Ch 2: Darker Secrets Begin to Shine
Growling, Ryo stuffed his hands into his pockets. What was Shinto’s problem, didn’t he know that you can’t help who you fall in love with? He wondered down the street, keeping his head hung low. The sky was beginning to darken and one by one street lights began to flicker on. Ryo glanced up at the sky seeing a few stars begin to poke through. He stopped walking a minute later and found himself in a small neighborhood.
Ryo turned to head back when a familiar meow floated to his ear. His head spun around, and a few houses down, a young girl was sitting in a chair on her porch. Looking closer, he noticed a small kitten curled up on her lap.
“Kaze!” he cried happily running up to the porch. As soon as the kitten heard her name, she leapt up from the girl’s lap. The girl gasped, startled, as Ryo scooped up his dear friend in his arms. “Oh Kaze, I’m so glad you’re okay,” he hugged her tightly.
“Is she yours?” the young girl asked slightly suspicious of Ryo. The girl’s eyes had a blank look about them.
“Hai,” he replied still hugging Kaze happily.
“I see, you should be more careful.” Ryo nodded again not about to tell her why she had run off. “It seems to be already dark, would you like to stay here tonight?”
“Oh? But I…” Ryo started.
“It’s really not a problem, and by the way my name is Kimeko.” She stepped carefully to the door then felt for the knob. Ryo now understood why the girl’s eyes looked so glossy…Kimeko was blind.
Ryo blinked, staring up at the unfamiliar ceiling. The girl had offered him the bed in the guest room of her house last night. He wondered if Shinto was worried that he didn’t return last night. Kaze snuggled her head softly against his face. Smiling he looked over at her. She seemed just as happy as he did to be back together.
Sunlight poured through the window in the room, radiating the whole place. He closed his eyes not really wanting to get up. The room was completely quiet except for Kaze’s light purring. At the moment his life seemed calm, having nothing to worry about. A knock at the bedroom door made his eyes spring open.
“Um, come in.”
“Sorry, did I wake you?” It was Kimeko. She slowly opened the door and brought over to him a very appetizing breakfast. Four freshly baked pancakes stood piled up and a small slice of melted butter on the top. Syrup glided over the top and down the sides of the pancakes.
“Eh? Thanks, it looks delicious.” She smiled in reply then hurried out of the room only to return with a small saucer of milk. Kimeko laid the saucer of the floor for Kaze.
“Kaze…that’s what you said her name was, right?”
“Hai”
“What a beautiful name. Oh, that reminds me I didn’t catch your name.”
“Ryo, I’m Ryo.”
“A pleasure to meet you.”
“Hm…” Ryo glanced down at the grocery list. He had offered to do Kimeko’s shopping while he stayed to repay her for the hospitality. It was the least he could do. He stopped in front of the vegetables, the last item on her list. He got what he needed then started towards the checkouts. Of all the people he had to run into, it had to be Tsumiki. ‘Great’ Ryo sighed trying to scurry on past, hoping he wouldn’t notice.
“Ryo!” Too late, he forced a smile then turned to face Tsumiki. “Where were you last night? Shinto-kun and I were so worried,” Tsumiki complained.
Ryo had to hold back from laughing, someone especially Shinto, worried about him? “I was just wondering around,” Ryo lied. “Is Shinto here with you?”
“Hai, he is right behind you.”
“Eh?” Ryo turned around and sure enough Shinto stood there glaring at him.
“Why didn’t you come back last night?” he demanded.
“I…don’t know.” Ryo adverted his eyes to the grocery’s in his basket. He didn’t understand why he was never able to meet Shinto’s gaze. “Why do you care anyways…” he mumbled quietly to himself.
“Shinto-kun can we go then?” Tsumiki pleaded, tugging on Shinto’s arm. Brushing Tsumiki away, Shinto stalked up to Ryo.
“Are you coming back tonight?”
“Why should I…I’ve been invited to stay with someone else…”
“What!?” Shinto grabbed Ryo roughly by the shoulders. “You get invited to stay at a stranger’s house and you stay?”
“She was nice…”
“How could you tell?”
“Well, Kaze seemed to like her.”
