a/n: I wish more people knew about Air Gear. I hope that once it gets more popular, more readers will come into the Air Gear section.
This would have been up a few days sooner but fanfiction was giving me problems and not letting me upload any files. blah, but now we're back on track. Enjoy!
Also! I added and changed a few notes concerning pairings that will be included, and the setting and time of the story itself. Just so you know.
This first official chapter is kinda slow, but I hope you still read it. It touches on both Ringo and Emiri's alike feelings, and just kinda gets the ball rolling on where everyone is at.
Thanks to:
Ren'ai-iki: Bahh, thanks, as always. It FEELS good to be writing again. And don't worry, you'll find your muse soon. Just watch some anime and play some games. It always gets me back into the game.
E-san: You have NO idea how happy I am to hear you say those things! I get SO worried that people won't read this because to answer your question, it's going to be IkkixKazu, and it's not the most popular pairing out there. (I don't understand why!)
Jurt: Glad you do, and I hope I continue it, as well. Usually my updates are inspired by the encouragement from reviewers.
Jade Mouse: Oh boy! I was hoping people would like the Dragonfly spiderweb bit, so your review really made my happy! And gosh, thank you so much on the compliments on my writing style. I hope you like the next chapter!
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Air Gear
a fiction by Crimson Vixen
Eyes That Hide
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I feel like, I would like
To be somewhere else doing something that matters
And I'll admit here, while I sit here
My mind wastes away and my doubts start to gather
What's the purpose? It feels worthless
So unwanted like I've lost all my value
I can't find it, not in the least bit
and I'm just scared, so scared that I'll fail you
And sometimes I think that I'm not any good at all
And sometimes I wonder why, why I'm even here at all
But then you assure me
I'm a little more than useless
And when I think that I can't do this
You promise me that I'll get through this
And do something right
Do something right for once
So I say if I can't, do something significant
I'll opt to leave most opportunities wasted
And nothing trivial, that life could give me will
Measure up to what might have replaced it
Too late look, my date book
Is packed full of days that were empty and now gone
And I bet, that regret
Will prove to get me to improve in the long run
I'm a little more than useless
And I never knew I knew this
Was gonna be the day, gonna be the day
That I would do something right
Do something right for once
I notice, I know this
Week is a symbol of how I use my time
Resent it, I spent it
Convincing myself the world's doing just fine
Without me
Doing anything of any consequence
Without me
Showing any sign of ever making sense
Of my time , it's my life
And my right, to use it like I should
Like he would, for the good
Of everything that I would ever know
I'm a little more than useless
When I think that I can't do this
You promise me that I'll get through this
And do something right
Do something right for once
I'm a little more than useless
And I never knew I knew this
Was gonna be the day, gonna be the day
That I would do something right
Do something right for once
Relient K – "More Than Useless"
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Everyone knows of the saying. You don't know what you have until it's gone. Everyone knows, but only a few truly understand it. Only a few can really grasp it. And usually the people that do understand it are the people that live through it. It can be something as simple as a position at work, to something like a loved one. Sometimes it can't be fixed. Sometimes it's something that you can't get back. Like a nasty infliction. Like time. Like your life.
It was dark out, but the ally was darker. The stars were hiding behind thick clouds in the sky. Even the moon had a hard time showing its flawless face, shying away behind blackish cotton blotches. The streetlights were dim and didn't cast a shred of hope into the narrow path squeezed between the two buildings. It was a part of town that no one ever visited much anymore, especially at night. How silly, that there were cops littering the city like flies to the dump, showing up to break up meetings and everything else, always showing up at the wrong place at the wrong time.. Everywhere, expect where they were really needed.
"Augh!!"
There was a loud smack, the sound of bone against bone, but with the rain pouring down like it was, if anyone was around, no one would have heard him scream. He could hardly hear himself over the downpour, flooding into his already blurry eyes and making his clothes cling to his skin for dear life. It was thick and acted almost like a thick fog in front of him.
"Stop! Please!"
