Hikaru walked slowly down the dim-lighted hallway with tense shoulders. He glanced over his shoulder to see the guard still watching with tightened eyes. Turning back, Hikaru flexed his fingers and walked a little faster, staring down at the tan tiled floors. Around the corner, he came to a stop. By chance, there were no guards down this hallway.
He pressed his back to the wall and breathed deeply, closing his eyes. His nerves were out of control; he wasn't sure he could handle this… but it had to be done.
"Ready to go?" Tamaki's voice appeared, making Hikaru jump.
"Geez, Tamaki, don't do that to me," Hikaru said with a slight smile. Tamaki smiled but his eyes darted around the hallway; he was just as nervous as Hikaru. But at least they had each other, right?
Tamaki pulled out his cell phone, checking the time. "We have one minute until Kyoya starts and Honey and Mori create the distraction."
Hikaru nodded and peered around the corner, "Okay, as long this guy doesn't walk this way." The guard shifted from foot to foot. Hikaru turned back, brushing hair out of his face.
That minute flashed by too soon and suddenly the alarms were blaring through the halls. Hikaru and Tamaki watched the guard sprint off in the opposite direction. "Yes! That was a lot easier than I expected," Hikaru cried. "Let's go!" They launched into a run down the deserted hallway, past the sign that declared the area 'off limits to Civilians.'
Suddenly the hall plunged into complete black, blinding Hikaru and Tamaki from their route. The only light was from the occasional flash of the red alarm lights. "Dammit!" Hikaru screamed, pushing forward. Behind him, Tamaki grabbed onto the hood of his jacket.
"Where was the exit?" Tamaki hollered over the alarm, fear present in his tone.
Hikaru scrunched his nose in desperation as he curled his finger into fists as they swung side to side. He furrowed his brow and pictured the map. Estimating their location Hikaru replied, "Just a little bit further, then a left and two rights, and a straight-shot up the stairs." Hikaru's trembled slightly from being out of breath.
Tamaki did not reply, but Hikaru felt his fist grip tighter on the back of his sweatshirt. Hastily, Hikaru pushed forward. There was no time to lose.
They came to intersection and Hikaru instantly dove into the left hallway. Behind them, the faint hammering of boots rattled the halls. A fear grasped Hikaru, ripping his chest with breathless sickness. They were following already?
Tamaki pushed forward so that they ran side by side. In the red light, Tamaki's eyes were wide with adrenaline and sweat dripped from his forehead, making his blonde hair lie in clumps. "Just a little further," Tamaki choked out, gritting his teeth.
They turned at the first right with the men closer behind them. Their loud, threatening voices echoed down the hallway. What would happen to the two of them if they were caught? But the boys had no time to think about that as they skidded to a stop in front a sealed metal door. "I thought Kyoya was supposed to open this door?" Tamaki cried, his eyes wild.
Hikaru charged the door, pulling with all his might at the handle. Tamaki flew to his side, combining their strengths. But it was futile; the door was frozen in place. "Shit!" Hikaru cursed, kicking the door with his heavy boots. He wrapped his sweaty fingers into his hair with his heart beating fast. The voices and footsteps were loud in Hikaru's pounding ears. "Kyoya!" he growled, staring angrily around at the ceiling.
But suddenly the door flew open, and it only took a heartbeat for the boys to scurry through, picking up their earlier pace. Hikaru glanced over his shoulder and almost choked on his intake of air, seeing the angry faces of the guards turning the corner into their hallway. Thankfully, the door slammed shut before they could usher through. But it would only be a matter of time they unlocked it.
They flew around the second right turn, just in time to see the next locked door pull itself open. Hikaru silently thanked Kyoya and hoped his friend could hold out to open one last door. Hikaru's muscles burned as they raced into the smaller corridor towards the towering stairs. His breath caught as he mounted the first step; it was a long way up.
But the two pushed themselves, hurtling flight by flight. It felt like climbing a skyscraper. Hikaru lost count of how many turns in the steps they had taken.
They reached the last flight and the last door was in their sights. But it was not open. Down below, marching feet on the stairs overwhelmed the alarms. They were coming.
Hikaru reached the last step, flinging his body against the warm door. He could feel the sun beyond the metal; he could taste his freedom. He pressed his hand against the smooth surface, counting heartbeats. Tamaki shifted beside him. Their breathing intertwined heavily.
A small click startled them. Tamaki wrenched at the handle and they were rapidly blinded by the intense rays of the sun. It had been so long. The air felt fresh and was free of the mustiness. Hikaru swung a hand above his head, protecting his sensitive eyes. The two pushed through the door, vaguely aware of the rising voices behind them. Tamaki swiftly shut it behind them. An audible click proclaimed their safety. Hikaru smiled in relief; his eyes adjusted slowly as he squinted into their surroundings. The street was empty; the air was void of sound. Hikaru relished in the calming silence; it was a pleasing difference from the crowded halls of the Sanctuary.
Hikaru laughed shakily, exchanging a relieved look with Tamaki. They were out and free. They had pulled off the impossible. Hikaru mentally sent off an apology off to his parents. He was sorry, but he had to find his twin brother… even if it meant he was at risk of catching the Red Plague.
Beside him, Tamaki let out a deep breath. "Where to first?"
"Haruhi's house," Hikaru replied automatically. "It's the last place we've heard from them." There was a harsh banging on the door behind them, but they easily ignored it.
"Right," Tamaki said. He paused, his face in determination. "They're alive," he said to himself more than Hikaru.
"They're alive," Hikaru repeated.
So I've I decided, since I'm so busy, that I'm going to turn my full attention on this story and put "Paper Cranes and Paper Hearts" on hold for a bit. I truly plan to continue it, hold me to my word. I just feel like I need to focus on this one as of now. So I think I will put out one more chapter of that one before I focus completely on this story. It's a good thing, I promise, because updates should come out faster then. Thanks for understanding! See you next time!