“Kaze…your cat?” Ryo nodded then turned to walk away, but Shinto stopped him. “Tsumiki head back, I want to meet this stranger.” Tsumiki sighed unhappily then disappeared into one of the checkout lanes.
“Why?” Ryo asked Shinto glaring slightly. In reply Shinto grabbed his wrist, quickly got Ryo’s items checked out and paid for, then pulled him outside. Ryo twisted away angrily. “Why do you have to treat me like I can’t take care of myself!” he snapped.
Shinto’s face showed no signs of backing off. “Homura told me to make sure that you didn’t wind up hurt again.”
Ryo backed down a bit, Shinto really didn’t seem to care for him one way or another. “Fine do what you want…” Scowling, Ryo’s hands gripped the handles on the bag tighter as he headed back to Kimeko’s house, Shinto following along.
“I’m back Kimeko, Kaze.” Ryo entered the house then hesitantly let Shinto in. “Stay here,” mumbled Ryo making his way to the kitchen. Kimeko was standing over the stove stirring a boiling pot of noodles.
“Welcome back.” She smiled, quickly wiping her hands off on the apron.
“Um…I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve brought someone I would like you to meet.”
“Oh?” Her face brightened. “A friend of yours?”
“No, not really…” Kimeko had already rushed off to meet Shinto. Sighing, he dropped the bags on the table, then dragged himself into the living room area. Kimeko was seated on a small rocking chair and Shinto was still standing by the door. “There Shinto, you’ve met her, now you can leave.” Ryo nodded to the door.
Shinto ignored him and took a seat on a small couch across from Kimeko. “So this is who Ryo stayed with.”
“Hai,” Kimeko replied, a sure sweetness in her voice. “Are you two good friends?”
“Well…” Shinto began.
“Never,” Ryo cut in, his voice on the edge of annoyance. Shinto blinked, surprised by the sudden outburst, then lazily went up to Kimeko.
“I only planned to stay for a moment, it has been my honor to meet you.” Shinto leaned down and swiftly kissed her cheek causing her pale skin to get some color. With a smirk, Shinto slid out of the door and closed it behind him.
“Kimeko…I’ll be back late okay…”
He needed to find some place to let out all of his anger and frustrations. Ryo stopped at the first place that came in mind, the park. He had noticed the park when he had first arrived, but had never stopped to look at it. Tall trees surrounded much of the park, and a small pond centered itself there. A few park benches scattered the grounds, but the whole place seemed empty. Ryo fell back onto one of the benches and leaned back staring up at the sky. Where did his life seem to be going? What was his purpose? Questions filtered in and out of Ryo’s mind, drifting him into an awareness. He wondered if his parents even remembered who he was, they seemed so anxious to force him out.
The night air felt cool and crisp against his face. ‘I could just fall asleep here…’ he thought closing his eyes. A dog began barking from somewhere in the park. Ryo growled sitting up. The dog’s echoing bark got louder and louder, as it seemed to be getting closer. Finally Ryo could see the black shadow of the dog under one of the park’s streetlamps. Someone seemed to be trying to tug the dog away, but the dog refused and continued to pull its way toward Ryo. Blinking, Ryo recognized the dog. “Sano?”
Whimpering and whining, Sano made his way towards Ryo. “Do you know this guy, Sano?” The person on the other end of the leash asked. The man smiled warmly at Ryo. “What are you doing out here alone in the dark?”
“Er…just thinking…”
“Sano seems to think he knows you,” he laughed slightly.
“Oh, I know Sano…Shinto’s dog right?”
“Yeah, so you do know my brother.”
“Shinto is…your…brother?” Ryo couldn’t believe it. This guy seemed much kinder and caring than Shinto. He did however have some of Shinto’s looks. He had dark eyes and his brown, slightly messy hair was shorter than Shinto’s; it only went to the base of his neck. Shinto’s face was cold and uncaring, you could never tell what he was thinking. This guy, however, seemed to be so full of emotion and a happiness sparkled in his eyes.
“Yes,” the guy replied. “I’m Hayate.” Shinto’s brother nodded over to the spot on the bench next to Ryo. “Do you mind if I sit down?” Hayate asked, the soft smile still on his face. Ryo nodded, scratching Sano behind the ear. Sano licked Ryo’s hand then curled up by his feet. Ryo glanced over at Hayate as he flopped down on the bench next to him. “So,” he asked, “How do you know my bro?”
