AN: See first chapter for disclaimer. Read & review, but please be polite. Constructive criticism is more than welcome, flaming however is not. Thank you and enjoy =)
~ WBR
BetaRead: - 02/09/12
Awakening Part 2: Temporary reprieve…
The steaming mug of tea between Tomoko's palms seared her skin, the heat flushing her cheeks as she stared intently into thin air. Perched upon a tall stool before the breakfast bar, she could vaguely hear the whispering chatter in the hall. It made her blanket covered shoulders flinch, hunching up as she leaned onto the wooden bar. Her eyes screwed up, glasses forgotten on the work surface, the clock reading one thirty reflected in the lens.
"They think I'm mad, awh hell…"
The two strangers who had come to her 'rescue' had identified themselves as Sanada Akihiko and Kirijo Mitsuru, the latter's surname sounding vaguely familiar. They'd told her she'd fallen badly and damaged her forehead, her head bleeding as if evidence of their claims. She peeled the red stained cloth from her face, glaring at it accusingly. Her head did throb yes, but…
"We will be working together soon. Though I'd advise you to stay alive so that we reach that bit"
They were lying - she knew it!
Tomoko winced as she replaced the bloodied cloth to her wound. The dream was…was too damn real, that voice seeming to resonate in her head even now. Her clothes torn and scratched…no, she hadn't fallen. Something had gone on when she'd blacked out. She'd been stalked by something, something just out of sight.
Tomoko had all out refused medical treatment, jerking back from the silver haired boy as he'd tried to help her. She'd tried to get her equipment bag and run, to get away from them. There was something off, the way they shared a knowing glance. They just…felt…wrong…and it freaked her out.
But that Kirijo woman had turned her attention back to Tomoko, and seemed to stare her down. It was as if she was dissecting her, evaluating Tomoko with her ruby eyes. The brunette had been useless to stop Mitsuru from approaching, indicating for her companion to gather Tomoko's belongings. Her manicured hand had grasped her girl's shoulder as she leaned in, her voice firm "Where do you live?"
A groan emitted from the teen, the cloth splattering against the work surface. This whole thing was pissing her off, her mind trying to struggle through the tar like thoughts and memories to make so sense of it. Fingers tugged at her straggly hair, the events of earlier replaying with her mind.
Flashback:
The shrill ring of their doorbell went straight though her, causing her to shudder somewhat. Her heart was thundering painfully, her hair a mess, clothes disgusting and torn. That hand was still on her shoulder, almost like a disciplining leash around her neck. She couldn't run or snarl at them to get lost, no matter how uneasy the pair made her feel.
Kazuo's key clattered into the lock, her heart suddenly in her throat. The dim hallway light bathed them in its pale yellow hue, highlighting her brother's lanky, tall build. His hair was no better than hers, and judging by the irritated expression he'd probably been watching late night TV with his guitar in his lap and a beer in hand. Woody brown hair hid his ears, framing his face and enquiring brown eyes. Her breath hitched as she watched those eyes move and land on Kirijo-san's hand.
They quickly hardened.
"Evening" he droned, less than impressed with their sudden appearance. For that moment he ignored his sister's presence.
"Okida Kazou?" Mitsuru's tone was completely business like, one both siblings knew well thanks to Tomoko's mother. His back stiffened and his shoulders broadened at the manner of address, and Kazuo's attention fixed firmly on the red-head.
"Yeah, what is it?" Tomoko noticed the irritation building in Sanada-san's face; he obviously didn't liking her brother much. Fingers tightened around her shoulder and Tomoko winced back into the present.
"Your sister fell near Paulownia Mall earlier this morning. She has refused medical treatment for a head injury and is obviously too young to be out alone at this hour" Tomoko clenched a fist, desperately wanting to hiss a stream of profanities at the beautiful woman holding her captive, "I would insist you find her a doctor, seeing that you are her legal guardian"
Both siblings blanched at that, and Akihiko seemed to as well…before coming to the conclusion that a Kirijo knows pretty much everything about everyone in Iwatodai.
"W-Who the hell are you? Some kind of s-social work lackeys?" the sudden protective arm that darted out and snatched Tomoko from the red-head's grasp surprised both parties. She found herself shoved behind a warm back, her brother's white shirt stuffed into her face. Her breath caught in her throat, "You're right, I am her legal guardian and I intend to stay that way!"
She missed the startled look on the Mitsuru and Akihiko's faces as Kazuo glowered at them, daring them to say anything.
"No…No, we are just concerned passers-by" Mitsuru's voice seemed to waver. Peering round her brother's arm, green eyes watched the pair with suspicion – Tomoko knew something was going on. Ruby eyes met hers, lingering for a moment. She could see the acknowledgement there - Mitsuru knew that Tomoko had picked up on something and she seemed…pleased?
Mitsuru found her voice again, turning to leave as Akihiko started down the steps of the apartment block, "Just see to her injury please"
End of Flashback:
Kazou could be heard grumbling to their flatmates Ryota and Seiji, obviously woken up by the incident at the door. Though the door to the main hall was closed over, she could hear their deep baritones. And despite how frustrated and nervous she felt, a smile slide silently across Tomoko's face at the low murmur. It was comforting, just the fact that they were here.
