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General Discussions => RPG Forum => Topic started by: Ruby Chan on September 11 2005, 05:51 pm
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Heh....I had this thought last night, and since Hori seemed interested, I'm going ahead with it! Anyone who's read Vortex will know of the strange I hate you/I'm nice to you relationship between Hori and Subaru.....so this is an AU of an original RP (the first here, I think!) using those characters.
Set in Modern day Tokyo, there is no connection to the apocalypse, or the Tarukane. Subaru and Hori are just ordinary people....with not so ordinary lives. Years after the brutal murder of his twin sister, Subaru is finding ways to escape......and Hori has a dark secret of her own. What can happen when they meet for the first time?
Subaru - Ruby Chan
Hori -Â Hori
Name: Hori
Age: 17
Hair Colour: Red With A Gold Tint
Eye Colour : Scarlet
Height : 178cm
Weight : 5 st 3
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A young woman stared down at the pavement ... Thinking ..
Her red hair waved in the breeze as she sat, her scarlet eyes followed the cracks in the pavement. Her name was Hori.
She sighed as she looked up, pushing off her knees to stand and pulling her black cordroy jacket around her...
As the people around her noticed she was there, they gave her frightened stares. She simply pulled up a hand and smiled at them.
It wasnt her that they should be frightened off...
She looked around - scanning the horizons of the park, looking for any sign of anyone she would know.
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Subaru strode along the pathway, pausing to stare up at the sakura trees as he drew out a box of cigarettes and his lighter. Lighting one, he inhaled, his eyes slipping closed in satisfaction before he continued along on his way home. This was a regular routine for him. Come home from university, do the little bit of work he could be bothered to do, and then come to the park for a smoke and a walk.
No matter what those people who ran the 'Quit Smoking' campaigns said, Subaru couldn't see anything wrong with the little white sticks that you put in your mouth. Sure, he may die of lung cancer later on in life, but who cared? For all he knew, he might get hit by a car tomorrow.
Smiling to himself at his illogical logic, Subaru shook his head and continued walking.....missing the pair of red eyes that widened as they saw him.
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Hori's eyes widened to their max as she stood watching the man ...
" It cant be ... " she whispered to herself... She watched him pass her and she stood ...
He looked a sorry state... Hair misplaced... cigarette in hand ... and a depressed aura surrounded the man .
Hori felt the urge to go and talk to him ... But couldnt bring herself to do it ... Instead... she decided to follow him ...
Carefully, she took her steps ... Far enough behind not to be noticed ... but still close...
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Subaru ran a hand through his messy hair absently, not really concentrating as his feet took him along the well worn path towards the centre of town, where his small flat awaited him. He'd once lived in the nicer area of the town, sharing a large apartment with his twin sister....Hokuto....but after her death, he had been unable to cope with being constantly reminded of her absence, and had decided to sell up, moving into his current abode. But even then, he'd somehow found himself creating a room for her....as if one day she'd come back to him.....
Frowning as the bad memories came back full force, Subaru's grip on the cigarettes tightened, leaving the packet crumpled. Cursng as he realised that he had also just ruined a perfectly good lot of cigarettes, he turned and tossed it carelessly into a nearby bin, pausing for only a moment as he saw a girl from the corner of his eye.
Ignoring his stalker, Subaru simply carried on walking....although he secretly kept a close eye on her as he continued.
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Hori fell back a little ... But found herself wanting to get closer... She really wanted to talk to him .. see if he was who she thought ... If it was .. she needed to make a mends... Or a partial mends..
But would he forgive her... Maybe she shouldnt tell him ...
She closeded her eyes for a munet whist thinking and found herself bumping into a lampost .. She growled ... " Stupid lamp post "
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Subaru turned, raising an eyebrow at the outburst from his not-so-silent follower.
"Take a tip from me. Next time you stalk someone, be a little less obvious, and a little more quiet." He snorted, leaning back against a nearby Sakura tree. Watching her expression, he felt the sudden urge to laugh, but quickly repressed it.
"Anyway why exactly are you following me?" He asked.
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Hori was shocked... Her sneaking skills had dimisneshed... all because of a lamp post ...
She gave an awquard smile .. Panicing inside..
" I just wanted to know your name... " She said... It was the truth .. but not the whole truth
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Subaru stared at the girl, not quite understanding.
"You mean....you followed me, and practically stalked me half the park...just to know my name?!" He said incredulously. At Hori's tentative nod, he sighed, raising a hand to rub at the bridge of his nose. He had a terrible headache coming on, and this conversation wasn't helping.
"Whatever. I don't have time to be chatting. My name's Subaru Sumeragi....now leave me alone."
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" Ok .... " She said... " I'm sorry ... " She turned away ... Bitting her lip... " Hokuto Sumeragi " .. She whispered .. barely inaudable...
In truth ... Hokuto and Hori had met before... They were friends... And this was her Brother..." He looks a lot like her... " She whisperd again... starting to go ..
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" He looks a lot like her... "
Subaru's head shot up as he caught the barely audible words. Reaching out quickly, he grabbed Hori's arm with a grip that was almost painful, and stared at her hard, his expression hinting at something similar to desperation.
"Like who? Who do I look like?!" He demanded, his grip on her arm unconsciously tightening.