He hated himself for sounding like that; like he was begging. His voice was strained and scratchy, even as he gurgled on his own bodily fluids. Red bubbled over his bruised lips and the color was drained from his once tanned skin. His eyes were wide, pupils like pinpricks in a blinding light. He closed his eyes as another kick went straight at his already busted ribs, flashing pictures across the back of his eyelids, lightning quick images of his team – his friends – being slaughtered before his very eyes, and then his own body being bent and broken in ways he didn't even think possible. So what now? Was he doomed? Of course, he silently mused; how in the world did he expect to get out of this alive?
Either way, death certainly came a lot quicker than he had planned.
He even laughed out loud at that, choked as it was, staining more of the concrete a dark maroon color, letting it swirl into the puddles forming around him. Scary, that he could barely feel his own limbs. Scary, that such a ruthless, bloodthirsty team could... No. They didn't have the grounds to call themselves a team. A gang, rather, and here he'd thought he'd die a more magnificent death. In a short period of time that he'd been tricked into this damn ally, he'd learned their name, and their ruthless methods and nothing else. This group of people, this group of monsters were nothing more than murderers, parading around with the name of Storm Riders like a mask, given the already misunderstood classification of people a bad name.
Too bad, really, that he'd never get the chance to warn anyone. He couldn't even help himself.
So... if he was already destined for death tonight, without so much as a good-bye to his friends and family and all those he cared about, why would it matter if he told them what they wanted or not? He could just tell them, and they'd let him die in peace. But on the other hand? If he grasped his pride a little longer and kept his lips sealed until his final breath, some poor other soul and their team would suffer the same fate. Then again there was no promise that they'd leave him alone if he talked.
What a cruel joke. A lose-lose situation. It wasn't even worth thinking over.
"I'll ask again," came that menacing voice, a voice that didn't even sound human anymore, hidden behind a mask of red and black, of the devil himself, leering down at him and smirking at his demise. His towering shadow loomed over him, and he felt the air around him chill even though they were already shrouded in darkness and icy rain. The crowd that floated just behind him like a storm cloud were all demons, their impish faces painted with smiles stretched from pointed ear to pointed ear. A sight that could give any child nightmares. "Where can I find this.. legendary team?"
It was dripping with venom and sarcasm heavy enough to crush any soul it was directed to, saying 'legendary' as if it was some kind of joke, and from the laugh that came afterwards, that was probably how he saw it. Sure, the man sprawled along the concrete knew what was being asked of him, and he ran through all of it in his head. He had gone to watch their battles, had memorized their face and idolized their techniques and styles. What true fan would he be to rat them out?
And besides all of that, they were just... a couple of kids.
He gritted his teeth, stained pink, as the heel of a boot landed on his cheek and pressed him into the gravel.
"Just a couple of rookies, you guys are," he managed to wheeze with a triumphant smirk, ignoring the dirt and gravel that ebbed into his mouth. If only he could have had the chance to meet the kid that was said to be the next Sky King. Battle him, shake his hand or something. If he could just watch one last battle or past one of them in the streets. "Every... Everyone knows who they are. For you to not know, you guys must be – Auhh!!?"
The man coated in the colors of hell ground his heel harder into the Storm Rider's cheekbone and skull, basking in his scream, tingling at his attempt to squirm his broken body.
"Perhaps you didn't hear me..." that voice came again, sounding as though he was being the nice guy in the situation. With every word he said he pressed down harder with his foot, half burring his victim's face in a murky puddle. "Where. Are. They?"
The man, after raising his head a little and spitting out saliva, dirt and blood, his bones aching and limbs angled beyond recognition, let out a strangled sound, something mixing between a sob and a laugh. He wasn't sure but he thought he could feel a piece of bone sticking out of his shoulder. He couldn't even remember how that might have happened. After a moment, he went limp, dead from blood loss and pain before he could even choose his dying words, or before he could even think of what he regretted in life, or what he was thankful for.
