The sun peaked in through the windows, making me squint. I was woken up by it and by looking around, I saw I was back in Tomo's apartment. He was no where to be seen. I saw his cat resting by the kitchen door, looking fat as usual. I shifted a bit, realizing I was wearing a long baggy T-shirt, with shorts that was to large for me. None of the black sludge remained. The sudden thought of how those clothes got on me, made me flush terribly.
Where's Tomo?! Was my next thought. He couldn't have seen my body? Could he?! I hugged myself, not knowing what to do. So many things were flying in my mind that I just sat there on the couch. Images from last night, Kyoya growing dangerously suspicious and Tomo seeing me at my worst. Is he to going to pressure me for answers? I have no where else to go if he does. I finally decided to get up and peek into his bedroom.
Laying there with a thin sheet over him was Tomo. He wasn't wearing shirt, his smooth skin showing. I tried my best to look at his face. His white hair was a mess and he seemed to be sleeping peacefully. I didn't want to disturb him, proceeding to leave. A soft voice stopped me, "Come back." Confused, I approached the side of his bed.
He was still asleep.
"Don't...Leave me." Who was he talking too? I felt like this was something I wasn't suppose to hear, turning around to leave. A hand shot out, grabbing my arm and forcing me into the sheets with him. I was frozen, not knowing what was going on. His arms were around me tightly, like he was afraid I was going to disappear. No, this can't be happening. I need to get out of this! I tried to wiggle out of his grip, but he refused to budge. Feeling defeated, I finally looked at his face. I was met with cool, devilish grey eyes and a smirk.
"What?!" I gasped as he pulled me closer.
He got dangerously close to my face, "Did someone get lonely?"
"No!" I actually pushed him away, falling off the side of his bed. He gazed down at me, not fazed at all. I got up quickly, shaken from the close contact. He proceeded to move from his bed, which revealed his bare chest. He was also wearing black boxers. I was so embarrassed that I ran out the room.
I heard him from behind, "Don't be so shocked, Sweetheart. I saw your body too." Why was he acting so full of himself? He must be lying. I knew I was trying to distract myself from the truth. The clothes on my frame proved he saw what was underneath.
I tried to collect myself and faced him, "I'm going to believe you haven't seen anything."
"Whatever makes you feel better." He scoffed, going to the kitchen. I followed him, curious. He pulled out a box of instant eggs and started to heat up a pan. "I'd offer you some, but are you feeling any better?" He's talking about last night...
I avoided his gaze, "I'm fine."
He reached past me for the salt, not pressing the matter further. I was wondering why he wasn't pushing for more information. However, I was grateful. "So yes or no on the eggs?"
"No thank you." I smiled. Just thinking of the black bile made me want to vomit again. He shrugged, pouring the egg mix in the pan. I smelled the food, grateful i could at least enjoy the scent. I noticed something on the carton and went to grab it, my arm in Tomo's line of vision. He grew serious, grabbing my wrist tightly. He pulled me towards him, leaving in me shock.
He frowned, not saying anything. I was confused until I saw what he was silent over. Sticking out like a sore thumb was my scars. I yanked my arm from him, hugging it close to my chest. What?! Why are they there? I thought they disappeared? I couldn't look at him, I was afraid. Peeking at my arms, I wanted nothing more than this to be a dream. But they were there.
"I..." I was speechless. What excuse could I come up with to make this all go away? They were there, I couldn't lie. I felt him in front of me, but I refused to look up. He gently placed his head on mine. I didn't know what to think.
He sighed, "It's okay you know." Huh? "You're not going to hurt anymore." I finally met his eyes, he look worried but also calm. I felt tears in my own. He grab my arm, running his fingers over my marks. I was embarrassed and confused. Then what he did next made me was to faint.
He kissed them.
"Please!" I pulled away, now flustered. "That's enough."
He still looked serious, "I won't let them hurt you again." I stood there, a small smile wanting to surface. The smell of burnt eggs made me gasp. I quickly pulled the pan off the fire and putting it into his sink. The eggs were black.
