[A/N: I do not own anything Gosho-sensei owns but I do own all of the OCs sp please no stealy?
"This means speaking in Japanese."
(These are scene changers, now story start)]
The first time I ever remember meeting him was on my tenth birthday although my mother tells me he was there when I was born. Of course I wouldn't remember that anyway but still he struck me immediately as someone I would be able to recognize for the rest of my life. It is one of the few memories of my childhood that I can remember with absolute clarity.
(To the time when he was little!)
It was a warm summer day, perfect for anything to do with outside which is probably why my mother hosted my party out in the backyard. I was restless as I waited for my family to get there. I watched eagerly as all kinds of cars pulled up.
The first one to arrive was my Uncle Chase and Aunt Taylor with their kids Diana and James. Uncle Chase was my mother's brother and always loved to show off his restored classic cars, which he fixed and painted himself. Aunt Taylor was Chase's wife, she worked as lawyer in the downtown area but that didn't stop her from being the funniest and weirdest woman you'd ever meet. Diana and James were twins a little younger than me and were usually focused on videogames, this fact was proven by the gameboys they both had clenched in their hands.
The second family was my father's sister Aunt Kimi and her son Li. Aunt Kimi was the CEO of a big corporation, I could never recall what they did exactly but it had connections all over the world. She was young looking and really liked to wear pantsuits. Li was two years older than me. Whenever we got together there was sure to be chaos. He was a prankster plain and simple and he had a real knack from inventing weird gizmos that did really simple things, like his toast catcher that caught the toast as it popped out of the machine and flung it on to your plate so you wouldn't have to touch the hot bread with your hands. Of course there were still kinks in it like the fact that it often over shot the plate. One time it actually broke an expensive vase in his mother's house but we'd agreed never to talk about that again.
The third car that pulled up contained my mother's parents, Grandma Lynn and Grandpa Howard. Grandma Lynn was the stereotypical grandmother. She loved to knit and bake sweets, whenever she visited she always brought a plate of chocolate chip cookies no matter how much my mother told her not to. Grandpa Howard grew up on a farm that he had taken over when his father died which explained his thin figure and muscled forearms. He actually didn't like to be called Howard and preferred to be called Howie but we kids had agreed a long time ago to call him Grandpa Howard just because we liked it when he'd chase us around the yard.
The fourth car was my father's younger sister Aunt Chi and her boyfriend Daniel. Aunt Chi worked as a veterinarian for an animal shelter. She always had a really delicate look about her, like she would break if you touched her. But I knew she could easily break boulders if given the right tool, another thing Li and I had agreed never to talk about again at least while there were brooms present. Daniel had been Aunt Chi's boyfriend for three years and whenever I asked when he was going to pop the question he would glance at Aunt Chi and say that he was waiting for someone's blessing. Daniel worked at a bank but I was told that he was going to school at night, I had snorted at that (school at night, how horrible), to become a middle school science teacher.
After Aunt Chi and Daniel arrived the people stopped coming. I knew my father wasn't actually present at the party yet, he had gone to pick up his parents at the airport, but my mother continued to look down the road nervously every so often like she was expecting more guests. I was rather confused because everyone was here apart from dad and my other grandparents so I wandered over to Li and asked if he knew what she was looking for.
"You're turning ten this year, right?" Li said with a contemplating look on his face, similar to the face he made when he was thinking up a really fun rank.
"Yeah, why?" I responded confused by the grin that was growing on his face.
"Then she's probably waiting for that guy." Li's purposeful avoidance of a name threw me off.
"Who?" I asked, watching as my mom fiddled idly with the snack table while glancing down the road again. It was one of the few signs I knew of that said she was nervous.
"You'll see~." Li snickered at the deadpan look I threw his way. It always irritating when he teased me.
Suddenly I heard my mother called out my name, gesturing almost wildly for me to come over to her. As I walked over to her I followed her gaze to the silver car moving down the street towards our house. The car was sleek and obviously well cared for, like one of those cars you see as car shows all shiny and new. When I reached my mother she put her hands on my shoulders, pushing me to stand in front of her almost like a shield. While I wondered at the odd behavior of my normally laidback mom the silver car stopped right by our driveway, lining up behind Uncle Chase's restored car, and a young man stepped out.
The man, no older than a teenager, had wild brown hair that looked almost like mine save the obvious color difference. He wore sunglasses that had made my mind put him immediately in the cool guy role. He had a normal, casual blue t-shirt on and faded jeans, his tennis shoes were the bright white only achieved by being brand new. He scanned the crowd, most of whom hadn't noticed his arrival, before looking over at me and mom. Then he grinned happily and shut his car door before trudging up the driveway towards us.
My mother squeezed my shoulders once before easing the tension out of them until they were just resting there. Other people were starting to notice him now. My mother's side of the family looked on in puzzled bewilderment while my father's side brightened and began picking their way over to us.
"Tasha!" the man cried happily when he got close enough to hear. "It's been so long!"
"Yes, it's wonderful to see you again Kaito…-niisan." I blinked when my mother added the Japanese honorific to the man's name, almost like an after thought. Why was my mother, a woman in her late thirties, greeting a teenager, who didn't look a day passed eighteen, like he was her older brother?
"Is the whole family here?" the man, Kaito, asked glancing around with the smile still on his face.
"Yes, Ichiro will be back soon. He just went to pick up his parents at the airport." My mother smiled her hostess smile then she took her hands off of my shoulders and put one on my head.