"Feh!" The devil spat, apathetic, shoving the stubborn rider away with his foot. There were plenty others that would bound to know the whereabouts of this supposedly revolutionary team. He squeezed his hand into a tight fist, as if he was crushing the said team in his hand just like that and watch them ooze through his fingers like sand. He gave a good swift kick to a cracked helmet and listened to it hit the wall and fall to the ground. An almost insane chuckle escaped through the sides of his mask, as if he didn't even notice the rank smell of death sprawled around his feet. They were all worthless, anyway. All of them. They held no importance, no meaning other than existing and taking up space on this precious earth. But it was easy enough to seperate the trash from the people who deserve to live, and to eliminate said trash.
Life was such a fragile thing, after all. Something so easily twisted and manipulated couldn't possibly hold that much meaning. There was literally no point in living if you were never meant to be anything in this world.
He loved to toss those lives around in his hands, watching them crumble, watching them shatter, watching them squirm. Being able to control others as if he was tugging on puppet strings was exhilarating – he had gotten addicted to the feeling.
How pathetic most of them must be, to fall so easily to the minions that were not even his best. The very thought of it made him giddy. If this was all the town had to offer, no doubt the team he was looking for would be the same. Just some joke with hype that rumor had built for it.
Interesting, is what it was. He liked interesting – it gave him a chance to play. On the other hand, it would be a nice change to see a challenge.
If anything, he hoped that they were worthwhile.
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Mmm...
K
A
Z
U
S
A
M
A...
And then she circled it in a cloud.
Emiri had written her crush's name plenty of times, enough times to plaster nearly every bathroom stall in the school. Probably would have, too, if she had the time. She tapped her pen against the notebook, eyes drawn to the window, the teacher's words turning quickly into white noise. And when she wasn't looking over there, she was gazing at her notes. It was how she spent most of her time in class; day dreaming, writing the boy's name, full and short, mixing it with hers, hers with his. Doodling pictures to the best of her ability. Idly, she would put swirls and stars and hearts around the name, sighing loudly and listlessly, uncaring if anyone heard her or not. It seemed like her crush was oblivious to almost everyone. Everyone except for the ones who mattered, anyway, like Kazu himself. And Emiri struggled with hateful feelings towards herself for being such a coward. Her reasoning for keeping her feelings to herself around the blond were the same as any girl with any love interest.
Because what if she blew it? What if her feelings weren't returned? What if she soiled the relationship she had with him now? Rejection was something not many people took well, and the girl wasn't sure how well she could take it if he...
So she waited for her moment, for her time. While everyone was busy gawking and fawning over Ikki and sometimes even Akito, she'd be eying the blond boy in the background, trying to look past that complex gaze, that voiceless expression as he watched his friend bask in all his glory. His smile was genuine but there was always something missing in those breezy blue eyes. She knew he both loved and hated being where he was. Wanting to push past the crowd but at the same time, not wanting the pressure of being in front of all those eyes.
She was there to cheer him on, to encourage him and watch him when he ran, when he flew, when he fell and got up again... if only he'd give her the chance. If only he would see her devotion.
But all Kazu ever seemed aware of anymore was AT. It was a constant distraction. An addiction, almost. AT and Ikki, because Ikki was who sparked his interest in it. Growing and heightening his skill in attempt to impress his leader and childhood friend just like he always had. To just get better. Of course, it seemed that he had been practicing more and more lately, pushing himself harder.
Her pen pressed harder into the paper as she drew more circles around the name, nearly tearing through the page. She blinked owlishly, staring at them.
Emiri and Kazu forever. Kazu. Kauma. Kazu-sama. Mikura. Mikura Kazuma.
Her face grew hot as she wrote the next one. Because, at least to her ears, Mikura Emiri had a nice ring to it.
"Kazu-sama..." she sighed, thinking back to what her best friend Yayoi had once told her.
"Quit sulking. He knows who you are. He knows you exist. You should at least be thankful for that."
She only wished that the boy would see the greatness that she did. He had his silver lining, he was just being blinded by... something. Emiri could almost say she hated herself for not being able to pinpoint what it was. A part of her longed to be a hero to him and show him the way. But she didn't know how to start doing something like that. Not yet.