"Your eggs..." I frowned.
He started laughing, "You're something else, huh!"
"But your food?" Why was he laughing.
He pulled me in with his arm, rapped around my neck. "Then let's just go out." Outside? What if the host saw me or worse, Mother! I didn't like the idea, but he was already yanking me towards the door. I pulled free, obviously showing disinterest. "It'll be fun, besides we need to get you some clothes." I was reminded of the baggy attire I was wearing.
I said, "But the money. I don't have any." I didn't have anything to my name. Not money, not a house, not even a family.
"I got you, silly." He thumped my forehead. I was taken back, my face becoming flushed.
"You can't!"
He shrugged, "Why not?"
"You already have things you need and spending your money on me isn't worth it." I frowned.
Tomo could only chuckle, "Sweetheart, the moment I let you into my home, was the moment I decided you were worth it." I had to look away, not wanting him to see my taken back state. He took my hand gently, "Come on, let's go have some fun."
Still nervous, but for some reason, Tomo put me at ease. I nodded, "Okay."
The day was nice. Everyone was talking and you could feel the cheery mood all around. Tomo looked rather handsome as I looked up at him. His white hair shown brightly. He stuck out like a sore thumb. Compared to him, I looked poor. My hair was a matted mess and the clothes did nothing for my figure , despite me looking like the maid and him the prince. I didn't care.
"So what kind of clothes do you like?" He asked. I couldn't really answer him. Mother always bought my clothes. I had to fit into whatever person she wanted me to be. I wore my uniform most of the time anyway. "You don't know?" He saw me thinking.
I could only shake my head.
He was surprised, "Then we will have to fix that." He pulled out his cell phone and proceeded to text someone. "My friend said she could help us out, since I don't know anything about girl's fashion." I wonder who his friend was? I was a little anxious, but they surely were nice. Even though at first, I thought Tomo was a good for nothing bully, but as I've gotten to know him. He was kind and caring.
We continued walking, we looked so different. However, at the same time, we looked like we belonged together. "She said to meet her at the local restaurant." We turned that way and I couldn't help but ask about her.
"What is she like? Your friend?"
He shrugged, "Eh, she's okay. Kind of annoying at times but she knows more about clothes then I do." He didn't say anything more which was odd. You think he would have more to say about a friend. We grew closer and someone who I didn't want to see was sitting at one of the tables alone. Smooth silky pink hair shined brightly in the sun, a fake smile plastered on her face and eyes full of lies. She looked at us with excitement, until she saw me. She didn't change her expression, not want to set off Tomo. Alarms were going off in my head, telling me to run back to the safety of the apartment.
I continued to walk by his side. How did he know her? Why her of all people? I remembered her cold hands touching me, the names she called me, all the bulling made me want to cry. I had to stay calm though, I didn't want Tomo to see anymore of me being weak. He's seen enough. With him here, I should be fine. He will make sure that she doesn't hurt me. He'll protect me. I'm stronger now, I'll be okay.
We finally approached her. She didn't seem fazed, but I knew that under that mask, she was filled with hatred. "Hey, Tomo!" She grinned. It made me want to vomit.
He shrugged, "Hey." The old Tomo was showing. The cool attitude, the "I don't care" tone in his voice and uninterested eyes. This was the guy that caused me trouble, but now I knew. He was different. Kind and gentle. From what I've seen, I was the only one who knew and it made me feel special. Her gaze landed on me and you could see the ill intent form in them.
"Hara, how are you? With the whole school incident, I hope you're okay." I wasn't dumb. She had something to do with it. That devil grin she gave me that day was something tattooed into my memories.
I could only mutter, "I'm fine."
"Let's hurry up." He breathed, scratching the back of his head. Giving off the impression that he was bored.
Luka shot up, "Of course!" She then lead us into a near by shop, "Since you said money was tight, this place should be perfect for you, Tomo!"
"It's not for me."