"And this is the little prince who's turning ten today?" Kaito finally took notice of me, crouching down to my eye level. I blinked at the odd reference, glancing up at my mother who just smiled down at me. I looked back at the odd teenager before speaking.
"Yes, my name is Hiro Hakuba. Nice to meet you." Kaito looked me up and down before nodding his head cheerfully.
"The pleasure is mine Hiro-kun." He stuck out his hand and flicked it. Suddenly a yellow rose appeared in his hand, he tucked it into my coat's pocket. "Happy Birthday little prince."
"Thank you, sir." I had no idea how to address this boy my mother was being so polite to so I fell back on my father's politeness training.
"Please call me Kaito-niichan, ne?" Kaito's grin brightened at my stare.
"A-alright then Kaito-niichan." After I spoke he nodded and turned just in time to intercept Li's tackle-hug.
"Kaito-niichan!" he crowed. The teen spun the black haired boy around before setting him on the ground and ruffling his hair.
"Li-kun! How are those inventions of yours coming along?" Kaito laughed.
"Great! My movie picker machine is almost done." Li grinned happily.
"What happened to that toast catcher you were so fond of?" Kaito asked and Li threw me a sheepish look.
"We don't talk about that Kaito-niichan." I said while glancing over at Aunt Kimi who frowned at the mention of the vase killer machine. Kaito glanced between the three of us before nodding knowingly.
"How is the company doing Miss Big-shot?" Kaito teased at Kimi who huffed playfully.
"Wonderfully. I've just gotten a proposal for a branch in China." Kimi crossed her arms smugly.
"Where's the little veterinarian?" Kaito asked looking around.
"Trying to drag her boyfriend out from his hiding place." Kimi nodded toward the house and we turned to see Aunt Chi trying to pull Daniel over to our group. Once she finally got him close enough to us she let go of his hand and ran over to hug Kaito.
"Niichan!" She cried happily. Kaito laughed and hugged her back.
"How are you, little Chi-chan?" Kaito let go, pulling her away far enough so he could look her over.
"Perfect. I want you to meet my boyfriend." Chi was beaming at him before she pulled away, hurrying over to grab Daniel's hand before tugging him over. "Kaito this is my boyfriend Daniel, Daniel this is Kaito."
"Pleased to meet you Kaito-san." Daniel hesitated before bowing politely.
"As it is to meet you Daniel-kun." Kaito bowed back. I noticed Chi was glancing between the two anxiously. "Where do you work, Daniel-kun?"
"Ah, I'm currently working at HBSC holdings bank but I'm going to school at night to become a teacher." Daniel said and smiled at the faces Li and I made at the mention of school.
"Oh? What do you want to teach?" Kaito tipped his head to the side, adding to the young teenager look.
"Science, with a focus on physics." Daniel let his shoulders relax. Kaito smiled and moved to hook his arm around Daniel's neck.
"Walk with me for a moment. We'll be back soon." Kaito waved at us before he led Daniel away from us, his head tipped toward the nervous banker.
"He doesn't cut corners does he?" Kimi shook her head. I blinked up at her, more than a little confused, wondering what she meant.
"Ichiro is back." My mother called making me turn to look at the driveway again, just in time to see my dad's pick-up truck pull in. I cheered and started running toward the man climbing out of the truck cab.
"Dad!" I called making my father grin over at me while helping an old woman out of the truck. I should note at this point that I'd never actually met my Japanese grandparents face-to-face so I had no idea what they looked like but I knew immediately that this woman was my grandmother. She had messy, dark gray hair and dark blue eyes that matched my father's perfectly.
Once she was out my father turned to help out a neatly dressed old man. I could recognize him as my grandfather almost as quickly as I had recognized my grandmother. His hair was pale blonde, the kind of pale one only achieved through age, and his eyes were reddish brown.
The couple smiled in thanks at my father before turning to look at me. Suddenly I felt extremely shy. These were two people I had never met and usually I didn't care what people thought of me, but the wave of self-consciousness that hit me made me fiddle with my coat and brush at my pants nervously. Maybe this is what Daniel felt like when he met Kaito?
"Is that the birthday boy I see?" My mind blanked for a moment before I realized that my grandmother was speaking in Japanese.
"Hai Obaa-san." I said with a blush, very aware of my English accent.
"Come here child; let your Obaa-chan give you a hug!" My grandmother bent over slightly and opened her arms in offering. I perked up and moved over to accept her hug.
"He looks like he's got a good head on his shoulders." My grandfather said clapping a hand on my father's shoulder.
"Thanks 'Tou-san." My dad laughed.
"Do you think Kaito is here yet?" My grandmother let go of me and straightened back up.
"Kaito-niichan is here." I pointed back to the two men wandering around the edge of our property. "He's talking to Daniel, Chi-obachan's boyfriend."
"Really now?" My grandfather narrowed his eyes. "We shouldn't keep the others waiting, ne?"
"Alright." The switch from Japanese to English threw me off a bit but I followed them as they walked over to the group.
"'Kaa-chan, how are you?" Kimi hugged my grandmother as we approached.
"I'm wonderful dear. How are you?" I tuned out their conversation, turning my head to glance around. I blinked when I saw Kaito returning with a very confused looking Daniel.
"Aoko!" He let go of Daniel's shoulders and ran over to scoop my grandmother up in a hug.
"Let go of me BaKaito!" My grandmother sounded as irritated as Chi when she got what Li and I called broom-happy. Kaito laughed, letting go of the old woman to get a good look at her.
"Ahoko, you haven't aged a day." The old woman snorted in amusement.
