You're not the only one

I'm sitting in a room,
Made up of only big white walls and in the hall
There are people looking through
The window in the door
they know exactly what we're here for.
Don't look up
Just let them think
There's no place else
You'd rather be.

~ Fences - Paramore

January 5th

Waking up in a cold bed was still something Rima Mashiro had to get used to.

The white linens, and blank walls, spare a few pictures, were bland compared to the room she had been staying in before. And oh, how she missed that room. But, knowing that it was seven AM already motivated her to get out of bed and get dressed for going back to school.

Rima dressed quickly, and headed to the kitchen to find Nagihiko sitting at the counter already, and Baaya cooking what looked to be a simple breakfast. "Morning," She said, taking her seat next to Nagihiko.

"Good morning," Nagi responded, looking at the blonde with a smile. "Nervous for school, or no?"

"Not really. A bit. I don't know, to be honest." Rima frowned, looking down at the counter. Ever since New Years, she couldn't really take Nagihiko seriously after the little peck on the cheek. She knew it was really nothing serious, and it didn't really bother her as much as everyone thought it would. But when someone you had to share a bed with does that, it does kind of make things awkward when they don't have to be.

"I'm not. I'm sure things will go fine." Nagihiko said breezily. Giving Nagi a weird face, Rima looked away, thinking of school. She never did quite well in school, and she always was very self-guarded, and wouldn't get close to many people. But now she would have Nagihiko along with Amu and Yaya, and Kukai, if she saw him.

Baaya had finally completed their breakfast, serving scrambled eggs and toast one decorated plates. Rima didn't feel like eating, for the sooner she completed her breakfast, the sooner she would have to go to school and see the happy faces of people she liked mixed with the overwhelming faces of people who pissed her off.

However, she did eat her breakfast, and before she knew it, she was walking to school with Nagi, one of the main people that used to (but still does) piss her off.

Since Rima was staying with Nagihiko until further notice, she had been told to sleep in one of the guest rooms. She was also allowed to go to her house to get some things, such as her schoolbag and extra uniforms, along with anything else she felt like bringing. She was also subject to Ayameko attempting to get her to dance.

And even though she did want the court date to come sooner, she also wished that it would never come, because Rima was terrified. What if he was found not guilty? What would she do then, go back to living with her father and still get abused?

But until then, she had other things to worry about: her schoolwork. Before break, she didn't care about school, she cared about getting through it. With a lot more time on her hands now though, Rima figured that she should really try more. Nagihiko was helping as much as he could, but even he wasn't perfect.

January 13th

The court date was coming closer and closer, with Rima getting more anxious by the minute. Amu, Kukai, and Nagihiko (along with Ayameko) were doing their best to calm and reassure her, but to no avail. Rima was stuck in the mindset that so many things were going to happen. These thoughts, of course, were plausible, but they still weren't very optimistic.

Rima's mother had made all the preparations as soon as they found out the court date. All that was left to do now was to wait for the date to come and see what happens. Meanwhile, Rima's father was doing just what he was doing beforehand: drinking his days away, blissfully ignoring the nearing day.

January 16th

It was finally here. Dressed neatly, Ayameko, Nagihiko, and Rima climbed into a car and went down to the courthouse. Standing outside, was Hotaru, smoking a cigarette to calm her nerves. "Hello," she greeted curtly, looking at the three. "It's a lot of lawyers inside, we've still got a bit of time until they get organised."

"I see," Ayameko said curtly, glancing at the cigarette in Hotaru's hand. "Can I have a cigarette?" Hotaru nodded, handing her the pack and lighter. "Thanks." She said, lighting up.

"I didn't know you mum smoked." Rima whispered to Nagi.

"You're not the only one." He replied softly. "Anyway, how're you feeling?"

"Like shit." She said, laughing a bit. "It's not exactly like it's fun."

"Ah, so true, Rima. So if your mum wins, are you living with her?" Rima shrugs her shoulders, and looks towards her mum.

"Hey, mum, if you win am I living with you?" Hotaru pursed her lips, and dropped the butt of the cigarette onto the ground, rubbing it in with her shoe.

"That's to be decided. You wouldn't be able to go to Seiyo if you lived with me." Rima frowned. She wasn't the biggest fan of Seiyo, but her friends were there at least.

Just then, a man in a black suit walks out and turns to Hotaru. "Miss, the court session is ready to begin." Hotaru nodded, turned on her heel, and followed the man in the suit into the court room. Rima quickly grabbed Nagihiko's hand and squeezed it, before following her mother.

Rima bounced out of the courtroom lightly, a faint smile on her face. Nagihiko looked up at the noise, smiling when he saw the petite blonde. "How did it go?"

"Charged with aggravated assault and domestic violence. Jailtime for fourteen years!" She grinned widely and tightly hugged Nagi, who lifted her slightly off the ground.

"That's amazing!" He let go of her, and then his smile faltered. "Who are you staying with?"

"Well, the court granted your mother guardianship of Rima as she has no space to stay in my home, and it would disrupt her learning." Hotaru said, strolling out of court and lighting a cigarette. Ayameko came over, saying goodbye to a man.

"Yes, Rima will be living with us. As her new guardian, she will be getting her own room, and I'll be training her in Japanese dance as well. And with that, I think it's time to go home, don't you think?" Rima and Nagihiko nodded in agreement, following Ayameko towards the car.

"By mother," Rima said with a small wave. Hotaru waved back, her age showing in her eyes.

I can't believe I've just let the court give away my only daughter, she thought to herself. It's not a every day occurrence. But she pushed it out of her mind, just as Rima pushed the kiss from New Years out of hers, and Nagihiko pushed his feelings out of the way.

Things were going to be changing.