She was confused, "What?" He pointed at me. Did he not tell her that we were looking for clothes for me. She almost cracked her fake smile. "That's okay too! I'll help you find whatever. I'll guess we will start here." We walked towards some racks, nothing really catching my eyes. How could I pay attention to shopping when one of the reasons for my death was here. I didn't want to wear anything she picked out for me. I wanted to go back home with Tomo, forget that I've ever seen her. She was picking through random items. I could tell she was not caring, picking things that would obviously looked dull on anyone, but I could care less.
"Here!" She shoved some random clothing into my hands. "Try them on." I saw the changing rooms, it was just simply curtains hanging. I went into one of them, stripping down. My mind was somewhere else. For some reason, I was thinking about Tamaki. I had so much fun with them at the cabin, minus the Kyoya situation and running away. I couldn't help but think about his features. His smile that filled me with joy, his gold hair that was equivalent to an angels. His way of thinking and how it made me feel safe. Being around him made me feel that nothing would hurt me. To be so care free and full of life.
Before I realized, I was naked in front of an old mirror. My slim frame stood there. My pale skin was dull and I had no outstanding assets that stood out. Black hair rested on my body as brown eyes studied myself. I touched my flat chest, wondering if Tamaki would be okay with someone who didn't have breast. This made me think of his broad chest. I wondered what it would look like without clothes. My fingers ran over my small lips, wondering what his would feel like. To have his hands on my waist. I placed my hand on the mirror, wondering if anything.
If he would like me back.
I was shocked by thoughts. Did I just think of all that?! I was embarrassed by myself, but at the same time. It made me happy. Thinking about him, being around him and what he made feel was something I couldn't deny anymore. I liked Tamaki. Realizing my own feelings, why did it take so long? Even so, it would do me no good. What could I do about it? I was dead and there's nothing I could do to change that. If I was to tell him, it would only cause trouble. I was content with this. Knowing that I was able to like anyone was something I thought could never happen. Even if he is to never know, this was okay.
Suddenly, Luka poked her head in. She wasn't smiling, she wasn't talking. She just looked over me. Remembering that I was undressed, I grabbed the nearest shirt, trying to cover up. But slender hands stopped me. She ripped it away, throwing it to the ground. With frightening speed, she pinned me again the wall. I was about to let out a scream, but she covered my mouth. "Tomo stepped out for a minute." Her other hands nails dug into my shoulders, I could see the ecstasy in her eyes. I was frightened by her.
"You know what this means?" She then lowered her fingers to my chest. "We can have some fun." Then as hard as she could, she grabbed it. I was thankful I couldn't feel anything, but that didn't stop me from feeling disgusted. No ones ever touched and to have her do so made me feel sick. "Let me see your pain." Lower she went, making me want to cry. Don't touch me there! I felt her touch it. she knew this made me want to scream, which made her all the more excited. Her eyes were clouded, her breath rugged. Pink cheeks that showed brightly and a grin that could kill.
I closed my eyes, not wanting to see anymore. She made me feel dirty and weak. Why wasn't I trying to fight back? Why take this torture? I knew. I was afraid. I didn't want to cause a scene. I didn't want to cause conflict. I was raised all my life to never fight back. Even now, I was still influenced by my Mother's actions. Then, I felt the absences of her touch. Opening my eyes, I saw Tomo yanked her out of the dressing room.
"Huh?!" She gasped.
He looked composed, "Should I break your neck now or should I make you suffer." His words were filled with such meaning that it made me flinch. Luka looked absolutely terrified.
"I was just helping her change her clothes!" Lies. He wasn't that stupid. His grip tightened on her wrist, making her cry out in pain. I quickly put on my clothes, not wanting to be caught exposed. "Okay! Let me go!" She begged.
His face got close to her ear, luckily I could hear him. "Touch her again and I'll kill you." She was frozen, but as soon as he let her go, Luka ran. She disappeared out the door. Tomo looked fine, not even fazed by what happened. Opposite of me, I was shaken. How could he say that with such composer? Finally, he looked at me and offered a hand. I took it, not knowing what to say at a time like this. He simply lead me out of the store, leaving the people inside confused.