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She was startled by Subaru's actions and winced at his grip ... But she looked into his eyes and smiled sadly ... " A friend ..."
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Suddenly realising exactly how hard he was gripping the unknown girl's arms, Subaru backed off awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Sorry about that. I didn't mean to hurt you." He said quietly, before turning and walking off quickly, almost running towards home. His headache was worsening, and he could feel the symptoms stealing over him, warning of how much his body was getting to kicking up a fuss, telling him to take care of his cravings fast.
Sorry, girl. But you will never know what it is to have lost one half of your soul. To have lost the only reason you carried on living.
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Hori watched him run off... " Somethings wrong ... " She said.. " Hokuto-chan .. somethings wrong with your brother... "
She had a feeling She would see him again... Alas ... not today ... It was slowly getting darker.. and she needed to get home.... She turned and made her way home ...
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Rushing inside his flat, Subaru locked the door and pulled the curtains, before pulling a small bag of powder out of a nearby cabinet. Hands beginning to shake, he rapidly separated some of the white powder into lines with the ease of one who did this regularly. Turning back to the cabinet, he yanked a straw out of a box there and turned back to the table, moving the straw closer to the rows of powder....of cocaine.....
Groaning, Subaru pressed a hand to his head, glancing at the clock. An hour....I only managed to get away for an hour.... Wiping the leftover sweat from his brow, Subaru cleaned away the evidence of his little addiction, and feeling irritable now that he had come crashing down, reached for his cigarettes.
Which was when he remembered how he'd ruined them and had to throw them away this evening during his walk.
Swearing, Subaru grabbed his white trenchcoat and strode out of his flat, slamming the dorr behind him. Remembering how if you left your flat unlocked in this neighbourhod you were likely to come back to an empty home, he sighed and paused just long enough to jam the key in the lock and turn it, before hurrying down the stairs that led outside.
Anxious to get his cigarettes to try and combat the effects of coming down from the cocaine, Subaru didn't stop when he bumped into someone, sending them flying to the ground. However, he did stop when he heard his name being called....
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Hori sat on the floor.... " Subaru-san !" She said ... " Matte !" She got up ... brushing herself off and jogging up to him ... " Are you alright ?" She asked ... He looked shaky .. and somewhat out of it ...
' Oh ... Hokuto ... He looks really bad '
She looked up to him ... with worried eyes..
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Subaru blinked, trying to work out how the girl knew his name. Wait....it's that girl...from the park....why the hell is she looking at me like that?!
Glaring at her, Subaru nodded his head curtly.
"I'm fine. Now why don't you just go home, whoever you are." He snapped, beginning to walk again. He really needed those cigarettes........
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"Call me Hori .. please... " She said ..
' He's soo rude.. I dont know how you put up with him Hokuto .. But .. he probably wasnt like this before '
She started to catch up to him... " Do you really think I am going to let you go wherever in the state you are in ? " She said...
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Subaru blinked down at her, frowning.
"State? What on earth do you mean, Hori-san? I'm perfectly fine." He said, before snorting. "At least, nothing that a pack of cigarettes won't cure."
Picking up the pace, Subaru left Hori behind and entered the corner shop. Buying a few packs of his favourite brand, he exited the store...only to come to a halt as he saw Hori waiting for him, leaning back against a lamp post with her arms crossed.
"Don't you ever give up?" He said irritably, drawing a cigarette from the pack and lighting it, smiling softly as he inhaled. He felt better already.
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" No ... " She smiled... " I wouldnt let myself ... " She smiled... not sure at what she ment by it ... ' Hokuto wouldnt let me either '
She lent off against the post and looked up at his hair ... " Do you ever brush your hair ?" She asked .. Smiling - both eye brows raised .
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" Do you ever brush your hair ?"
Subaru's hand instinctively went to his head, blinking at Hori.
"What's wrong with my hair?" He asked in bewilderment, smoothing his dark hair down absentmindedly.
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" Its all messy ! " She said.. Smiling .. Pulling out a comb .. " Here ... " She gave it to him ...
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Subaru stared at the comb, before slowly turning his head to face Hori, a look of almost shock on his face.
"What? I don't understand...who are you? Why are you acting like this towards me? You don't even know who I am...just my name...." He said in confusion, although he did take the time to quickly drag the comb through his hair, neatening it to make Hori happy.
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" I'm Hori ... And I.. I'm doing this for a friend ... " She smiled... Taking the comb back from him ...
' Hokuto .. help .. what Am I gonna do ? '
She cocked her head slightly ...
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Subaru frowned, putting the cigarette to his lips and inhaling again, studying Hori carefully.
"A friend? Which friend?" He asked, unsure of who she was referring to. "Is it Kamui?"
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" Nope.. Not Kamui ... " She smiled... " I cant tell you for..... reasons "
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Subaru began to scowl, the thin grip he'd had on his control slipping.
"Then you're lying. Because Kamui is the only friend that I have in this world, and if it's not him, then you're lying!" Subaru began to pace, shooting Hori dark looks as he did so.
"So who are yu, and what the hell do you want with me?! Why won't you leave me alone?!" He snapped. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he knew that this was uncalled for, that he seemed to be losing control of his anger. But he was still irritable from losing his high, and Hori was conveniently in the firing line.