When the bell rang, she jumped, her gaze shooting towards the door instinctively like it did every day. Ikki and his friends were always the first ones out the door. She would feel a couple different bursts of air as they zoomed past her, and she knew when it was Kazu that zipped by because she knew the feel of his gust and she knew his scent when it washed over her. Although it was only a split second, she knew his laugh, even though it was light and mixed with the others' as well. When her hair settled from the breeze they had caused and she was sure they were gone, she gathered her things.
If only she could keep up with those boys, instead of sitting on the sidelines. Sure she was a part of the team. She was backup, and grateful for it, but she wasn't the same.
As she was just about to walk out of the classroom, something caught her eye. Maybe it was easy for her to see it because it was an item she recognized easily. Perhaps it was just a fluke. At any rate, Kazu's favorite hat lay on the floor next to his empty desk. There was a small wave of sadness to see one of the boy's most recognizable traits abandoned on the tile floor like that, but it was soon overcome with a flash of hope.
Quickly, she picked up the discarded beanie and held it lovingly to her chest. It smelled like him; of sandalwood and cinnamon. Still warm, too. He must have lost it when he rushed out after the bell rang. Still holding it close, she left the classroom and out into the streets.
The air was cool. Cooler than it should have felt for spring, and Emiri zipped her jacket up a little more and tucked her hair behind her ears. It almost felt as though winter hadn't left yet, which was both a pro and a con. Emiri loved the snow but she was tired of being cold. Not so oddly, her mind wandered over to Kazu, and she hoped his ears weren't cold in the wind without his hat being where it usually was, though part of her knew that was the case. It felt good somehow to be able to know and understand such a small bit of information about him. Briefly she thought about putting the hat on herself but was stopped without having the blond's permission.
Her thumb tenderly stroked the fabric, almost admiring it, thinking it as possibly being the closest thing she would ever get to the real thing. A weak smile quivered into her lips as a breeze licked at her skin, giving her shivers. At least now she had a reason to approach him without seeming too obvious. Other times she had made herself feel like a fool stumbling over her words and saying his name to get his attention and then finding that she had yet to plan something to talk to him about.
Sure, it seemed a bit sneaky to use his hat as an excuse, but there was no harm in it, as far as she could see. Besides that, it was the right thing to do. And as far as she could tell, Kazu didn't... dislike her or anything. He would wave to her, or flash a smile at her when they passed each other in the hallway... Every little thing that he did, it made her feel special. They were friends. Even that little term sent a wave of something unexplainable through her body.
She didn't need to see herself to feel the blush that spread through her face again, and she ducked into her hoodie a little more, hiding from no one in particular.
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Buccha has always been good when it comes to riding walls, and he can control his weight in a brilliant display of control. Onigiri has found his own unique style of riding and appears to enjoy actually riding more than he does competition. Kazu's speed always seems to pick up a little more every time he rides, even when I didn't think it possible. Akito, your other half doesn't come out much more anymore, does he? And you've gotten quite skilled at AT without his help.
And Ikki... You've really grown, haven't you? You have a really wide wingspan, don't you?
Ringo bit nervously at the nail of her thumb, not even aware of her thoughts plastering themselves on her face. More and more she would find herself watching Ikki and his friends, admiring them and watching them progress. It made her nervous to watch, but it wasn't in a bad way. Never before had she seen riders become so skilled so fast. There was something almost - dare she say - magical about it.
They practiced every single day with determination that showed no sign of wavering. Ikki never seemed to lose faith in his team and that giant smile he wore showed it. Confidence overflowed him every time he challenged another team, a glint in his eyes sparkled when he slapped a sticker, his chest stuck out when he announced their name. Ringo was almost disappointed of her previous history of Sleeping Forest, because maybe then she could be a part of it. Of Ikki's team. Ikki's life.
It wasn't the first time she day dreamed about being on Ikki's team. Flying in the air alongside him gave her a fluttering feeling that she enjoyed, and she would help him when she could, but Ikki hardly needed it. And certainly never asked for it. Still, she needed to feel important to the boy she had quickly gotten so attached to. Never could she recall seeing someone so dedicated to the sport, and that determination and love for it was admirable.