"I bet you I've changed more than you." She countered. Kaito's smile turned somber for a very brief second.
"Well now. I hope the thief isn't trying to make away with my wife." I blinked in surprise at the teasing tone my stiff looking grandfather spoke in. Kaito turned to him with a deadpan look on his face.
"Again with that thief thing!" Kaito sauntered over, a playful scowl dominating his face. "Keep at that and your hair is going to turn purple."
Everyone looked at each other in confusion but my grandfather just rolled his eyes while my grandmother chuckled. This strange teenager was talking to my grandparents as if they were old friends, secret jokes and casual stances.
"If any more of those horrible chemicals touch my head I might just lose my remaining brain cells." Kaito laughed at my grandfather's comment.
"Oh yeah!" Kaito turned to Chi and gave her a bright grin. "That Daniel of yours is a real keeper, Chi-chan."
"Yes, he is." Chi beamed and hugged Daniel.
The party continued the way most birthday parties do. We ate, we talked, and at the end I opened the gifts my family gave me. The present that struck me the most was the mini-piano Kaito gave me. Confused, I blinked at the colorful box it was in before looking up at him.
"I think you'll like it Hiro-kun." Kaito's smile was kind. "Music can be very therapeutic."
After the party, when everyone else had gone home, he stayed and taught me some simple tunes to play. He left after two days with the promise to see me again. That time came five years later when my little sister was born.
(Suddenly he's 15? The hell?)
The hallway was quiet. Looking from left to right you couldn't see anyone in the sterile white corridor except for the small group I was currently in. I sat with my back pressed against the space next to my mother's room. Kimi paced in front of me, I was absently surprised she hadn't worn the tile down with her quick steps, biting her thumb nail worriedly and glancing at the door. Li sat next to me with his arms around his knees, burying his head in the divot between his knees. Chi and Daniel were taking up the two chairs across the hall from Li and me. A pained cry filtered through the room's door making each and every one of us wince.
Fast paced steps made me look up just in time to catch Kaito turning the corner. My eyes widened when I saw how little he had changed. Everything from his age to his physique was the same, only his hair had changed being longer than it had been five years ago.
After our first meeting my father had shown me picture after picture of Kaito and him, showing how he had aged but Kaito had not. Even though it had been hard evidence a part of my mind had always thought of it as a lie, a prank. The realization that it had been the truth stunned my brain for a moment.
"I'm not too late?" Kaito huffed when he reached us. Kimi shook her head and Daniel began to stand to offer the man his chair, stopping when Kaito slid down to sit on my other side. "Oh good."
"How was your flight Niichan?" Chi asked softly.
"A bit hectic but nothing I couldn't handle." Kaito smiled over at her. "How is married life treating you?"
"Fine." Chi smiled. "We're moving out of the apartment and into the house next month."
"If you need help moving you're always welcome to ask me." Kaito offered making her smile and nod. Then he turned his attention onto Kimi. "I hear you've met someone, Kimi-chan."
"Hm?" Kimi stopped pacing and glanced over at him. "A-ah, yes. I met him at a café. He's a college professor."
"I'd love to meet him." Kaito smiled when she nodded and returned to pacing. He glanced over at Li and frowned lightly. "Li-kun?"
"He's asleep." I murmured. "He had an important test in 5th hour and spent all of last night studying."
"Ah." Kaito nodded knowingly before grinning at me. "So how does it feel knowing you're going to be a big brother soon, little prince?"
"Honestly?" I smiled sheepishly. "I feel so nervous my stomach is trying to decide whether it wants to make me taste my lunch again or not."
"You'll make a wonderful big brother, Hiro-kun." Kaito wrapped and arm around my shoulders, giving me a small side hug. "Little sisters are like gifts you can't wait to open. They wrestle out your paternal side without ever trying and make you want to be a good person. Plus, they're damn fun to tease."
Just as I was about to respond another one of my mother's pained screams filled the air, this one much louder than before. Soon after the sound died leaving a ringing silence a small infant's cry made me sigh with relief. I leapt up as the door opened revealing my father in scrubs with an expression of immense joy, although I could swear I saw his legs shaking as he ushered us into the room.
The sight that greeted me made the air rush out of my lungs. My mother looked so very, very tired (sweat trailing down her face in bullets, her hair matted and stuck to her forehead) but her entire being was radiating the happiness I knew she was feeling. In her arms was a tiny bundle swaddled in a pink blanket. I almost tiptoed over to her, trying hard not to break the atmosphere, and when I sank to sit at her side she wrapped an arm around my waist, hugging me to her.
"My babies." She murmured sweetly. "My beautiful babies."
When Kaito bent over my shoulder to gaze at the baby in my mother's arms I moved to the side to give him a better view. His face was soft and gentle as he studied the slightly scrunched up face of the baby.
"Her name?" his voice was even softer than his expression.
"… Rose." My mother's voice was hoarse and sleepy but strong. Kaito paused before he raised a hand to pull a small bracelet out of thin air. The bracelet was silver with roses and vines carved into the sides.
"Welcome to the world sweet, little princess. May your life be long and filled with purpose." He whispered reverently, laying the bracelet on my mother's lap. "A gift from Chikage, Ginzo, and myself."
"Thank you Niichan." My father's voice made me look up, startled when I saw the group that had gathered around the bed. Kaito nodded in welcome.
"Hiro, would you like to hold her?" My mother offered holding out the infant to me. I didn't get to answer before she was adjusting my arms and placing the child into my hold.