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" Dont shout at me ... I'm trying to do My friend a favour and you too ."she looked at him " And I dont lie .." she said it cooly and calmly ...
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Subaru snorted, before taking another drag of his cigarette, feeling the nicotine calming him down slightly.
"Whatever. Go home and tell your friend that Subaru Sumeragi doesn't need any help. That he's fine on his own." He said wearily, before striding away, his head bowed in its usual position. He felt like an old man....and girls who came up him spouting this sort of rubbish didn't help at all.
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" She seriously doubts that ... " She said ...
' Hokuto ... how can I help him now ? ...'
She started to walk ... ... Unaware of a group of stalkers of her own. She carried on for a few more steps, Then Gave a squeek as she felt arms Drag her back into Darkness... She tried to scream but she found it muffles as she felt the contact of Fists and metal toed boots against her body ..
A sharp kick in the gut rendered her breathless .. But she still found the power to fight back... managing to take a guy down with a swift kick down below...
Eventually she was rendered powerless by a broken wrist and ankle ...
She let out a scream... One again half muffled by The placement of a hand ... and another kick was registered..
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Hearing a squeak behind him, followed by what sounded to be a muffled scream, Subaru whirled round, his eyes wide as he realised that he couldn't see Hori anywhere....and on such a quiet street, he should have still been able to see her walking away.....
Dashing down to the entrance of the nearest alleyway, Subaru breathed in sharply as he heard a faint sound of pain from inside, and snarled as his eyes finally managed to pierce the darkness, seeing Hori surrounded by a gang of dangerous looking men and women. Even from this distance, he could see her expression of pain, and as one of the people aimed another kick at her, he snapped.
"Hori-san!" Calling out her name, Subaru ran into the alley, quickly snapping round into a whirling kick, sending one man flying. Plunging on, he took down another 3, his old memories of martial arts training in his old school's PE classes coming back to him clearly as adrenalin pumped through him, wiping away the effects of his crash.
Damnit! I won't let someone else get hurt like this...they took Hokuto this way, they won't get this girl too! I won't allow it!
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She looked up .. tears in her eyes... " Subaru ... " She managed to mumble...
As Hori watched Subaru take many others down She saw a rage in his eyes she had never thought she would see...
.... She closed her eyes.. waiting for it to be over...
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Watching as the gang fled off down the alley, Subaru snorted and crouched down beside Hori, wincing as he saw the state she was in, his rage fading into pure worry for the girl.
"Hori-san? Are you...alright?" Glancing at her ankle and wrist quickly, his mouth set into a grim line, and he began to gently scoop Hori into his arms.
"We need to get you to a hospital."
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" Thank you soo much, Subaru ... " She said quietly ... " ... You saved my life... " She clung on with her unbroken wrist to Subaru .. Tears flowing freely from her face... She had actually thought that she was a gonner ...
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Subaru blinked at the lack of honorific to his name, but put it down as a mixture of shock and left over fear. Choosing not to comment about it, he smiled reassuringly down at her, beginning to carry her out of the alley.
"It's going to be ok now, Hori-san. I'll get you to hospital, and then everything will be fine...."
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She tried to smile... But only came as an exsaust to her.... She closed her eyes and listened to his words ... Every tone in his voice seemed like a note in a lullaby ... Slowly lulling her to sleep ..
Her head lay against him as her breathing started to regulate.
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Later that evening....
Subaru leaned against the room's wall, watching over the girl who currently lay asleep in a hospital bed. Both her ankle and wrist had been bound and set, and Subaru had been informed that she would be able to go home in a few days time, since the fractures had been clean breaks.
Although Subaru was now unsure of what to do....he dearly wanted to go home and smoke, but he felt almost duty-bound to stay with Hori...at least until she woke up. Perhaps he could compromise.....
Glancing warily around the room for cameras, Subaru sneakily lit a cigarette and brought it to his mouth, inhaling. Now as long as no nurses came in, he'd be fine.....
Well, unless Hori woke and decided to dob him in.
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Hori's eyes slowly fluttered open... scanning the room .. " uhh... " She said gently " Subaru ... " She said looking at him ... " Are you smoking in a hospital ? " She smiled slightly defetedly ...
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Subaru smirked at her, taking another deliberate puff of his cigarette.
"Yup." He said simply, winking at her as he inhaled.
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" You really arnt allowed to do that ... " She said... " are you ?" She watched him smoke... She could smell it from where she was... " You'll set the alarms off ... "
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Subaru simply smiled, refusing to back down.
"This hospital's cheap. There aren't any fire alarms in the wards or rooms....so as long as no nurses come in, it's fine. They won't know a thing."
Pausing, Subaru looked at Hori, a guilty look suddenly appearing on his face.
"Unless...it's not bothering you, is it?" He asked.
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" .... A little... " She muttered....In slight embarrasment " I just dont like the smell... " She looked away for a muinet and then back to Suabru ... " And .. I'm worried About the amount of trouble You'll be in, if you get caught " She said ....
Then she remembered what happened... Knowing how close she came to being beaten to death ... Like... Hokuto...
A sudden sadness appeared in her eyes as she looked away ... Blinking back the tears ...