She pushed her glasses up gently, then put her hands up to the window glass, pressing her nose against the pane to see them all clearly. Ikki and the rest of Kogarasumaru were doing laps, races, the things they usually did when they practiced. Including making bets with whoever lost, or making deals when it came to rematches, mixing homemade concoctions for the loser to drink, and rock paper scissors when it came to almost everything else. There seemed to be a lot of that, too, lately. And those time trails. Time trials and obstacle courses. Those seemed to be Ikki's favorite.
He had always talked about being able to swerve and dodge whatever came your way, to expect the unexpected. Which would probably explain why the crow would throw cans and other trash at his team members as they were trying to do their run. Then they would all yell at him but anyone could hear the hidden smile in their voices. That always made Ringo giggle, the way that Ikki insisted on going about things. It was childish while at the same time, sensible and effective. At least, in the long run, even if it did piss the others off for real at times. Ikki had a tendency to do things and then explain himself later, when the time called for it. His training methods were a fine example of that.
That was one of the many things that Ringo liked about the boy. He took AT very seriously, in a non serious way.
She cracked open the window to both feel the breeze and to listen in.
"Not fast enough!" She heard Ikki's voice right away – his voice had always stood out to her. Every time he spoke, it felt as if her heart was going to pitter-patter fast enough to burst through her chest. Oh but it was also frustrating, to be so close to him and for him to be so clueless to everything. He was too centered on AT that he forgot the world existed sometimes.
Did he really not have any feelings for her except for as a friend? Was she cursed to be nothing more than that? Of course, she thought bitterly as he gnawed once again at her nails, there was always a chance of ruining their friendship if they tried anything. They'd known each other since childhood, so would she really be willing to risk it all by trying to take another step forward?
Then there was always Simca. His feelings for her seemed to have noticeably dimmed since she first started interfering, but she couldn't help feeling angry whenever Ikki talked about her. When he saw her, there would be a tug at the corner of his lips and a sparkle in his eye. Ringo didn't like it, she didn't like it one bit. Simca was pretty and Ikki was a young teenager. The math was simple enough. She knew well that Ikki wasn't interested enough in that way that he wouldn't want to start something with the girl, at least not anymore, but just the thought of him knowing of her existence put her in tremors. She also hated the way Simca kept moving in on Ikki right under her nose, and the swallow knew it. There was no way that girl could possibly love Ikki in the way that she often preached. Simca struck Ringo as the type of girl that would go after someone just because they were there, and for the sake of messing with someone's head, and she did so in such a simple yet effective way.
It drove her nuts.
Ringo shook her head to clear the thoughts that were gathering against her will and brought her attention back to Ikki. He was busy pointing at the little obstacle course he'd set up around the track using whatever was laying around the school. Even from where she stood she could see the grin plastered across his childish features. Those features, soft eyes and even softer lips... that gentle face that people were told not to underestimate, because that boy, that Baby Face had a reputation you didn't want to cross. There was a solid will about him that never faded, getting him more emblems and more respect, but underneath that competitive demeanor, Ikki was sweet. At least.. once his mind was sidetracked from AT, but that was becoming more and more impossible as days went by.
But that only lead to a heavy sigh from the girl, and she gently brushed her hair back over her shoulders and let her frames slide down the bridge of her fine nose.
"Oi, oi, oi!" the crow bellowed again as they ran, staring the group of teens Ringo had dubbed to be humorous to watch. They were startled, or at least Onigiri was, for the stout boy swerved and tumbled to the ground with a shout. Kazu toppled over him with a curse, and Buccha over the both of them with an apology. Akito managed to avoid and stood off to the side, blinking at the sight, a timid finger brought to his small lips.
She heard the smaller boys groaning and grumbling under the Tank's bulk. And predictably, Ikki's smile was big and amused.
"You guys are pathetic," he said while crossing his arms, his voice light. "You know what we're missing? Strategy."
The others just looked at him blankly, waiting for him to continue, knowing that he had more to say.
Ringo chose that time to shut the window again, forcing herself to walk away before she changed her mind. She was happy Ikki was finding his place in the world, and along with his friends, no less. Only wished she could be a bigger part of it.
Ikki rubbed at his chin in thought.
