fingers slipping between the creases of the opposite boys so their hands were entwined. Even making the "Excalibur face" wouldn't sum up someone's disgust for Naoi.

Kid grumbled, a light blush swarming around his cheeks as he gave Naoi's hand a gentle squeeze. He understood their job at the Academy, but Naoi took it to an extent that they were a real thing. He was only setting himself up to be hurt once Kid was granted back to the Shinigami world. Kid had a feeling it would be soon, his father never really was the stubborn type.

The two strolled down the rest of the pathway, Kid more reluctantly than Naoi. His eyes shifted across the girls that squealed shamelessly at the boys. Kid felt so violated at this school. It was disgusting, the least bit entertaining. To be someone's show wasn't his intention, but apparently it's all you had to do to fit in. He was just another piece in a chess game, not even a player anymore; he had given that spot up a long time ago when he met Naoi. They passed through the halls with ease, Kid slouching behind, Naoi forcing him a long with all his strength. They ran in to a few of their Host Club friends along the way, but only chatted for a moment. Winter had come so quickly and from everyone he had talked to so far, they were preparing for their holiday break. Kid didn't quite understand what the big deal was, but apparently some god like child was born by a virgin, highly unlikely, and now people celebrate his birthday by gaining their own gifts.

Quite selfish.

Tamaki had planned something extravagant as a going away gift for the girls, but everyone objected, so he invited everyone over to his place for the holiday instead. Tamaki was lonely in that big house he had. Kid and Otonashi were barely even enough to occupy two rooms out of a lot, so it was no wonder he liked throwing get togethers and parties.

"Kid…" His thoughts were interrupted by Naoi who had suddenly stopped in his tracks.

Kid turned to look at him, practically smiling at the final notice of the absence of his hat, "Yeah?"

Naoi furrowed his brows, "Can I….can I stay the night at your place tonight?"

"What? Why?"

"N-never mind," He laughed lightly, "It was a stupid question. Come on…we're gonna be late for class."

After that, Naoi didn't seem the same. He felt so distant though he was so close. Surprisingly enough, it hurt Kid. It hurt Kid to watch the boy frown, to watch him put on a fake smile though through his eyes there was apparent fear. He got some sort of vibes from his partner that were uneasy. It scared him how strong of an affect Naoi had on his mood. Kid did absolutely nothing but think about him all day. When they had classes together, he sat in the desk next to him and watched him do his work. When they didn't have class together, he texted him from underneath the desk. Naoi was generally a happy go lucky, very annoying, kind of guy. He wouldn't just ask a question then request you forget about it. He was more persistent than that.

The last bell rang and Kid threw all his books into his bag, jumping up from his seat in a hurry. "Hey…" He stopped in his tracks to the door, looking back to his normal science partner Aki. "Uh…" A blush formed on the boys cheeks and Kid tilted his head to the side, confused, but anxious to leave. He needed to catch up to Naoi.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah!" He laughed, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly, "Here." He shoved a box Kid's way before dashing past him. Strange. The weather change sure did stir up something in all the boys around here. He looked down to the new box in his hand, furrowing his brows before shaking his head, never mind that. He needed to leave.

Kid stopped by his locker quickly, placing Aki's box in the small space along with his own bag before taking off to the club room. He shoved through the doors, looking around the room quickly, "Where's Naoi?"

Tamaki shrugged, "He went home early. Said he didn't feel well. Is everything thing alright? You look a little worried…"

"Just fine. May I be excused for the day?"

"Sure." Tamaki smiled and waved him off, "Just make sure he's alright."

Kid whipped out his phone, walking out of the front entrance and down the same courtyard he walked through this morning. He passed the fountain, keeping his attention on the screen before him, texting Naoi quickly, "Where are you?" He sent the text, hearing a ding near him. Kid looked around, snapping his phone shut and back into his pocket.

"You couldn't have walked a little further before blowing up my phone with texts.."

He found Naoi at the gate that lead to school grounds, "Sorry..but I was afraid you left without me.."

"Afraid of walking alone?"

"Afraid of you walking alone…."

"Why do you care so much?"

"You're my God. A loyal worshipper will do anything to protect what they believe in…"

Naoi smirked lightly, shaking his head with a chuckle, "You've learned well."

"I could say the same for you…you're not wearing your hat." Kid smiled, "Now c'mon, you'll catch a cold."

They walked in silence for a while. Kid bit his lower lip, reaching for Naoi's hand, his fingers locking between the other boy's creases. Naoi didn't look at him, only squeezed his hand gently as a response. The walk to Naoi's house wasn't all that far, but it wasn't a very nice neighborhood for someone that attended a private school like Ouran. They reached his front yard and Naoi pulled him to a stop, looking over to him quickly.