My breath caught in my throat as I cradled my new sister in my arms. She was light and small and fragile and she stirred up a feeling of protection in me. She was my little sister and I promised to myself that I would never let anything hurt her.
The night passed to morning as Rose was passed around to everyone. We cooed and chuckled at her bitty little hands; our fingers feeling the soft new skin of her tiny feet. I remember seeing my mom drop off to sleep without a sound and adjusting the blanket to cover her more. Then I had moved to the back wall to watch my family converse about the new baby. Soon enough Kaito had broken away to join me.
"You're going to leave after this right?" I found myself asking.
"Un." Kaito nodded with a sad smile. "My flight leaves at noon tomorrow."
"When do you think you'll visit again?"
"Not for a while."
"Ah." The silence between us was comfortable but it thrummed with unasked questions.
"Little prince," Kaito began, hesitating only for a more before continuing, "if you ever need anything I want you to contact me."
He flicked his wrist and drew out a small business card. I took it, reading the perfectly curved writing below.
For help:
XXX-XXX-1412
"Thank you." I breathed somehow knowing to be quiet about this. Kaito grinned at me happily.
"If you ever need help contact this number and I will come. Alright?"
"Alright." I smiled at him.
(Maybe 5 years? We're in college now.)
I could feel eyes on me as I rested my head in my hands. Someone leaned on my side like it was the back of the chair but I was so used to it that it barely registered in my mind. The sound of sock-clad feet pacing in front of me was the only thing that broke the tense silence.
"ARGHHH!" I jumped at the frustrated scream, looking up at the man in the armchair across the living room from me.
"Shut up Chris." The pacing man sighed.
"But we were so close!" Chris shouted, leaning back in the chair and flailing his legs slightly in an attempt to lessen his frustration.
"We knew going in there that we needed a vocal." The girl leaning on me said.
"She did give us a chance to go back in two months." I sighed.
"How are we going to find and train a new band member in two months?" Chris groaned. "I mean, do you know anyone Ross?"
"We've auditioned everyone I thought of. What about you Ashley?" The pacing man stopped to look at the only girl in the room.
"Everyone I asked just flat out refused." The girl shrugged.
"What about you Hiro?" Ross asked making me freeze. Ashley could obviously feel the tension in my muscles and moved to look at me.
"Hiro?" I knew she was tipping her head to the side even though I didn't look at her. I sighed before folding my hands in my lap.
"I know a guy who might be able to help us. He's out of town right now, but I could give him a call." The atmosphere in the room lightened immediately and I was barely able to raise my head before Chris glomped me, pushing me into the cushion.
"It took you this long to tell us?" Chris laughed as I struggled to get out of his hold.
"I didn't want to bother him." I said, punching the excitable brunet in the stomach lightly before pushing him off when he winced.
"How old is he?" Ross asked walking over while dodging Chris's attempts to swipe at his legs.
"Around our age." I shrugged. "I haven't seen him recently."
"You think he'll come?" Ashley laid down so her head was in my lap.
"I think he will." I shrugged and glanced at the clock. "I have to go pick up Rosie from school."
"Fine. We will release you from our dungeon for now." Chris rubbed his hands together and laughed manically. "But don't forget that we are always watching.~"
"Hai, hai." I rolled my eyes and laughed at his confused look. "I'll let you guys know his reaction tomorrow."
"See you Hiro." Ross waved.
"Bye love." Ashley smiled when I waved while stepping out the door.
As I drove down to Rose's daycare I debated with the idea of calling Kaito. He had said to call for anything, but I didn't know if that meant for anything important or just for anything. And I didn't want to disturb him!
Later that night the debate was still going on in my head. Honestly, I felt rather ridiculous for worrying over it so much but he always seemed to be such an important man, an enigma that was untouchable.
Finally I sighed and dialed the number. The phone was able to ring three times before a young woman's voice answered the phone.
"Moshi moshi?" She asked happily and I blinked.
"M-may I speak to Kuroba Kaito please?" I asked. There was a small shifting on the other end of the phone before Kaito's cheerful voice spoke up.
"Yes. Hello, who is this?" he asked.
"Hiro Hakuba?" the lilt at the end betraying my nervousness.
"Little Prince!" Kaito cheered. "How are you?"
"I'm fine." I said, relieved that he remembered me. "How are you?"
"Wonderful!" Kaito laughed. "Is there a reason why you called?"
"Um, y-yes actually." My hesitance obviously got through to him because he hummed encouragingly. "I was hoping to take you up on the offer you gave me a few years ago."
"Oh yes, when little Rose was born." Kaito confirmed.
"W-well, the band I'm in has a chance to go big. We've actually had a few offers and have decided on a recording company but we still need a singer." I said nervously. "We've auditioned many people but no one has the sound we want. I was wondering if you could…" I trailed off, not exactly sure how to word my request.
"If I could come be the singer for your band?" Kaito asked in interest.
"Y-yes." I nodded even though he couldn't see me.
"I'd love to!" Kaito cheered. "I can be there as early as the day after tomorrow."
"Really?" I swear I almost squeaked. "You don't mind?"
"Not at all!" Kaito laughed. "I'll see you on Tuesday, alright?"
"S-sure." I murmured. We said our good-byes before hanging up. I sat staring at the wall for quite a while before grinning broadly. Lifting my hand, I began to dial Ashley's number.
(More time passes but this time it's way shorter, Also this first person is annoying switching to third)
"Why are you so nervous?" Ashley asked as she caught Hiro tugging at his blazer's cuff again. Hiro shifted anxiously from one foot to the other and glanced at her before returning his gaze to the road outside the café's window.