“Well there was a mistake at the apartments, so I had to share a room with him…”
“Oh?” he blinked. “Then that must mean you’re Ryo, ne?”
“Hai. How did you know?”
“Shinto told me about you.”
“Re…really?”
“Yep!” Hayate stood up stretching. “Tell you what why don’t you let me take you to dinner tonight.”
“Uh, but why?” Hayate didn’t answer he just grabbed Ryo’s hand and pulled him to his feet. Just deciding to go with Hayate, Ryo followed his easy pace back to the apartment building. Ryo winced, he didn’t’ really want to face Shinto after what had happened. Though he didn’t want to, he allowed Hayate to lead him up the stairs and down the hallway. They stopped in front of Shinto’s room.
“You stay here, I’ll be back in a minute.” Hayate smiled rushing into Shinto’s room, taking Sano with him.
Ryo leaned against the opposite wall and stuffed his hands in his pockets, starring at the floor. His life seemed to be getting more confusing by the moment. He could hear footsteps coming up the stairs. ‘It’s probably Homura,’ he thought closing his eyes, and bowing his head, letting his hair fall over his face slightly.
“What are you doing here?” Ryo jumped not expecting the sudden coldness. Shinto was standing there with an angry look.
“I…I’m waiting for Hayate, he asked me to.”
“My brother!?” Shinto’s mouth gaped. He turned, the look of shock on his face, and stalked into the room. Ryo blinked, he had never seen Shinto act that way before. He crept up to the wall and placed his ear against the door. The sounds were muffled, but he caught two or three words, none of which made any sense. A few minutes later the door opened and Hayate walked out grinning. Shinto appeared in the doorway glaring at him, and Hayate’s grin widened.
“Ready to go, Ryo?” Hayate smirked sliding his arm around Ryo’s shoulder. Ryo blinked surprised and just nodded, not knowing what to say. Shinto’s eyes narrowed at the sight. “Well brother, would you like to come too?” Shinto shook his head, but followed them downstairs anyways. There was an old sports car parked out front. It was rusted over in many places and looked like in belonged in a junkyard. Ryo stared at the car, wondering if it could even run. Hayate noticed Ryo’s worried look and patted his shoulder. “It may look bad, but it runs perfectly,” he bragged. “Oh and the front seat is a bit messed up, so you and my dear bro will have to sit in back.”
Ryo became tense. Shinto seemed to hate his guts, so why did he get stuck sitting next to him. There were boxes piled up in part of the back as well, so Ryo squeezed into the middle and Shinto followed suit. Hayate hopped into the front seat. The engine started, then sputtered a bit giving warning that it might die out. Turning on the radio, Hayate lunged the car onto the street and began to pick up speed. Ryo clasped his hands tightly in his lap, glancing out of the corner of his eye to see Shinto staring straight forward a blank look on his face.
Tires squealed as Hayate was cut off by a rushed Taxi driver. Shinto threw his arm across Ryo’s chest to stop him from falling forward. When the car was safely stopped, Shinto lowered his arm and Ryo glanced over at him. Saying nothing, Shinto’s eyes were still focused forward. “Jackass!” Hayate hollered after the guy, rolling down his window to shake a fist at him. He then glanced back at the two. “Are you okay?” Shinto kept silent but nodded slightly as did Ryo.
Tsumiki glanced about Shinto’s room, and seeing everyone gone, he slide carefully out the door and down the hall. He dared on further down the hall, then with a careful check, leaned on one of the old wooden wall panels. The panel slowly swung open to reveal a stoned staircase stretching down a ways. Glancing once more down the hall to make sure it was empty, he ducked through the opening and slid it closed behind him.
A damp, musty smell hung in the air as Tsumiki ventured further and further down the steps. He ran his hand over the jutted bricks that made up the wall. Though he had been down this staircase several times, he was weary. The thought of maybe turning back lingered in his mind, however, he refused the thought. Tsumiki had to go tell them. They hadn’t expected Shinto’s brother to show up, it might ruin their plans. He would need to warn the others soon, and since Hayate had taken Shinto and Ryo with him, now was the perfect time.