" An Angel watched over me today ... No ... Two did ... " She muttered absent mindedly ...
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"I don't care if I get caught...but if it's bothering you, I'll put it out." Subaru offered, doing as he said and stubbing his cigarette out on a nearby table. It left a small mark, and he grimaced before moving a flowerpot over it, shooting Hori a sheepish smile.
"What do you mean by 2 angels? Do you mean your parents?" He asked curiously.
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" thanks ... " She watched him put it out and smiled at the mark ..
Then she heard his question ... And thought ...
" No ... " She looked at him ... " 2 friends ."
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Subaru blinked, watching her expression carefully.
"I'm sorry....how long ago did they die? I..." Making a face, he cut himself off, smiling bitterly.
"You don't really want to talk about them like that, do you? Questions like those bring up bad memories, right? Trust me, I know all about it, so I understand totally. "
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" One ... has passed on ... But the other is standing in front of me now... "
She smiled... She felt the tears staring to leak out of her eyes....
" I'm sorry ... I'm so sorry ... " She muttered... ' Hokuto ... '
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" One ... has passed on ... But the other is standing in front of me now... "
Subaru started, staring at Hori in shock.
"What?! You mean...me? Hori-san, you must be mistaken, we've only just met....how can you call me your friend so easily?" He asked, moving towards the door. For a young man who'd only had one real friend for as long as he could remember, this was a shock to him, knocking him completely off balance.
"I...I have to go." He blurted, before darting out of the room.
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Hori watched him leave - She sat up quickly .. leaning on her sore wrist and wincing slightly ... " Suba..uhh .. " Her eyes watched his figure race down the hallway through the blinds...
The tears flowed ...
" Da.mitt... " She said... " ... Subaru .. "
" He's scared ... thats all .. He should be back ... "
" Hokuto ... Thank you ... "
" For what ?"
" You know full well what ..."
" You are very welcome ... "
Hori lay back on the bed once again ... Staring at the ceiling ...
" I owe him my life ... "
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Subaru paced around in the hospital's reception area, running his hands agitatedly through his hair. How can she say I'm her friend? Just like that.....why?! Ok, Subaru, just calm down now......
Sighing, Subaru automatically reached for his cigarettes to calm himself down, but stopped as soon as he saw the glare that the receptionist was sending him. Sighing again, he bit his lip as a new thought occurred to him.
No one's come to see her yet....no family or friends.....you just left her alone in her room. The least you could have done was to stay with her until either she got visitors, or fell asleep.
Closing his eyes as if in pain, Subaru made his way back to Hori's room, pausing in front of the door before knocking and sticking his head inside.
Besides....just because I'm her friend, it doesn't mean that she's mine.....
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Hori saw Subaru's head appear in the doorway. She sat up with a start ...
" Subaru ... - san" She carefully added the suffix on the end...
" Look, ... I'm sorry .. I shouldnt have blurted that out ... just like that ... " she bit her lip ... " I know .. we've opnly just met... and.... I'm sorry ...If I scared you ... or anything ... "
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Subaru felt himself bristle, not pleased that he obviously came across so terrified of her little admittance. Although, he did feel more at ease by having an honorific used with his name.
"Please. I was just....stretching my legs." He lied, walking over to sit in the chair beside her bed. "Besides, it's none of my business how you choose to view me, is it?"
Glancing around the room, he began to twiddle his thumbs, shooting her an uncertain look.
"Umm....any idea if a family member or a friend will be coming soon to visit?" He asked hopefully.
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She smirked " I dont think they will ... " She sighed " We had a fight over my job ... and they havent talked to me since... "
She looked over to Subaru ... " If you want to go Subaru..-San .... I wont stop you ... I'm sure you're very busy .." She smiled at him ... " I'm sure I'll be ok ... "
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Subaru felt pity well up inside of him at how Hori had been left alone, and sighed, slouching in his seat.
"Fine. Then I guess I'd better stay with you. I can't exactly leave you on your own here, can I?" He muttered, although he shot her a small smile.
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" Are... you ... sure ?" She asked suprised..." You really dont have to, Subaru-san .... "
She was so happy ... A bright smile shone across her fave ... " Thank you ... "
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Subaru flushed, looking away from her smiling face as she thanked him.
"It was nothing. I saved you....might as well keep you company." He stated, crossing his arms almost defiantly. Pausing, he turned to look at her again, a thoughtful look passing across his face.
"Although I will have to leave for university tomorrow. And...and..." His voice died away, and he glanced down at his hand, noticing the way it trembled every so often.
"And I may have to step out for a while later." He lied smoothly. I can't exactly tell her I may need to pop out to give myself a high, can I?!
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" Yes.. " She said ... they became silent for a while .
She didnt want Subaru to leave .. she had become rather fond of him ..
" I owe you my life... " She said after a few muinets ... " I want to do something for you .." She said ... then she paused... wondering if she came on to strongly .. " ano ... "
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Subaru jerked upright, his arms flailing almost comically.
"No! No, it's quite alright, Hori-san! You don't need to do anything!" He babbled, gazing at her in a mixture of amusement and panic.
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She laughed.. " Dont be stupid ... " she smiled... " Of course I need to do something ... I dont like to owe favors for too long you see "
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Subaru smiled sheepishly, unsure of where to look after that little statement.
