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Throwing Stones

Chapter Eleven: A Single Choice

Touya sighed as he finished scrubbing the baseboards of their dorm.

Ever since Kagome's confession last night, everyone seemed to have pulled together more. Her behavior towards them suddenly made a lot more sense. Her kindness wasn't the false and brittle kind that people often offered them in a vague attempt at making themselves feel better for 'trying'. There was an earnestness in Kagome's feelings rooted in her adoration towards her father.

The fact that she loved her dad so much that it'd spurred her into starting this program was inspiring on some level yet there was another vague thought that'd crossed his mind.

Kagome, her mother and even this whole town had been privy to Seiichi's true identity. Yet instead of turning him in, they'd welcomed him with open arms. They'd even worked to hide his identity when Seiichi had been arrested. Their attempts were for naught but he could recall a media firestorm surrounding the town's pleas to have him released.

His gaze drifted towards Kagome's smiling face. She laughed as Himiko hung onto her and clung to her arm like a lost child.

He wanted to stay here.

Not just for the rest of the year either.

Kagome, this town and even Shinigami's own story. All of it made him feel as if this were a place he might be able to call home one day.

Touya roughly shook the thought from his mind.

It was wishful thinking.

He was already serving three life sentences. There was no way in hell he'd be permitted to stay here beyond the year once the program finished. Parole wasn't going to be happening any time soon either. He'd screwed up his life due to his hatred for his own father. Imagining any other future besides grey cell walls and a colorless life would just haunt him more in the end.

It was ironic though.

One of the greatest heroes in their society's history had gone one to become so abusive behind closed doors that'd he'd driven his wife mad and caused his eldest son to become a mass murderer. Meanwhile one of the deadliest villains in existence had created such a gentle and kind family that his daughter started an outreach program to save those like himself.

He wasn't sure if their histories were just ironic twists of fate or if their society was so screwed that what was good and what was morale simply became inverted due to the labels of 'hero' and 'villain'.

"Touya!" Kagome called out to him, "You need any help over there?"

His lips curled into a faint smile.

Regardless, he was glad that she was the one who'd offered him a hand first.

"I'm all good, kitten." He flicked her forehead in a teasing manner.

He watched as her eyes narrowed at him in displeasure.

Touya snorted with laughter.

She was clearly offended by his new nickname for her but he couldn't help it. She was cute like a tiny cat and when she was angry her brows would furrow to a near comical level. She also wasn't afraid of using her claws when she needed to, as proven by the way she frequently scolded him—a three-time convicted mass murderer. She had no fear and he found himself enjoying her reactions whenever he teased her. She was always fun to watch whenever she was irritated.

"Oh, right. Tenko!" Kagome opted to ignore his teasing much to his displeasure. "I got a call from the prison this morning. Your mother and sister are asking for permission to visit today. Do you want them to come or should I ask them not to?"

Touya glanced at the other man curiously. He still had visitors? He did vaguely recall Tenko saying that he used to help his mom out a lot in the kitchen. Maybe they were still close despite what'd happened?

"I'll see them." Tenko answered quickly.

Kagome beamed up at the man, causing his cheeks to flush a deep shade of red. For just a moment, he he a powerful urge to pinch Kagome's cheek again.

"I'll be sure to let them know! The bus will be here in about two hours. You can bring them to the library if you want but unfortunately visitors aren't allowed upstairs due to Safety Commission rules." Kagome shrugged her shoulders, "So sorry but no room visits while they're here."

Touya fought the urge to laugh.

The commission likely only put that rule in place to prevent any conjugal visits from happening. While that wasn't a risk for most of them, it would seem that the Safety Commission was doing everything they could to make this feel like a punishment rather than a break from the grind.

"It's fine." Tenko hid his face from view as he turned on his heel, "I'll go make sure the library is clean." With that he took off down the hall and Touya fought the urge to roll his eyes.

The guy really was an awkward duck when it came to flirting.

"So," Touya turned his attention back towards Kagome. "Are you going to be keeping us company again tonight?"

After dinner the previous night they'd all curled up on the couch and put on a marathon of the Harry Potter films that's been playing on the television. Himiko and Jin had fallen asleep halfway through the first film and Kagome had managed to stay up until the fourth film before she too had fallen asleep against his shoulder yet again. He would've laid down on the couch and allowed her to sleep on his chest had it not been for Hawks swooping in and snatching her up the first opportunity he had.

The bird really was overprotective but it wasn't like he could blame him. If their positions were switched, he couldn't imagine himself being anywhere near as tolerant as Hawks.