Dinner had been silent and the sense of uneasiness had penetrated the air. Shinto had had to drive home since his brother had drunken a little too much. Ryo just stared out the window, to avoid getting into conversation with Hayate. The dreary day had brought rain showers, and the wipers, whipping back and forth, seemed to echo through the car. Hayate fell onto Ryo’s lap snoring, the wine finally having gotten the better of him.
‘Great’ Ryo gently tried to shove Hayate into a sitting position and off of his lap. Grunting, he slowly made it so that Hayate was leaning against the boxes.
It was great to finally get out of the car. He bowed his head lightly to Shinto and Hayate, who had come to his senses slightly. “Thanks for dinner Hayate, night…”
“Why don’t you just stay here tonight?” Shinto cut in, surprising Ryo.
“But, I told Kimeko…”
“I called her from the restaurant.” Ryo blinked. Did that mean that Shinto had planned on him staying over? He couldn’t help but feel a bit of joy as he followed them inside.
“You can have the bed,” Shinto offered walking into the bathroom.
“Eh? But…” Ryo began to argue.
“Go on, take the bed.” Hayate flashed him a smile, leading Ryo to the bedroom.
After he bid a quick goodnight to Hayate. He climbed into bed. Hayate shut off the lights and closed the door. Ryo could hear Hayate’s footsteps traveling away from the bedroom. He pulled the blankets up to his chin, drowning in the warmness that surrounded him.
‘Where
am I?’ There he was standing
in an open field with nothing but flowers and tall grass around. The wind was blowing the long blades,
but he couldn’t’ feel the breeze. Shinto was suddenly there next to him, the angry look upon
his face.
“Shinto?” The
man did not reply, but instead pulled Ryo into an embrace. Ryo’s eyes widened in surprise
and he looked up at Shinto who was now smiling, an almost evil smile.
“Shinto?”
Ryo repeated beginning to feel a bit nervous. Shinto mouthed some words in reply, but Ryo couldn’t
read what he was trying to say.
Shinto leaned closer, his mouth inches away from Ryo’s ear.
“I’m
sorry” Shinto whispered. Ryo
blinked confused. What was he
apologizing for? Then he felt
it. A sharp pain spread through
his body as Shinto jabbed something between his shoulder blades. Ryo staggered out of Shinto’s
embrace and looked at him.
Why? Shinto smiled ever so
slightly. In his hand was a
dagger, streaked with blood.
‘My blood,’ thought Ryo. Shinto mouthed the words “I’m sorry” once again before lunging at Ryo, dagger outstretched.
Ryo bolted up right in bed sweating. The dream had seemed so real. He wiped his forehead off with the back of his hand. Darkness shrouded him, but he could see a thin line of light coming from beneath the door. ‘Someone must be up…’ Ryo got up quietly moved towards the door. He stopped, his hand just about to reach the knob. There was someone arguing with Shinto. He pressed his ear to the cool wood.
“Do you like him?” Shinto growled. “Well, do you brother!?” So it was Hayate he was arguing with.
“No, I’m just teasing. You should know me better than that,” Hayate snickered. “I’m not that way.” Ryo could have guess Shinto was about to blow.
“Oh? Then stay away from him!” He wondered who they were talking about.
“Oh? Do you maybe like him? If you do, you sure have a lousy way of showing it.”
“Shut up!”
“No, if you really do like him try being a bit more kind. He might open up to you.”
There was silence. Ryo strained to hear more, but there was only heavy breathing beyond the door. Someone entered the room and Ryo heard the jacket get tossed to the ground.
“You guys do know it’s late,” Tsumiki complained.
“Yes,” Hayate replied.
“Well the way you guys were yelling, I’m surprised that you didn’t wake up the whole city.”
“Eh?” Shinto blinked, then looked at his brother. “Do you think we woke Ryo up?”
“Ryo’s here. Hooray!” cheered Tsumiki.
“Shut up, I’ll go check.”
Ryo dove back into bed and threw the covers over himself. He closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep. Shinto peaked in and crossed the room towards him. Shinto tucked him in a bit more tightly. Smiling softly, he brushed a strand of hair from Ryo’s face. After one more gander at Ryo, Shinto prodded out of the room. Ryo smiled to himself, he had figured out what Shinto and Hayate had been arguing about. He might just have a chance with Shinto after all.