"This person we're going to meet is … a very important figure in my family. I haven't seen him since I was fifteen." Hiro tried to explain without really explaining. "He said he would meet us but I really don't want him to be disappointed."
"Is that why you're dressed up like you're out on a date?" Chris asked in amusement, pointing at Hiro's outfit with one of the forks he'd been fiddling with.
"I don't know what you mean." Hiro narrowed his eyes at Chris, daring him to pick on him again. The bubbly teen gulped and turned to the others to drag them into a new conversation. Hiro's glares were really scary.
The nervous boy turned away from his chatting friends to watch the road. He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm his heart. Honestly, he was acting like he was bringing a new girlfriend to meet his parents.
A few more deep breaths. Calm down Hiro. He chanted in his head. It's just Kaito and they're just your friends. Nothing bad is going to happen. Calm down.
The sudden sound of a motorcycle made him refocus on the road outside just in time to see a smooth white bike pull into the parking lot. He narrowed in on the driver, his adrenaline shooting up when he recognized Kaito's messy brown hair.
"He's here." Hiro said to the others and they blinked at his calm tone. "Ash could you scoot in?"
Ashley nodded and moved deeper into the circle of seating around the table. They had actually been lucky enough to get the rounded corner booth. Hiro moved over with her while staring at the front entrance, waving when Kaito came in. Kaito grinned brightly when he caught sight of Hiro and walked over smoothly.
"Ohayo Hiro-kun." Kaito slid into the open spot Hiro had made.
"Ohayo Kaito-niichan. How are you?" Hiro asked, smiling at the confused looks his friends gave them.
"Great! And yourself?" Kaito wrapped an arm around Hiro's shoulders giving him a side hug.
"Alright I suppose." Hiro laughed when Kaito moved his arm to hook around his neck before pulling him down slightly so he could ruffle his hair. Hiro struggled out of the hold and shook his head to get frizz out. "Fine, fine! I'm great thanks for asking."
"So who are your friends?" Kaito turned his attention to the confused looking spectators.
"Ah, Kaito-niichan this is Ashley," Hiro gestured to the girl with a grin, "Ross," a hand waved toward the man who blinked, "and Chris."
"Nice too meet you!" Kaito's accent had become slightly heavier but not disrupting.
"Guys, this is my cousin Kaito." Hiro sent a slightly questioning glance at Kaito who gave a subtle nod in return.
"N-nice too meet you." Ashley was gazing at Hiro in awe, she had never heard him speak in Japanese before.
"A pleasure." Ross nodded politely.
"Hi!" Chris was almost vibrating making some girls a few tables down giggle. He was cute enough with his short stature and childish face but when he got hyper he was awe-worthy. Or so Ashley told him, Hiro really couldn't see it.
"I trust you three have been taking good care of my little Ouji-kun here?" Kaito sent Hiro a covert wink which made him roll his eyes.
"Of course." Ross smirked, taking a sip of his coffee.
"So about the audition-." Ashley started but Kaito cut her off.
"Let's talk about that after breakfast, hm?" Kaito smiled before waving the waitress over.
"Are you ready to order?" she asked with the usual distant hostess smile.
"The number four with bacon instead of sausages." Ashley smiled.
"The plate of pancakes." Ross handed the girl his menu.
"French toast, hash browns, and a cheese omelet!" Chris cheered.
"The number three." Hiro gave his menu to Kaito who glanced over it quickly.
"And for you?" the woman asked Kaito after she'd written down Hiro's order.
"The 'Packed' omelet, if you would," Kaito flicked his wrist making a rose appear, "my lady."
The waitress blushed brightly but took the rose anyway, slipping it into her uniform's pocket. "I'll have those orders right out for you."
"Thank you." Kaito smiled after her before turning back to the table.
"You still do that?" Hiro laughed.
"But of course!" Kaito leaned into Hiro's side. "If I can brighten even just one person's day I'm happy."
"So you're a flirt?" Ashley suddenly seemed less impressed with the magician. Kaito blinked before chuckling.
"No, no Oujo-chan." Kaito's smile was suddenly layered. The top layer was happy and teasing but the bottom was sad. "I already have someone special. I don't need another."
"Eh?" Ashley tipped her head. Hiro threw her a quick shake of the head before looking at Kaito with concern. He had heard the story of how Kaito had gained his immortality from his father many times. The reason didn't disturb him and he hoped that Kaito found his beloved soon so he wouldn't be alone.
"So anyway…" Hiro would have to buy Chris something later for having such a beautiful sense of timing. As Chris led the others onto a different topic Hiro placed a hand on Kaito's arm.
"Are you alright?" he asked making Kaito blink and shake his head before throwing him a smile.
"I'm fine."
(Change to a first person monologue!)
It seems I never had to really worry, Kaito had such a talent for voices he could every note I needed him to. His performer's spirit made the lyrics meaningful and deep, he was perfect. He didn't really need training either so we easily passed the audition the agent had rescheduled for us. He always encouraged me to practice with him, showing him how I wanted it to be sung and such, so when we first scheduled a gig we were practicing almost every other hour. Really I should have seen his plan but I was busy and a bit too trusting.
(Don't be mean to me or anything, I have no idea how bands get contracts. Back to the third person)
"What do you mean you can't make it?" Hiro yelled into the phone fearfully.
"A friend of mine needs my help and she isn't one to take no for an answer." Kaito's voice was easy going and calm.