Fingers came up gingerly to her head, wincing as she felt the long wound. It was a clean cut thankfully, though the depth of it meant she'd have to see a nurse in the morning. She'd have to wrap it in something to stop it bleeding again when she slept - if she slept.
Slipping from her stool, Tomoko scooped up the mushy blood stained cloth and chucked it into the bin. Dodging the various musical instruments and an amp her brother and his friends had left set up, she ventured into the main bathroom adjacent to the living room.
The dingy light burned her eyes, and she had to squint as she realised she'd left her glasses back on the breakfast bar. Swearing softly, the brunette stonewalled her haggard reflection in the mirror and pulled open the cabinet above the toilet. Eyes trailed along the various bottles and boxes till she came across the antiseptic and plasters.
Lips quirked into a lopsided grin - trust them to only have damn plasters. With a shaky sigh she took them down, eying the antiseptic with dread. She'd have to get Seiji to do it. The man was a paramedic for one thing, but by nature was far more gently then she or the others.
As if in response to her thoughts, Seiji's voice shattered the tense silence that had shrouded the flat.
"Tomoko? You in here?"
Gathering her findings, Tomoko poked her sore head round the door to find all three males in the room. Her brother was rifling through the fridge for another beer. The flaming red hair of Ryota was highlighted by the kitchen light as the muscular singer paced. Seiji was closer to her, looking up at her with a dazzling smile, lighting up his handsome face.
She grinned at him, "Morning senpai!"
Her brother jerked within the fridge at her chirpy voice, bashing his head on one of the shelves. His string of curses was muffled by Ryota's rumbling laugh. Seiji ignored both of them as he bustled over, catching her hand and leading her to one of the dilapidated sofa chairs. She perched on the cushioned arm, looking up at the twenty four year old expectantly.
He whistled lowly as he inspected the wound, sepia eyes darkening in disapproval, "That's a nasty one Tomo-chan, you're going to need butterfly stitches"
She cracked a grin at him, tugging on his nightshirt so he looked down at her, "Hey senpai, would Tan-tan be able to fix me up?"
He laughed in response, "Onee-chan? Heh, yes…yes that's a good idea. That would save you having to fork out for a nurse's appointment"
"Would she be busy tomorrow morning?" her brother came to sit beside her on the seat, gently ruffling Tomoko's scruffy hair. The teen pouted as she glowered at him half-heartedly. Seiji frowned for a moment, contemplating his sister's schedule.
"I wouldn't think so; she works evenings so it shouldn't be a problem. I will text her when the sun's up…otherwise she'll rip off any balls within reach" a communal shudder ran through the male occupants of the room whilst Tomoko settled for quietly grinning.
"Oi, stop getting ideas, midget" Ryota growled at her playfully, throwing a pillow their way. It was a deliberate miss, and hit her brother square in the face, "Awh man, so close as well"
"'Close' my ass!" Kazou grumbled from his place on the floor, legs flailing in the air. Ryota snorted, reaching for his beer can before retorting.
"Yeah…your ass is pretty important to you isn't -ACK!" another pillow flew across the room. Her flustered, rather pissed off brother stood glowering from behind her. However, his eyes told Tomoko that he was enjoying the distraction from the fright they both had earlier.
"Both of you are so childish" Seiji sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He opened his eyes again and smiled wearily at her, "Let's get that cleaned up Tomo-chan. I've got some bandages in the bathroom. Why don't you sit away from the firing line, I won't be long"
She let him lead her to the couch on the far side of the room - passing her spectacles to her on the way - before he then disappeared off into the hall. Sighing quietly to herself, the brunette leant her head back against the wall, watching with amusement as Ryota continued to goad Kazou into a fight. It was just a bit of fun, but her brother – for all his laziness – was known to have a short fuse if provoked on the right subject.
"Namely his denial on his sexuality", she thought with a grin.
It suddenly cut through her thoughts as she watched the play fight. Out of the blue and as piercingly loud as before - the creature from her dream.
"Prowling around at night time was always a favourite past-time of mine, you know" a pair of vibrant, slit-like eyes hovered in her mind. Tomoko hissed with pain, lurched forwards as she clasping both sides of her head. She instantly regretted it. The pain intensified as she gripped the cut by accident.
Yanking the hand away, the brunette found it to be covered in fresh red blood.
"We will be working together soon. Though I'd advise you to stay alive so that we reach that bit" she grit her teeth as it continued, clenching her bloody fingers into a tight fist. The sensation of blood trickling down her forehead caused her gut to twist and her mouth to run dry. She never noticed the drips that spattered from her scrunched up hand onto the floorboards.
Hissing again she tried to force the image of that eerie glowing smile from her mind's eye. But it was branded across her brain and eyelids. Whatever that creature was, it was forced her to remember.
"Until then"
R&R kindly please!