"Unfortunately I'm being called to the Safety Commission's headquarters." Kagome's shoulders dropped as she gave an exaggerated sigh. "I should hopefully be back before the end of the day."

He felt her hand pat his chest in a teasing manner. It was the first time she'd touched him in such a way. It caused his lips to curl into a confident smile as he took a half step closer to her. Would she mind if he returned the favor?

"You'll be in charge until I get back. Hawks will be here but he's got to observe Tenko's visitation. All visits have to be closely monitored so unfortunately, I'll leave to leave you as the lead while we're busy." She gave him another pat on his chest.

"You say that word 'unfortunately' like you don't trust me." He smirked down at her, "I'll have you know that we didn't do anything untoward to that representative last time."

Kagome rolled her eyes, "Maybe not but you were the instigator and now I have to go say sorry and kiss up with the SC. I hope you're satisfied with yourself."

He couldn't say that he was satisfied but he was certainly enjoying the view of her furrowed brows and pursed lips.

Touya braced one hand on the wall behind her as he leaned over her, "I might be if you'd give me the chance."

It took her only a moment to piece together their compromising position and the true meaning of his words. Touya gave a hearty laugh when her face turned a dark shade of red and she began to sputter.

"I have to say that seeing that reaction was worth it." He lowered his hand and stepped back. "I'll let you go now. Wouldn't want the bird to think that you're cheating on him with a convict."

"You're incorrigible!" Kagome hissed through clenched teeth. He felt her hands reach up and pinch at his cheeks in revenge. He gently grabbed onto her wrists but made no real effort to remove her hands from his face. Kagome scowled at him, "For the record, my dad took Hawks in when we were kids so he's basically a brother to me. We're not dating. Also, don't make me put you on a TV ban. I will do it!"

Touya laughed as he used his grip on her wrists to pull her closer to himself, "So what I'm hearing is that you're single?"

That would explain why Kagome was so touchy with him. If she were single then she wouldn't see the harm in being so close to him physically.

Her eyes thinned at him dangerously, "Forget the TV ban, you're going to horny jail."

Touya released her hands, "Now that sounds fun. Will you be joining me?"

By this point Hawks had taken notice of their less than appropriate conversation. The man eyes narrowed at him as he came to stand between them protectively, his scarlet feathers puffing out in a show of intimidation.

He raised his hands in a show of defeat, "I hear you, I hear you. I'll behave for now."

As fun as it was to tease her, there were lines even he wouldn't cross. Right now, Kagome was just about at her limit so he would give her the space she wanted.

"You comin' back before dinner?" His question was earnest this time.

Kagome tucked her ID card into her purse as she headed towards the door.

"I'm not sure. I guess it'll just depend on how much groveling I'll have to do." She turned to flash him a warm smile, "But I'll be home before midnight. So no need to stay up for me."

Touya watched as Kagome left the dorm. Hawks quickly resumed work on monitoring the others.

His eyes followed her until her back completely disappeared down the shrine steps.

Would she really be okay going by herself?

His fingers flexed at the thought.

Unlike this village, the city could be extremely dangerous. Coupled with Kagome's mysterious illness, he wasn't afraid to admit that he was a tiny bit worried about her.

Touya sighed as he made his way towards the couch.

With cleaning duties done for the day, most of the group had either retreated to their rooms or the library with Tenko. So he was on his own for the moment.

Touya watched as the movie quickly went to a commercial break.

"Get your tickets today!" A voice blared through the other end of the screen. "The most highly anticipated Sports Festival yet will be taking place this year!"

He felt his brow twitch in irritation.

He'd nearly forgotten that it was that time of the year already. People would be flocking to U.A. soon to watch the Sports Festival.

His finger hovered over the remote as he prepared to change the channel.

"Endeavor's youngest son, Shouto, will be partaking this time around! Tune in next week to watch the show!" The screen cut away to another commercial.

Touya lowered the remote as his mind raced.

Shouto, huh?

It'd been a long time since he'd heard that name.

He'd never been particularly close with his youngest brother thanks to their father, however every once in a while he felt a smidgen of curiosity towards the child. Had he ever learned to use his flames or was he still relying solely on their mother's ice to get by?

Touya glanced down at the burn scars that'd marred his flesh.

Kagome had said that she'd wanted this to be a second chance for all of them. Maybe, just maybe, he could send along a message to his baby brother. One that might just help him.

Assuming that Eraser would even be willing to pass it along.

Touya shut off the TV as he made his way upstairs.

He had a letter to write.