"But what are we going to do? If you aren't here we'll have to cancel!" Ashley shrieked into the phone she'd snatched from Hiro.
"Hiro can sing it!" Hiro could just see the smirk on Kaito's face. "He knows the notes, the songs. He can do it!"
"Fine!" Ross growled into the receiver. "But the next time we see you there will be hell to pay!"
"I look forward to it. Now I have to go, this particular friend has a very short temper."
"Kaito, you planned for all of this didn't you?" Hiro sighed. The only response he got was a laugh before the connection ended. The band stared down at the phone, its dial tone was the only that broke the silence.
"You guys," a stage helper poked his head in, "you're on in five."
"Alright, thanks." Ross's tone was curt as he stared at the phone before moving his gaze to Hiro. Soon enough Ashley and Chris, who had been huddled in the corner ever since Kaito had called, were staring at him too.
Hiro collapsed into the chair behind him and rested his head in his hands, the heels of his palms grinding slightly into his eyes. The anxious, vibrating energy that had been stirring in his gut at the thought of just playing the piano on stage had been replaced with the feeling of anger at Kaito. Fine! Fine, if he wants me to sing I'll fracking sing! But if he thinks, even for a second, that there won't be repercussions I'll kill him. I'll gouge out his entrails with a dirty, rusted spoon that was dipped in lemon juice and salt!
With that pleasantly murderous thought, Hiro got up and pinned his determined gaze on his friends.
"We will do this." He growled. "We'll perform and blow that crowd out of the water then we'll hunt down Kaito and exact our revenge, agreed?"
"Right!" Ashley and Chris nodded while Ross grinned evilly.
"Let's do this then!" Hiro marched over to the door, throwing it out and stomping out with the others in tow.
A countless amount of songs later, along with an encore, and they were lying on their backs in the dressing room. Ross was draped on the couch with Ashley lying across his lap. Chris was sitting in the sofa sideways so his legs and head hung off of the edges. Hiro was lying spread-eagled on the floor. Each of them had a smile of intense satisfaction on their faces.
A small knock on the door had Hiro raising his head to look at it before glancing around. Seeing that none of his band mates had even twitched at the sound he sighed and pushed himself up. After a moment he was stumbling over to the door.
"Yes?" he asked as poked his head out of the room and blinked when he caught sight of two girls standing in front of him. One was standing like she was at complete ease, the smirk on her face screamed confidence, her bleached blonde hair was tied back in a tight ponytail. She wore the usual tight baby-doll t-shirt and jean short shorts.
Behind her the other girl was hiding peeking over her shoulder to look at him. She was rather petite and wore much more conservative clothing than the other girl, a slightly baggy tank-top and dark blue, boot cut jeans. Her hair was bright red, obviously dyed, and her eyes were bright blue, the color easily identifiable by the dark eyeliner she had on.
"You're Hiro Hakuba, right?" the confident girl asked, making Hiro blink.
"Yes, was there something you needed?" He frowned in confusion when the redhead flushed and ducked behind the blonde's shoulder.
"I'm Leah Williams," the blonde ignored his question, "this is Ruth Wazuka."
"Alright?" Hiro tipped his head in confusion. "Is there something I can do for you?"
"Well not for me but Roo here wants to know when your next concert is." Leah said easily.
"Leah-chan!" 'Roo' squeaked.
"We don't have one scheduled." Hiro said honestly. "This was our first gig."
"R-really?" Roo asked softly. "Y-you sounded s-so professional."
"Thanks." Hiro grinned at her. "It would have been better if our lead singer hadn't ditched."
"I-I don't th-think so." Roo murmured sincerely. "You were really good."
"…" Hiro narrowed his eyes at her for a moment before he nodded to himself. "If you really mean that I have an idea."
"W-what?" Roo was almost squeaking again.
"Well we could exchange phone numbers or email addresses and I could contact you when the band has a concert or something." Hiro smiled and Roo almost fainted into Leah, who was watching this all with a large grin on her face.
"S-s-sure." Roo's face almost matched her hair color and Hiro found himself thinking how cute it looked. He snagged a business card that already had his email and home phone number, as well as that of the rest of the band's and their agent's, and quickly jotted down his cell phone number on the back.
"Here." Hiro held out the card and Roo's hand was shaking as she took it. "The number on the back is my cell, you can usually get ahold of me by that number."
Roo looked like a ripened tomato and was actually swaying slightly so Leah took over the conversation, bidding the amused musician a quick goodbye before leading her small friend away. Hiro closed the door and turned to see three teasing faces staring at him.
"…What?" he muttered.
"Oh, I am so calling Kaito." Ashley laughed. "Ickle Hiro's first girlfriend!"
"I-it wasn't like that!" Hiro yelped before diving at the girl, trying to snatch her phone, consequently landing on Ross as he did. The three started to wrestle as Chris watched before he shrugged.
"Banzai!" he yelled as he dove into the fray.
(Monologue Numero dos!)
Ok, maybe it was like that. After talking to each other by email and phone for about two months we stated going out. It was two years after that, that I asked Roo to marry me. The ceremony was small but fun as hell. I do remember telling Aoko-obaachan about Kaito's sudden departure on the night of the concert, she had been able to con Chi and Kimi into hunting him down with cleaning utensils.
A year after our marriage Roo and I were blessed with a beautiful baby girl. Our daughter had Roo's natural mousey brown hair and my deep blue eyes. We named her Suki mostly because we liked the name. Rose had told how old I was making her feel as she was about seven and already an aunt.