"But Hori-san....you should really concentrate on getting better, not on how to repay me." He chided gently, feeling a suddenly overwhelming urge to protect this girl from anything and everything...as if he'd known her before....or as if part of his soul had, once in another world or another universe......
Or that one half of his soul had indeed known her in this world....the half that had been lost to him that fateful night.....
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She smiled...' You dont know how much I owe... And to get better .. I need to repay it ..' She thought ...
" Fine .. I strike you a deal ... I get better .. and then ... I find a way to repay you .. ok ?"
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Subaru tilted his head to the side, thinking over the offer. Finding no catches or hidden meanings to the offer, he nodded slowly, giving his blessing.
"Fine.....look, I need to step out to my apartment for a moment, ok? But I promise that I'll be back in an hour or so, ok?" He said, getting gracefully to his feet....whilst making sure to hide his now shaking hand under his trenchcoat, not wanting Hori to see the signs and guess exactly what he was really leaving for.
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She nodded.. " Ok .. I might be sleeping when you come back ... " she was tired... " Bye bye "
She watched him go ...
" And once again .. I see that something is wrong " she mumbled to herself...
She closed her eyes.. and slowly ... with theroies floating around her head... fell into sleep ..
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Subaru's eyes slowly flickered open, and he groaned as he glanced lazily at the clock, feeling the harsh sense of reality crashing back down on him. Hang on.....what the hell?!
Subaru shot bolt upright, heedless of the spike of pain that shot through his skull at the swift movement. Staring at the clokc, he quickly checked his watch, before cursing as he realised exactly how long he'd been away. 2 hours.....2 hours, Subaru! You said you'd be back in 1!
Making sure to grab his cigarettes, Subaru seized his jacket and ran out of his apartment, swiftly making his way towards the hospital. He felt like scum....but still.....being able to hallucinate that Hokuto was still with him.....it made everything worthwhile.
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Hori woke .. and looked at the clock ... 2 hours... He said he's be back in one... She looked around .. in case of hm being asleep ina chair or something.. But to no avail ..
She sighed ... a heavy pang on lonliness hitting on her heart
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Panting slightly, Subaru skidded down the hospital corridor, cursing as he passed the correct room. Turning round abruptly, he dashed into Hori's hospital room, hoping that she'd be asleep and wouldn't have noticed his absence.
No such luck.
"Umm....Hori-san, I'm sorry about that." He began sheepishly, before facing her properly. "I just had to do a paper for university, and it took longer than planned." He lied.
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She looked at him and smiled... even though she was sceptical of his answer ..
" Its ok ... I've only just woken up .. " she felt the lonliness lift and colour returned to her face ...
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"That's good.....I talked to your doctor, by the way. Since the fractures were clean breaks, you should be able to get out of here in a few days. But you'll have to take it easy for a while after that." Subaru stated, his hands slipping casually into his pockets as he fought the urge to light up a cigarette and smoke.
Yeesh. Does she even know what she's doing, asking a chain smoker like me not to smoke?
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Hori smiled... " Thats brilliant !" she said happily - she didnt like being in hospital... "Now .. are you ok? "
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Subaru blinked in honest surprise at the question, unsure of how to react. His nicotine deprived side was telling him to snap at her, to storm off and smoke away his crash.....but there was another part of him that was telling him to control his temper, to not treat her like he had always treated people.
"Hai, Hori-san. I'm fine. Although I have no idea why you asked - you're the one in hospital." He said calmly.
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She smiled.. " Ok .. Yukatta " she said ... " You just looked a little off colour when you went out thats all .. I got worried "
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Subaru rolled his eyes good naturedly, leaning back against the wall as his hand gripped tightly at his box of cigarettes, pleading with him to take one and smoke it. Ignoring the urge, Subaru glared down at Hori, his mind racing to try and come up with a subtle way of asking his question.
Screw it. Subtlety is overrated.
"Hori-san, if you've fallen out with your close friends and relations, how are you going to cope over the next few days? Have you got anyone to stay with?" He asked brusquely.
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" eh ? .... " She blushed ... " Well... I live in an apartment of my own ... .. I've always coped with everything ... I work hard... And my boss is very understanding ... " she looked around ... " I've always .. just got on with it ... "
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Subaru sighed, lifting a hand to rub at his temples as he realised what exactly she was saying.
"In other words....you'll be hopping round your apartment on your own, trying to 'get on with it', and not give in to the massive pain you'll be feeling. Right?" He sighed.
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Hori looked down ... " I'm sure it wont hurt that much ... " She smiled defetedly and embarrased ...
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Subaru sighed again, gritting his teeth as an idea came to him. After a short argument with himself, he shuddered, raising defeated eyes to look at Hori.
"Then....I think it would be best if you came to stay at my apartment, Hori-san." He muttered grudgingly.
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Hori looked up- suprise written all over her face ...
" Subaru-san ! ... I couldnt ! .. I mean ... I've already had a lot of your hospitality and I would just be asking for it ... " She was blushing like a tomatoe... " are you really sure ? "
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Watching Hori stutter, Subaru found a smile tugging at his lips, and he shook his head in bemusement.