Warm sunlight showered over the room, awakening Ryo. It was one of the fist times he had awoken and actually felt good. Sano was sleeping curled up at the bottom of the bed, his nose buried in his paws. He wondered where Shinto and Hayate had slept, and Tsumiki if he had even stayed over. No one seemed to be there as Ryo wondered into the bathroom. Maybe Shinto had gone to work, he thought eyeing himself in the mirror. His dark blue eyes shone brightly under the light at where his hair feel away. Ryo began combing his hair with his fingers, sighing a bit.
The air outside was crisp and clean, Ryo noticed taking a few deep breaths. This was definitely going to be one of his better days. He wondered down the street, heading to Kimeko’s house. Ryo stopped in front of the flower shop, then without much reason behind it, decided to get her some flowers. He picked a few of the many different kinds; some lilacs, daisies, and a few others he couldn’t name.
Kimeko was happy to see him. Her smile showed it when she answered then door. She rushed him in and immediately put the flowers in water. She then went to make him breakfast. He sat in one of the chairs and let his eyes wonder around the entry room. It was beautifully furnished. An oak fireplace was embedded into one wall, and diagonally from it sat her polished rocking chair. A vase of fake flowers rested on the mantel or the fireplace as did a picture of a shoddy looking guy. The guy’s black hair was slicked back neatly and he wore a black tux. Ryo smirked, a rich jerk most likely.
“Who’s that?” Ryo asked, as Kimeko entered the room.
“Oh? You mean the man above the fireplace?”
“Hai,” Ryo replied with awe. It was amazing how she knew exactly what he was asking about. She sat down in the rocking chair and was silent for a moment.
“My former boyfriend,” she said quietly.
“Did you dump him, or was he the one who wanted to break up?” He couldn’t imagine why anyone would want to dump Kimeko.
“He…” There was a pause. “He is the one who wanted to break up.” She smiled, a soft painful smile.
“Oh, how come?”
“I was dating him, and we seemed to be getting along very well. He would repeatedly tell me that he would never leave and love me no matter what. Well one day I let that fact slip out, the fact I was blind. He calmly told me that he would call later and left. He never did call, and he refuses to take any of my calls.”
“Oh…” Ryo couldn’t think of anything to say. He hadn’t meant to bring up such a painful subject. “Sorry,” he said, his voice barely a whisper.
“Not to worry.” The pain in her eyes seemed to vanish in the presence of her smile. “That is in the past.”
Ryo pondered to himself sitting on the bed. He had just gotten back from Kimeko’s and Shinto was yet to be home. There had to be some way to help the poor girl. Kimeko had helped him in many way. She had found Kaze, offered him a place to stay, and been there with a smile every time he had seen her. He had to find someway to make it up to her, and he was going to do that by either getting her back with her old boyfriend or hooking her up with someone else. All he had to do was find someone to fit her as a couple.
Sano began barking, and Ryo guessed that someone was home. He slipped out of the bedroom and was greeted by a bouquet a roses. Ryo blinked then saw a grinning Hayate. “What are these for?” Ryo asked, looking a bit startled. Hadn’t Hayate made it clear to Shinto that he wasn’t that way.
“Oh, someone asked me to give them to you,” Hayate said the grin spreading across his face. “Read the note attached.”
Ryo blinked again. Who in the right mind would send him flowers? He took the cluster of flowers, and opened up the tiny note attached to a stem on one of the roses He read it, Hayate trying to peak over his shoulder.
“Well who is it from?” Hayate seemed anxious to know, and almost as curious as Ryo.
“It doesn’t say.” So it looked like he had an admirer. “Who gave them to you?”
Hayate shrugged. “Some guy dressed in all black. He was cloaked in a cape, so I couldn’t tell you even what he looked like.”
“I see.” He eyed the roses, then dug through their garbage to find an empty milk jug. After cleaning it out, he used the jug as a vase. Ryo blinked as Hayate’s arms wrapped gently around his waist from behind. “Ha…Hayate?”
“You’re just so adorable Ryo…”
“Eh?” Ryo’s eyes widened in surprise. What had gotten into Hayate? He opened his mouth about to protest when he noticed Shinto leaning against the doorway.