Of course not everything can go perfectly. I was away a lot with the band which stressed the marriage and hurt my relationship with my daughter, but we were able to get passed those things. But life, being the bi-female dog it was, decided to throw us for a loop.
(Starts getting sad now)
"What did you say?" Hiro's voice was breathy and horrified.
The doctor winced but repeated the diagnosis all the same. "It's an accelerated form of brain cancer. There are a few kinds of treatments but they do nothing more than hold off the inevitable." [A/N: Again I did no research what so ever. Complete fiction!]
The silence after that doctor's short speech was ringing with tension. Hiro's hands were loose in his lap and his eyes were blank with shock.
"I'll leave you alone to make your calls." The doctor's voice was thick, like he was trying to keep back tears. Hiro didn't move for quite some time, trying to come to terms with the sudden news of his impending death. Funnily enough, the thoughts that whirled through his head were calm and cool. Not to sound heroic or anything but he wasn't afraid of death. Knowing someone who could live forever, seeing the painful loneliness that Kaito tried so hard to hide, made Hiro sure he could never want that.
He only wished he could have more time. More time with his family, more time with his child, more time with his wife! He needed the doctor to come back and tell him how long he had.
Just as the thought struck him the door opened and a young nurse walked in. She seemed alarmed at the sight of him, maybe the doctor hadn't told anyone there was still someone in here?
"Mr. Hakuba, your wife is here." Hiro started in surprise, he hadn't called anyone.
"Who called her?" Hiro asked. The woman shifted uncomfortably.
"Dr. Spruce told me to call her, was I not supposed to?" She seemed very nervous like she was waiting for him to lash out. He just sighed and got up.
"It's alright. If you would, could you please get the doctor to come in here before you lead my wife back here?" Hiro asked with a solemn smile. The woman nodded sadly and left.
The doctor returned just as Hiro was done collecting himself. He seemed very skittish, dodging his eyes and fiddling with his fingers. Hiro let his eyes soften, the poor man must be devastated. He was a fairly new addition to the clinic, just out of college, and Hiro was his first returning patient.
"How long do I have?" Hiro asked quietly, though it almost seemed like he was shouting in the dead silence.
"Two to two-and-a-half years." The doctor's response was automatic and slightly mechanical.
"How long will I be in the hospital during those two years?" Hiro wouldn't hope for the extra half a year, it was a fruitless venture.
"A year."
"I see." Hiro closed his eyes, folding his hands in his lap. "Thank you for telling me out straight, Doctor."
The man flinched when the door opened and Roo walked in. Hiro's heart broke when he saw her. Tears were sliding in a river down her cheeks, her breath hiccupping in her throat, and her face flushed from crying. He wanted to hold her and comfort her, to say that everything would be alright. But he knew she hated false hope even more then he did so he simply opened his arms, letting her rush into his embrace.
"H-Hiro." She sobbed breathlessly, clutching to him as he lifted her into his lap. "Hiro…"
"Roo, I know you don't want to hear it but… there's nothing to be done. I have one year left before I start living in the hospital. I want nothing more than to spend every waking moment with you. With you and with our daughter and our family and… everyone." Hiro murmured into her hair, rubbing her back in the hopes that it would stop the tears. He sighed in relief when the tears subsided though the halting and sharp sobbing breaths continued. He turned to look at the doctor with a smile. "I'll be going then. I'll be seeing you later."
"Yes…" the doctor's voice cracked and he opened the door. Hiro scooped Roo up in a bridal hold before following the man down the hallway and out into the lounge. He gave the man one last smile before going outside, moving towards Roo's car.
He slipped the hiccupping woman into the passenger's seat and drove home. Once they pulled into the garage he helped his wife out, leading her carefully up the stairs and tucking her into bed. With that done he moved over to the phone and began dialing numbers.
Every time he delivered the news it was met with cries and shock but for some reason his shoulders got lighter each time, like a weight was leaving. Of course the heaviest one remained for a long time as he avoided that one combination of digits. Finally there was only that one name left and he slowly pushed the buttons. Once the full number was in he held the phone up to his ear. When the ringing stopped with a click he almost wished it was the voice mail. No such luck.
"Moshi moshi!" Kaito's voice rang out of the speaker, loud and cheerful. Hiro swallowed in hopes to quell the odd mixture of panic, fear, and comfort.
"Kaito-niichan? It's Hiro. I'm afraid I have some bad news…"
(Told you…)
How Kaito arrived by the next day was a mystery to everyone but no one questioned it. My parents moved into the house at the same time as Kaito so he was forced to share a room with Suki and Rose, but he didn't complain. Kimi, Charlie(Kimi's husband, they had a small marriage, very hush-hush), Chi, and Daniel chipped in together and rented a townhouse just outside of town. Li was even flying to Japan to help our grandparents set up to travel over to England, they had promised to spend as much time as possible with me and the family. My mother's family popped in at random times with food, presents, and playthings for Suki. Ross and Ashley, who had gotten married as well, helped me write my last few songs while I could, even letting me dictating to them at some points. Chris and his life partner Ben, it hadn't surprised anyone when he had appeared one day with the quiet man in tow, helped keep the media out of it.
It was one of the best years of my life.
Then my body broke down enough for me to get a permanent room in the hospital. With all of the pain killers the staff gave me I doubt I was sane half the time, but the times when I was aware of myself I wrote in the notebooks Kaito would bring to me. He always seemed to be somewhere in the building but I knew he had to leave at some points if only to get the notebooks. Roo was the second most frequent and she often brought Suki with her. My band mates had been able to sneak in my portable keyboard so I could play. I wasn't supposed to have it but no one took it away.