"Am I sure? Not really. But it's the best option overall, right? This way, you won't suffer on your own, and I won't end up wasting half my life wondering if you're ok." He replied, dark eyes twinkling slightly.
But I'll have to make sure she doesn't find my cocaine stash....or me using it.
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... " t.. thank you .... " She smiled... " You dont know how much it means to me ..."
-
Subaru simply grunted, looking away in embarrassment.
"Whatever. Just so we're clear on this, this is only temporary, right? As soon as you're healed, you can go scuttling back to your own home, got it?" He said sharply, eyes narrowed as if in anger.
Although truthfully, he didn't mind at all.....
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" I wouldnt have it any other way .." She looked straight though his angry look ..
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"Right....well....I guess I better go and prepare the apartment then, right? Afterall, you'll be out of hospital soon. And you don't want to end up sleeping on the couch, hmm? I guess...I better prepare your room." He mumured, before turning and striding out of the hospital room, his gaze determined.
And for the first time in years....I'll be entering Hokuto's bedroom. I never was able to go into it after her death.
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" Bye bye ... " She smiled..... " Thank you ... again "
She watched him go out ...
" Wow..... He's so Kind.... " She said witha content Sigh ... " I can see the family resembelance now ... Hokuto .. "
-
Next Day.....
Subaru stood back, examining the room carefully. In preparation for Hori's coming, he'd finally steeled himself for a trip into the familiar bedroom, and had got to work clearing away certain items, and tidying away most of the evidence that his sister had ever lived here. It saddened him, but on some level he knew that this would actually do him good, perhaps clearing the cloud of misery that had followed him since his beloved twin's death.
Moving to the lounge, Subaru looked at his stash, wondering where he could put it. If he left it here, it was 10 to 1 that Hori found it. So where......ah! Rolling his eyes at his own stupidity, Subaru picked up the bag of powder and the straws, carrying them into his own room and shutting them in a cupboard. As a guest, Hori would never enter his own bedroom - that would be intruding.
"Perfect." He murmured, before glancing at his watch and smiling slightly. There was even time for another dose.....
-
Hori dozed lightly in her allocated bed . She smiled in her dreams ...
Shifting slightly and adjusting her position ..
-
Day later......    (sorry, but I have no clue where to go until you're staying at the apartment!)
Subaru nodded as the nurse went over a few safety issues with him, paying attention as she gave him the details about Hori's condition and what she could and could not do. When I offered to let her stay with me, I didn't think I'd get stuck with all the next of kin paperwork and release papers!
"Fine. I'll bear that in mind" He replied, finally managing to get a word in edgeways.
"Hori-san? Are you ready to go?" He asked, turning to the girl who had been put in a wheelchair in order to move her easily out to the taxi that was waiting.
-
(( its ok .. niether did I .. ^_^ ))
Hori Looked up to him beaming ... " Yes, all ready !"
Her hand was on the wheel and she pushed it forwards slightly ...
" And thank you .. again Subaru-san " ...
-
Subaru shrugged, a faint blush dusting itself onto his cheeks. If Kamui could see me now, he'd die of shock.
"Whatever." He grunted, moving behind the wheelchair and beginning to push it himself, so that she wouldn't have to struggle alone.
-
She looked behind ... and then back to her feet ...
She smiled.... a small blush also appearing on her face...
She had deffinatly seen an Improvement in his attitude towards her...
' Hokuto ... ' she thought...' He's Gettng better ...I feel it '
-
Wheeling Hori out to the taxi, Subaru activated the brake and pulled to a stop by the open door, turning to Hori with a serious look on his face.
"Mind your head." He warned, lifitng her up and sliding her into the back seat before giving the wheelchair back to the nurse. Sitting down next to Hori, he pulled the door shut and glanced at her in order to make sure that she had her seatbelt on.
"Ok. We're ready now." He stated, causing the driver to nod and pull away from the hospital.
-
Hori Smiled... " Hey ... why so serious ? " She asked... leaning over slightly ..
-
Subaru tensed slightly, but shrugged, keeping his head facing forwards.
"I am? I didn't realise." Oh my God, oh my God....I'm actually letting a girl stay with me! And in Hokuto's room no less! What the hell is up with me?! Sister, I wish you were here to tell me what to do!
Glancing down at his hands, Subaru frowned as he noticed the miniscule shaking that had started, and prayed that they'd get home before the other symptoms set in, such as the anxious sweating and the slight feeling of paranoia he always got. Hurry up....I need another fix!
-
Hori sat back ...
" I really apreciate you doing this for me... Subaru -san " She looked out the window..
Hokuto was deffinatly with them .. She could feel it ...
She resisted talking about her ... knowing it would - to some degree- hurt him ..
-
Subaru sighed, gritting his teeth in annoyance.
"For the last time, it's nothing! So just be quiet and accept the fact that you're staying with me." He growled, feeling his already short temper beginning to get dangerously frayed.
-
She smiled apologetically and kept silent ..
She had a feeling she would have to do a lot of this ...
-
Growling, Subaru stubbornly turned his head to the side, refusing to look at Hori. Instead, he looked out of the window, watching as the houses sped by.
Soon we'll be there.....I wonder what she'll think of it? An apartment in the shady centre of town? Will she turn her nose up at it? If she does....then she's an ungrateful brat!