Strategy. Moving in sync. He waited for Buccha to ride the wall up to the school roof and back, for Onigiri to run around the inside of the building three times, For Akito to make his way to the roof of the school and back, and for Kazu to run around the block... And he told them all to finish at the same time, at the same place. By doing this he hoped to make them more conscious of each others actions and whereabouts, and concentrate on their pacing and timing, as well at their own. It made sense, in theory. For now he would give them small tasks that shouldnt take very long to complete. Later on, he planned to extend the distances they ran.
Akito was the first one back, forcing a heavy breath from the crow. Looks like they all needed some practice, even Akito. Though, from the look on the small boys face, he didn't look like he fully understood what the rules were. He just stood there, looking happy that he was standing so close to Ikki. Perhaps he had given him too short of a task?
Of course... Ikki himself was having trouble focusing, what with Akito standing right next to him now, latching onto his arm and nuzzling him with that silly grin on his face. The short boy's skin was always warm and soft and his voice was full of adoration and innocence. Almost impossible to believe that there were two people inside that little body. Hard to think that Agito was inside the little boy that was mumbling something about being so happy with this team and to be alive, something that the small boy did often. He had a childish demeanor about him and he made even the smallest, insignificant thing worth cherishing. Almost as if Akito held all the innocence of a child and Agito did all the growing up.
It did get annoying now and again, though. Sometimes Akito would nonchalantly mention sleeping together, or kissing, or feeding each other as if it were no big deal. As if it wasn't such a strange concept to fathom, but he made these remarks and gestures while others were around and even though Ikki would show his frustration towards the little minx, he could never really bring himself to be truly angry with him. It was just... really embarrassing because Akito didn't get that it just sounded so wrong. He had a reputation to keep a hold of anyway, and Ikki remembered a few occasions wehere he had almost lost it, and more than once it was because of Akito.
He felt a sudden explosion of wind and after a delayed second or two he saw Kazu's face, cheeks flushed pink from his sprint. Not a moment later Onigiri came rushing through the front double doors of the school, and a second after that, Buccha landed on the ground just behind him.
Alright, Ikki nodded silently. Not bad for the first time. Not bad at all. But they could do much better.
"Again," he announced, watching the predictable fall of their faces, except from Akito, who just stood there smiling constantly. "We're gonna keep doing this drill until all of you stop in front of me at the exact same time."
It did sound a little strict when Ikki first thought about it, but inside he felt that if any team could pull it off, it was his. With practice, they would do it, and then he'll look back and think of what a simple thing it was. He chuckled out loud at the thought. Besides, you can't get better at something if you don't push yourself. You never learn anything new when you go over the same old stuff again and again.
Seeing their faces, and feeling a chill in the air, he suddenly had a change of heart and decided to let them all go for now, announcing that they would do it another time. Maybe giving them a night to sleep on it would help them perform better the next time. His eyes trailed across them, from the Shark clinging to his arm to the Pig to the Tank to the Jet, noting right away the quick glint of anger or something flashing in Kazu's sky irises, but had no time to say anything because his friend had turned and left before he could open his mouth. It flitted around his brain for a moment. He knew Kazu could have a short temper at times, but what had just happened? Perhaps it was because he was tired. Or his hat, maybe? Ikki realized right away that Kazu's summer blond hair was exposed that day.
He pinched his eyes shut and wriggled his arm free from Akito's light hold. Buccha's deep voice wished him a good day as he went home, as did Onigiri, mumbling something about needing a big meal to keep him fueled for the rest of the day, and Ikki was left with the short little boy that now lived in his home. At least the girls were nice enough to stop teasing him about it long enough to arrange Akito a spot on the couch. Just until something else was figured out. Honestly, Ikki was quite sick of all the comments that people were making once they found out that he and Akito were living in the same house. But even though Akito had his own place to sleep at night, that didn't stop the shark from sneaking into his bed from time to time.
Previously, he was living in a house with all girls. Attractive, well built girls. He was not gay. And if he was, it would have to take one damn impressive boy to distract him from all of those girls, not to mention Simca, and all the other fans at school he'd gained over the past year. But it was a popularity he took advantage of. Good publicity, he'd always say.