I knew the time was coming when my vision began to fade. When I told Kaito this he never left. I could feel his presence at all times and it was so very comforting. He didn't tell Roo as per my request, she would destroy herself trying to stay next to me. Soon the pain killers only managed to dull the pain and then finally, finally, the day was here.
I woke as I normally did and drank the water Kaito gave to me before I spoke.
"Kaito-niichan," my voice was rough from disuse but you could here the pain under it.
"Little prince." He murmured, moving to his knees so he could hear me better.
"It's today." I whispered and his breath caught. "Could you call them? Roo first."
"Of course." He said before moving to the phone. I don't know when I slipped into that trance but when I woke up Roo was right next to me, her fingers tracing my hand's creases lightly.
"Roo…" I murmured and her head shot up.
"Hiro! Oh Hiro." Ah, the sound of my name on her tongue was always so very soothing. I could feel the anxious stirrings in my heart fall away.
"I love you Roo. So very much." My voice was weak but it didn't break or stutter. Good, I wanted to get this out without any troubles.
"I l-love you too, Hiro." Roo sobbed as she pressed my hand to her cheek. "From the first moment I saw you, from the first moment I heard your voice, I love you my darling husband."
"Ruth, my beautiful goddess, my other half, you who holds the other end of my red string. Don't cry love. I can't stand it when you cry." Her shaking breath calmed slightly but the tears didn't pause. "I want you to be happy. I'm so sorry I couldn't be strong enough to stand by you forever."
"Hiro." She chocked out. Oh, my strong little goddess. She was trying so hard to be strong.
"I have to leave my love. But I'll always be with you. Please. Please, try to be happy." I sighed and let my heavy, oh so heavy, eyelids close. "Love you. Love you."
"I love you too." That was the last thing I heard as I finally slipped into the black whiteness that beaconed to me.
(…. Oh god I'm crying!)
Kaito watched from the back of the church as the preacher did the funeral service, speaking as if he knew the little prince personally. His Poker Face had thrown up the only expression he could manage, a blank mask that betrayed no emotion. Of course inside the tears couldn't stop. This was the fourth time he had seen someone die. The first had been Jii who had been followed by Ginzo then by his own mother.
But this was different! Hiro, his little prince, had been like his child then his best friend. A perfect little boy and a wonderfully talented musician.
"The good really do die young huh?" his whispered to himself darkly.
"Kaito." The magician jumped and turned to see Aoko supporting herself on his arm. "They're calling for you."
"Right." Kaito sighed and moved away to join the other three on stage. Ross was at his normal place with his bass guitar in his hands, Ashley was next to him with her beat up old acoustic, and Chris was at the drums. All of them had the same blank masks.
"Shall we?" Kaito asked before moving to the microphone. They watched him for a moment before moving to their spots. Kaito tapped the microphone, testing to see if it was on before leaning forward. "Excuse me."
The attention moved from comforting each other to the stage and the odd man who was wearing a bright white suit to a funeral.
"Thank you. We are going to perform a song that the little prince wrote himself. It's called 'the Dance of the Dead'." Kaito turned to glance at the others who nodded and began to play, their sound was soft and comforting.
"This is the dance
That brings the dead
To the living
Just say I miss you
Everyday, you know.
This is the dance
That brings the dead
To the living
They say I'm with you
Everyday, you know."
Kaito felt his mask cracking as he sang, the tears he had been holding back began to edge his eyes. The room was silent except for the band, who carried on despite the tears in their eyes.
"This is the dance
That brings the dead
To the living
Just say I miss you
Everyday, you know.
This the dance
That brings the dead
To the living
They say I'm with you
Everyday, you know."
Someone sobbed but no one looked to see who, they were enraptured in the music that Hiro had left them.
"Can you hear them come?
Can you hear them coooooome?
Coooooooooooome?"
Kaito's voice almost broke as he sang, starting to clap the beat to himself and squeezing out a few tears when the audience began to copy him.
"Can you hear them come?
Can you hear them coooooome?
Cooooooome?"
People began to join in, repeating the words like a chant.
"Can you hear them come?
Can you hear them cooooome?
Coooooome?
Can you hear them come?
Can you hear them coooooome?
Coooooome?"
Kaito held up a hand making everyone stop. If they continued he would break down.
"This is the dance
That brings the dead
To the living
Just say I miss you
Everyday, you knooow.
This is the dance
That brings the dead
To the living
They say I'm with you
Everyday, you knoooow."
Kaito held out the last note as the band continued playing until the end. Tears streamed down everyone's faces. Kaito smiled sadly and left the stage. In his head he repeated the line Just say I miss you/ Everyday, you know.
Being immortal was lonely but he would suffer through it for Shinichi.
Goodbye, little prince.
(Song belongs to Cloud Cult and is called 'Dance of the Dead. Manga series is Magic Kaitou/Detective Conan and belongs to Gosho-sensei)
… First person is hard to write…
And there you have it. The life and death of Hiro Hakuba and the first chapter of Forever. The next chappie will be like this but it won't have any death. For those of you who read my Kaishin Drabble series you may recognize Kimi, Chi, and Ichiro from the CEO drabble.
Shinichi won't come in until around chapter five but the intro in needs these chappies.
Tell me what ya'll think, ok? I didn't realize that the first chapter would be this depressing.
Also Dance of the Dead is an awesome song! Look it up on youtube or something!