Rhythm of Fate: Cut Drafts/Ideas

"Stop growing, okay?" (Ayano and Killua)

[A moment between future Ayano (17-years-old) and Killua (15-years-old), when she realizes he is growing into a young man.]

It felt strange to walk with him.

Most days it was just herself. Sometimes, the nurses kept her company, but they never answered Ayano's questions. They corralled her from windows and waiting rooms; the News Channel was always on and always about her.

But now, she had Killua.

"You seem different."

Killua glanced at her. "Whadaya mean?"

Ayano brushed hair from her face. It felt greasy and limp. "You are more mature, less childish."

"I'm fifteen, idiot." He retorted. The insult wasn't biting. "You met me when I was twelve, remember?"

The 17-year-old frowned. "Mm. What does that have to do with it? You must have gotten a new haircut."

"So, when did you stop growing again?" The assassin curled his nose at her. Or, down at her. "Hard to see my hair hasn't changed from down there, huh."

The Prodigy merely turned to observe the white-washed walls of the hospital. "Maybe it's your raging hormones."

"Don't be a smart ass." Killua snorted. "I've grown a lot in the past three years, you know. I'm older."

"Right."

He was older.

His voice had deepened, lacking the sound it made in her dreams. She always dreamed of high-pitched embarrassment, bickering, and a promise.

He was older.

Killua made her feel small. His shoulders sloped broadly. His black shirt was short-sleeved, cut to expose the soft, ridged ribs underneath.

He was older.

If she slowed her gate, Ayano could spot a v-line cutting between his hips and the newer scars. The Adam's apple on his throat bobbed. His jaw was sharper, steeled.

"You are older." Her eyes softened.

"Stop growing up, okay?"

-*-

Interpret as you will.
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