-
She glanced sideways at him ... he was obviously in a bad mood ...
She smiled a little ... taking in the sights and sounds of the taxi and the out side world ...
-
The taxi finally drew up outside of his apartment block, and Subaru sighed in relief, getting out and paying the driver his fare. Moving round to Hori's side of the car, he opened the door and signalled that she should put her arms around his neck so that he could lift her out.
"We need to use the staircase to get up to my flat." He told her, glancing back at the tall building. "I'm on the 8th floor, so I'll have to carry you up."
-
She did as necissary ... feeling secure about this .
" Are you alright about that ... ?" she asked as he scooped her out of the car ...
He wrist had pretty much healed.. it was in a bangade ... but the cast had been taken off ..
-
Subaru nodded, gently slipping his arms around the girl and picking her up, nudging the door shut with his hip. Moving towards the staircase, he kicked the door open with his foot and edged inside, wincing when one of the old steps creaked loudly as he put his weight on it. Got to remember to tell the manager about that soon.
"I'm going to be at university a lot....and I have to work on weekends, so you'll end up stuck inside alone a lot whilst your ankle's out of commission." He warned her as they rounded the corner onto the 8th floor, Subaru taking care to step round the pile of empty beer bottles left by the homeless drunk that often frequented the landing.
-
" Its ok ... " she said ... " I dont mind ... " She didnt look down to see the bottles...
Her head hung as if in embarrasment ... It felt wierd being carried around .. and up stairs.. She had felt a little uneast as the steps had creaked .. but found her comfort in Subaru ..
-
Gently setting her down to lean against the wall, Subaru pulled a set of keys from his pocket and unlocked the door, inwardly sighing in relief that no one had been by to force it open whilst he was out.
Offering his arm to Hori for support, he guided her indoors, making his way to a room on the far left.
"This will be your bedroom.....it used to be my sister's, but she never really got a chance to use it." He said quietly, feeling a familiar lump form in his throat.
-
" .. yer .." She said gentally ..- taking the support. " Thank you ..."
She saw the pain in his features...
-
Subaru swallowed hard, gazing silently at the girly bedroom. Somehow, he hadn't thought that it would be so difficult to let someone else stay in here...even though Hokuto had never actually used it.
"It's silly, isn't it?" He murmured distantly. "I moved here after her death....and yet I still found myself setting up a bedroom for her. Pathetic, hmm?"
-
" No !... " She said ..." Not at all ! Its not pathetic or Silly ... It just shows your Human ... I cant imagin how hard it was for you to lose her.... BUT .. I have a feeling .. no ... I KNOW ... She still looks out for you .. and is still watching you ... That is a promise... Subaru-san ... "
-
Subaru raised a cynical eyebrow at the comment, deciding that now would be a good time to leave her to unpack. Bowing his ehad slightly in a polite fashion, he retreated, shutting the door behind him and moving silently towards his own bedroom.
Waiting a moment to make sure she wasn't trying to follow, he quietly shut his door and pulled out his stash, almost sighing in relief as he was able to arrange the powder and inhale, his minute tremors and feelings of need abruptly vanishing as the drug toom hold. And just before he lost himself in his dreamlike state, a single thought occurred to him.
Why is she so sure that Hokuto's watching over me? Heh....onee-san, if you're really up there, I'd look away before you saw your brother disappoint you again......
-
Hori Started to unpack ...
' so ... this is your room Hokuto ... '
' yer .. Isnt it nice ... Subaru set it up for me... he misses me so much .. I've seen it '
' I can guess... '
She carried on her unpacking as they talked...
-
In his dreams, Subaru thought he could see his sister in the distance, her amrs outstretched towards him. Smiling slightly, he reached for her, only to miss as she was whipped away, strong arms pulling her backwards. Mouth open in a silent cry, he ran towards her, rounding the corner to fall to the ground as he saw her lying ther,e limp and broken in the alleyway.
In real life, his eyelids fluttered, and he moaned unhappily as the bad images filtered into his method of escape, not allowing him to elave the memories behind this time - but instead painting them a more vivid colour than ever before.......
-
Hori Stopped at Hokuto became silent ...
" Hokuto ?" She asked out loud..
' I'm here... sorry .. I just dont like Suabru being in the pain he's in ... . and I cant stop it ... '
" Its hard....But he felt just as bad when that happened to you ...- he couldnt do a thing about it ... "....
She finished her unpacking .. It had been .. " 2 Houres ? "
-
Subaru blinked slowly, his eyes focusing once more on the crumbling ceiling of his bedroom, the imahes from his hallucinations fading away before him. Graoning, he sat up straight and looked and his watch, wincing when he saw that 2 hours had flown by. I hope that Hori-san didn't notice.....
Stumbling ever so slightly, he made his way down the hallway to Hoku...Hori's bedroom, and quietly knocked on the door, not wanting to catch her off guard.
"Hori-san? Are you finished?" He asked.
-
" HAI !" She said.. " Come in if you want ...!"
She sat on the bed and smiled
' Ok .. by by Hokuto'
-
Subaru entered the room, eyes quickly sweeping over the area and noting the way that Hori had set things out.