He made his way home, Akito humming a random tune as he followed merrily, his song ending once they made it to the front door. Ikki was cautious when he opened the door; who knew when he'd be trampled or tackled when he took that first step in for some reason that he probably wouldn't agree with. Still, every once and a while, he would get a good view of Mikan's...
Ahem.
But this time, he was lucky and walked into the house with no distractions. In fact, the house seemed empty, quiet, dark. Until Akito flipped the light on, casting a glow through the room and only proving to Ikki further that they had the house to themselves. Akito seemed more than happy with this concept, humming once again, louder this time, and skipping merely up the stairs as if expecting Ikki to follow.
It confused the crow, that Akito. He wasn't sure how the kid felt for him. It could be just that childish innocence again, not really taking the time to think of wrong and right, or of what others might think, just wanting a bit of attention from someone he seemed attached to. Just doing what came to him with no hesitation. Or maybe he did understand, just didn't care? And even if that was the case, was it because Akito was really that grateful, or was there more motive behind it than that? Ikki never voiced these questions to Akito, because a part of him didn't want to know the answers, but he thought about it often. Sure he was attached to the smaller boy, in the same way he was attached to the rest of his friends, and to his team, but anything more?
The crow crinkled his nose and wiped at his eyes, which were already growing heavy, even though evening had yet to darken the sky.
He flipped out his cell phone, speed dialing Kazu's number without really thinking about it, hoping to both figure out what happened today and if he had caused it, and if it could be fixed. It was probably nothing at all; he could be imagining the whole thing, and if that was the case, he wanted to know. Either way, Ikki just wanted to make sure...
It kept ringing until it reached Kazu's voice mail. Ikki hung up before the message could finish and dialed up his home phone. It rang several times and for a moment, Ikki thought he was going to get an answering machine but then someone picked up.
"Hello?"
Ikki's shoulders sagged a little. It was Kazu's sister.
"It's Ikki. Is Kazu there?"
There was a short silence and Ikki pressed the phone harder to his ear.
"Sorry, Ikki. Kazu hasn't come home yet. Want me to take a messege?"
"No, no, that's ok. Thanks."
"Alright, bye."
"Yeah, bye."
Snapping the phone shut, he gave a frustrated growl. His mind ran through all the possible places Kazu would run off to, but it lead him to several answers. He didn't want to worry, felt like he shouldn't worry, but for some reason he was running into worst case scenarios in his head. Was Kazu avoiding him? Was that why he wasn't answering his phone? Was it all just a misunderstanding? Maybe he just forgot something and that's why he was in such a rush.
Ikki quickly threaded his fingers through his messy hair, shedding his jacket and making his way up the stairs. He had things to do – chores – to do but he didn't feel like doing it. He felt too tired to do much of anything, the past few days wearing him thin. So he went straight to his room, thankful that it was empty, and plopped down on to the bed, bouncing once on the mattress. The sun was low but not down, and so light was shining through his window and into his room. Leaves were rustling just outside of his window, he could hear, and Akito humming still, in the bathroom just down the hall.
Why did he feel so distracted? He rose his hand and extended it in front of him, as if he were trying to touch the ceiling, curling and uncurling his fingers. He was sure that Kazu was alright, so why wouldn't he stop thinking about it?
He growled his frustration of not being able to control his thoughts. There were important matters to be thinking about and all he could think about was something that was probably nothing.
Nothing, he told himself as he rolled over to his side and hugged his crumpled sheets in his arms. Resting his nose in the soft material, his eyes went half lidded. Smelled nice – the girls must have washed his things while he was out. Those girls were always taking care of him, even when he caused them so much trouble. Several times he had told himself that he would make it up to them, but it always got pushed back once the day got started.
Lets see... He couldn't cook them dinner, because he wasn't the best at that. Besides, Mikan would only poke fun at whatever he'd make. She would probably want ramen instead, anyway. He didn't have money to afford much of anything, and he couldn't come up with anything other than things like that. And what the hell was Kazu's deal today, anyway?
Ikki's eyes bugged and he slammed the pillow over his head to make himself stop thinking.