“Having fun?” Shinto asked with a smirk, then noticed the roses Ryo was holding. “Who are those from?”
“I have no clue,” Ryo stated.
“From an admirer,” Hayate chuckled letting go of Ryo and walking over to Shinto.
Shinto raised an eyebrow. “An admirer?”
Ryo nodded slightly, laying the jug of roses on the bookshelf. Then he remembered Kimeko. “Um Shinto…?”
“What?”
“Would you be willing to go on a date?”
“A date with you?”
“No, not with me, with the girl you met. You know, Kimeko.”
“No.” Shinto glared slightly. Ryo heaved a sigh. He had known getting Shinto to agree was almost impossible.
“Is she pretty?” Hayate cut in.
“Hai,” Ryo replied a bit startled.
“Is she nice? What is her personality like? What kind of things does she like?”
Ryo looked at Hayate. His eyes were those of a child’s in a candy store. He sure seemed interested in Kimeko. Then the idea struck him. He could hook up Kimeko and Hayate, or at least have them go on a date. A pleased grin spread across Ryo’s face. “hey Hayate.”
“Yeah?”
“If I can get her to, would you like to go on a date?”
“With Kimeko?”
“Hai,” Ryo said, watching Hayate nod his head vigorously. “But there is one thing I have to tell you before you agree. This was going to test Hayate and see if he was a jerk like Kimeko’s previous boyfriend. Hayate stopped, and waited for Ryo to tell him. “She is blind.”
“Eh? Th…that’s all?” Hayate asked looking confused. Ryo smiled in relief, so Hayate wasn’t like that. “If you truly like someone, you should like them for who they are, and nothing more.” Hayate’s voice became serious. “If I was with a girl and she suddenly became blind, or managed to burn off half of her face, I would still love her unconditionally.”
“I’m sure she will be happy to hear that,” Ryo replied. “I feel the same way…”
“What about you bro?” Hayate asked, looking over at Shinto who still hadn’t moved from his spot.
Shinto shifted, dropping his arms to his side. “I would have done the same thing Kimeko’s ex did,” he said, his voice cold and hard. Hayate and Ryo both gaped in surprised. How could Shinto be so cruel? Without another word Shinto walked past the two and into the bathroom.
Tonight was unusually quiet. Ryo had gone back to Kimeko’s house so she wouldn’t; be alone. He was so tired when he had dragged himself in that he completely forgot to tell Kimeko about Hayate. He would tell her tomorrow and also get her ex boyfriend’s address. Ryo was going to make a surprise visit. Curtains overhanging the windows fluttered, dancing on a gust of wind. Though he was tired, Ryo couldn’t seem to lull himself to sleep. He got up shivering and padded across the room. Closing the window, he watched as the dancing curtains died down. Kaze was purring softly in her sleep, most likely having a happy dream. Ryo trudged back over to the bed and climbed back in. He pulled the warm blankets around him.
His mind then drifted back to their conversation. What if Shinto had finally accepted him and then something along the lines of what had happened to Kimeko happened? Would Shinto really just leave him? Ryo shoved Shinto out of his mind and tried to look on the positive side. Hayate and Kimeko would make a great couple. He hoped it would work out. Ryo could picture the two of them living together, and with that, Ryo tumbled into slumber.
Moaning Ryo looked over at the clock. What!? He jumped out of bed then rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. It was already almost ten. He wasn’t one known to sleep in. The bedroom door was open a crack. Kimeko must of let Kaze out to eat. Ryo rushed out and head first into Kimeko. The two bounced off one another, sending the tray Kimeko was carrying flying. Ryo’s breakfast rained over them.
“So…sorry,” Ryo apologized, knocking a pancake off of his face. At least he was planning on taking a shower. Syrup dripped off of his hair, and down the sides of his face. Ryo blinked as Kimeko started laughing. “Eh?”
“Sorry,” she said between laughs. Ryo smiled, watching the laughter overflow her face. When she went to remake breakfast, Ryo showered and quickly dressed. He walked out to be greeted by a purring Kaze.
“Hey.” Ryo bent down to scratch her behind the ears. The kitten rubbed up against his leg, meowing happily. He picked her up, cradling her against him. Then he remembered. He needed to ask Kimeko were her ex lived.