"It's...nice." He smiled softly, moving to sit on the bed and leaning back against the wall. He was already itching for another cigarette, but decided that he could wait until later - he didn't really want to make Hori's sheets and things smell of smoke.
-
She smiled back ... "Thank you ... " She really liked seeing him smile...
She flicked her hair slightly - as it was in her eyes...
" So ... what do you want for dinner ?" She asked...
-
Subaru started, blinking in mild surprise at the question. He hadn't really thought about that....had in fact been planning to skip it as he often did. But afterall, he had a guest now......
"What about takeaway? I'm afraid that I don't really have much food lying around here." He replied, shrugging his shoulders sheepishly.
-
" Sounds good !" She smiled... she laughed a tad at his suprise...
" What sort of Takeaways are there ? "
-
"We could order in choppaya....or I could go down the road and get us something....I'm pretty sure there's a Chinese down there, and possibly an Indian. Or we could phone for pizza." Subaru suggested, wrinkling his nose slightly as he thought.
I wonder which one she'll want..... He mused.
-
She giggled slightly at his wrinkled nose..
" hmm.... " She said .. " ... What do you want ?" She smiled
-
Subaru paused, thinking about it for a moment. Then he shrugged, deciding he really didn't care one way on the way or the other.
"If you want, I could go down the Chinese....." He muttered.
-
" Sounds good " She smiled happily... " Chinese it is then "
-
Subaru just nodded in reply, getting up and moving to the entance, shrugging his long coat on again. Turning back to Hori, who'd followed him, he quickly scribbled a number down on a piece oif paper and gave it to her, his expression serious.
"That's my mobile number. If there are any problems at all, ring me. Oh, and don't answer the door to anyone except me until I'm back here....someone's bound to have noticed that I brought a pretty girl home with me, and that you're handicapped. And trust me....there's going to be slimeballs around here who take more than a passive interest in you." He warned.
-
Hori nodded - her face serious too ... "ok ! ... " Her face broke into a smile... she couldnt stay serious for that long !
" And You becareful too ... " She smiled...
She took the number and held it close... She watched him close the door ... and smiled silently ..
' OOOOO ! ' Hokuto's voice rang through her ears ... ' HORI ! .... JUST LIKE A GUY GIVING A GIRL HIS NUMBER AT A CLUB !'
" Hokuto.. " she squinted.." Please dont yell so loud ... " She blushed
' oo... sorry ' She replied... ' Slipping a compliment in there Subaru you sly dog you !'
" He's only worried about me ... " She smiled - making her way to the sofa..." You know that too ... "
-
Subaru strode down the street towards the Chinese, wondering briefly how he was going to get that number back when Hori finally left. He paused for a second than shrugged, deciding that it didn't really matter. If she did happen to want to keep in contact after she left, then he guessed that wasn't so bad.
Entering the takeaway and ordering their food, he glanced to the left, glaring at the guy who was currently engaged in winking at him.
"What?" He said icily. The man shrugged, winking again. Laughing, he began to say something about living in the flat below, and seeing him arrive with his new houseguest.
Subaru allowed him to babble on, simply grabbing their food and flipping the guy the bird as he left, smiling slightly to himself at the man's shocked expression.
-
Hori heard somone approach the door from outside... She listened carfully .... She had been dozing lightly and was now fully awake ... - She peeked around a door... Lookng in the direction of the entrance...flicking the number in her fingers as the foot steps came closer and closer...
-
Pausing at the door, Subaru knocked 3 times, before quietly calling Hori's name.
"Hori? It's me, Subaru. I'm coming in, ok?" He warned, before fitting his key to the lock and opening the door, shouldering it open as he entered with their food.
-
Hori Sighed in relief as she hears Subaru ... Then she came to a realisation...
Hori looked suprised... " You called me Hori ... " She said smiling...Going to the door to help him ...
-
" You called me Hori ... "
Subaru froze, quickly backpedalling in his mind and replaying what he had just said, Gulping, he shook his head, beginning to set out the boxes of food on the table.
"I'm sorry Hori-san, it was a slip of the tongue. You'd better eat your food before it gets cold." He said shortly, attemtping to cut the conversation.
-
Hori smiled.. " No ! ... Dont apologise ... I want you to call me Hori ... Just Hori ... Please?" She smiled... " and .. can I .. call you .. Just .. Subaru ?" She asked ... quite gingerly ..
-
Subaru stiffened for a moment, turning the idea over in his head rapidly. First of all, hardly anyone just called him 'Subaru'. Last he'd checked, it had just been Kamui....and his family, although he hadn't exactly told them where he was after he moved flats. Secondly, was he really that comfortable with having another friend? Thirdly.....was he that comfortable with Hori?
To his surprise, both answers to the last 2 questions were yes, and he found himself nodding slightly.
"That would be.....fine.....Hori-sa.....Hori."
-
Hori Beemed ...
" Yukkata! Arigatou Subaru !" She smiled .. making a small bow
-
Subaru shook his head at the enthusiastic response, simply pushing the box of food across the table towards her.
"Just shut up and eat." He said shortly. But the small smile that crinkled his otherwise expressionless features showed that he was only joking around.
-
She smiled broadly at his playfulness.. Sitting down and saying a quick grace and then tucking in ...
Her favorite ...