The house was small, worn down with shackles drooping off the edge of the roof. The driveway was makeshift, formed of only a slick path of gravel in the middle of dried up yellow grass. The wood on the outline of the house looked molded, clearly darkened by all the rain it had endured. Little plant pots lined the window seal, but there was no porch, only steps that led up into the house. Kid studied the door, noticing the door was open with only the screen guarding the entrance. He didn't feel very comfortable with that. It wasn't safe. He turned his attention to Naoi, meeting the boys gaze without hesitation. He could not be bothered more by this house. The symmetry was all off. It was disgusting. Disgraceful…an abomination, it should not stand no longer nor hold humans inside…

"You need to go now…" Naoi frowned lightly.

"I'll see you inside…"

"No. You can't come in…"

"Nii-chan, is that you?" A little girl appeared from behind the screen door, hair up in droopy pigtails, thumb in her mouth and doll dangling from her hand. She had on the Ouran uniform for the Primary classes. She was so little. She looked just like him…"Nii-chan!" The girl dashed out of the door and ran through the yard, clinging to Naoi's leg as if he was metal and she was a magnet.

"Momo, what are you doing home?"

"I felt sick so the nurse sent me home early, Nii-chan, who's your friend? Hey, mister, what's wrong with your hair? Are you my nii-chan's friend? Want some tea, I gots lots in my room. Maybe you want a cookie!"

Kid was sitting at a small pink table before he knew it, being served invisible tea in a broken cup and plastic cookies on a napkin. How pathetic. But the child was very intriguing. She looked just like Naoi, it made Kid happy, in a weird way. Her name was Momo from what he got from Naoi and she was his younger sister, and only sibling. Kid had heard nothing of her 'till now, which was strange, she seemed like such a little prodigy.

"What's yer name 'gain, mister?"

" Diegad Kidashio."

"Kid? Got it!" She giggled cutely and Kid grinned in amusement. Naoi stood against the door frame to the room, watching them. Kid looked back at the boy, tilting his head.

"Pardon me a moment, Momo…." Kid got up from the small chair, approaching naoi who lead him into the kitchen. "Why haven't I heard of her?" He confronted Naoi with crossed arms and furrowed bows.

"It's for her protection, Kid…you need to leave…"

"Her protection? I'm not going to hurt her, Naoi. She's a little girl."

"You don't understand. We don't many friends.."

"You have me. And the Host Club, what are you talking about?"

"You wouldn't understand…" Naoi froze at the sound of the screen door slamming shut. He shoved against Kid's chest, pushing him back into the child's room. Kid stumbled, falling against the carpeted floor. Quickly getting t his feet he reached for the door knob but there was a heavy weight in front of the door. "Be quite.." He heard Naoi's voice through the door. He must be standing in front of the door…but why?

"Daddy must be home…" Momo spoke quietly, holding a finger to her lip before standing up and reaching for Kid's hand. "Shhh…" She took hold of one of his fingers, leading him to the far side of the room. She put her hands over her ears, looking at him to do the same. What was…happening…He edged his hands up to his ears to cup them, eyes widening at the sound of a thud. He heard Naoi screech, his heart leaped along with his body. Kid slammed through the bedroom door, feeling terrified of what he was going to see, he wasn't sure he wanted to see…he didn't want to know…

"Kid! Go back into the room!" Naoi shouted from the floor, holding his cheek.

"Who the hell are you!? What the fuck do you think you're doing in my house you little piece of shit!" A large man with a beer bottle swung at Kid, but he dodged it. Was this their….father? That's when he realized what was happening. The anger built up inside Kid and he ran at the older man, swinging and kicking until he was knocked cold. Kid took the bottle from his hand, pooring the remainder of liquid on his face before smashing the glass over his head,.

"I'm a guest…." He spit, growling deeply as he fell to his knees beside Naoi. "Are you alright?"

"What have you done! That was my dad…Kid.."

"He's no father if he's laid a hand on you, Naoi…"

"How'm I gonna explain this when he gets up? Huh?" The tears formed at the rims of his eyes, his body curling up in a depressed sitting posture. His face buried into his folded arms that rested on his knees, small sniffling sounds coming from his nose. Kid slowly pulled him closer, his arms twirling around the boy's body as he rested his chin against Naoi's head. His thumb gently stroked at Naoi's arm.

"Don't worry…you're going to be okay."

A small whimper came from the partner that was now clinging to Kid, head buried in his chest and hands grasping the fabric of his shirt, "Promise?"

"I won't let anything hurt you…"