Autumn of 2016

Closer

Kai woke up to Shiro shaking them awake. "It's time for school, Kai.". Kai got up quickly and got dressed for the day not saying much. "How do you feel?" Shiro asked after a while. Kai shook their head "Fine, I guess. My head hurts but I still want to go to school. Can you grab the project so we can turn it in today?" Kai got their school bag. "Oh ok sure." Shiro said grabbing the rolled up diagram and paper. Kai walked to the door "You ready?" they asked Shiro. Shiro nodded and walked to the door. The walk to the school was quiet. The wind blew lightly, rustling trees and blowing leaves in their direction. When they got to the school police officers were standing at the entrances, looking for Tommy no doubt. Tommy was of course smart enough to not go to the school. 

Shiro and Kai got to the classroom and handed in their project. Being the first people they were asked to present immediately as an example to the class. Shiro always hated public speaking and so did Kai. Kai put on a convincing fake smile and cheerful voice. The class complemented the well drawn diagram and asked no questions. They passed with flying colors.

At the end of the day Kai met up with Shiro. "What should we do about Rylan and Tommy?" Shiro asked Kai. Kai thought about what his boss said "My boss says he will call the police about it. I just hopes he leaves me out of it. Policemen make me uneasy." Kai looked up to see an officer walking out of their car and into the school. Shiro nodded "Me too..". Kai looked at Shiro "How long do you think you're going to stay with me?" Kai seemed concerned. Shiro smiled genuinely "I talked to my mom and she delivered me some clothes and stuff while you were asleep. She also gave me my own shampoo and stuff so I don't need to use yours. I can stay as long as you need me dude. I want to keep you safe.". Kai looked close to tears and hugged Shiro strongly "Thank you." they choked out. Shiro reciprocated the hug ignoring people who were staring.

Once they got to Kai's house Kai's phone rang, It was Mr. P. "Hey Mr. P, what's up?" Mr. P sounded confused, "Hey uh.. are you sure this address is correct?". Kai's heart skipped a beat. "Uh yes it should be, That's what I typed into the GPS.". Mr. P talked to someone else that was with him away from the phone. Kai couldn't make out what he was saying. "Yea, uh Kai, that house has been abandoned for a while. It is a popular place for frat boys and parties. But the police searched it. They didn't find anyone, but they did get the pizza satchel back. I'm sorry Kai.". Kai's heart sank. Shiro heard the whole thing and brought Kai in for a firm hug. Kai sat in silence beginning to cry. Shiro lightly rocked and petted Kai's soft body, consoling them. Kai clutched Shiro's body "Thank you for keeping me safe and staying with me.". Shiro looked down at their sad face "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else." Shiro hugged Kai harder.

"Everything will be ok"

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The next month went quietly with no sign of Tommy or Rylan. Kai and Shiro assumed they skipped town or something. Kai and Shiro grew incredibly closer as friends, and over the weeks Shiro made the possibly rash decision to move in with Kai. They decided with everything they had been through that it was best they stuck together in the event of worse things. 

It was Sunday and Kai was chopping veggies for dinner. White shapes caught their eye outside. It was beginning to snow.

WINTER