Cigarettes and Smoke - Tododeku A.U

Chapter 1

I had written this just for fun, but decided to post it. If the name is bolded and italicized it's their point of view. Please comment or message me if you have questions or see any mistakes! 

 ~ Shoto~ 

Most children have dreams of becoming famous when they get older or becoming a doctor, but my dreams were to one day move away from home as soon as possible, to never set foot in that home ever again. But of course, I never told anyone that. When asked what I wanted to be when I was older I'd lie and say something like a police officer or a soldier. The thought of me doing either of those things made me laugh. In truth, I have no idea what I want to actually do with my life. 

While in high school I did any work I could to make money, saving up enough for a one-way ticket out of Japan. It took me three years to save up, but in the end, I had enough for not only a one-way ticket but rent for about three months in a small apartment. The next step was trying to figure where I wanted to go. 

I spent countless nights after graduation looking into the pros and cons of large cities across the world. During the day I was constantly berated by my father about which prestigious university I was going to attend and why I hadn't chosen one yet. You should find somewhere to live soon if you don't want to end up murdering him, I told myself as I ignored my father. 

After almost a month of searching and weighing the pros and cons, I bought a one-way ticket to Chicago and got my Visa. I never thought that my father forcing me to learn English would come in handy, but now it actually will.

Most flights were during the day, but I found one that took off at three in the morning that was virtually empty. I quickly booked a window seat and began a mental countdown to my flight. The day beforehand I packed everything I could into a suitcase and carry-on bag, hiding them under my bed. I even wrote a note to my family, telling them that I was leaving and not coming back, to not come after me.

Time seemed to pass by slower than normal as I waited anticipated my flight. At one in the morning, I pulled my things from under my bed and tip-toed to the front door. No-one stopped me as I quickly tied my shoes, shoving two other pairs into my suitcase, and no one stopped me as I walked to the main street. Still, no one stopped me as I climbed into a taxi, and no one stopped me as that taxi drove me to the airport. 

When the airport came into view I began to relax. Soon I would be on a plane to start a new life, away from the toxic place I called home. As the taxi rolled to a stop I pulled out my wallet to pay the fare. 

"No need, young man." the driver said, gently pushing my outstretched hand back. "I can tell why you're here. You're running away. Most kids who run away have a good reason, and judging by that scar on your face you have a damn good reason. Keep your money, you'll need it." I stared in shock for a moment, before putting the money back. Was it that obvious I'm running away? I thought as I pulled my suitcase out of the taxi. 

Before I entered the airport I made sure I had my passport, birth certificate, and any other important documents. This is it, I told myself as I made my way through the airport, you're finally going to be free. 

As I went through security I expected to be stopped and told that I had to go home, but that didn't happen. Even as I waited for my flight to board I expected one of my siblings or even my father to show up and drag me back home, but no one approached me. 

Finally, after a few hours of waiting, my flight began to board. Apparently other than me, four people booked a seat on this flight. I ended up with a whole section to myself and the freedom to stretch my legs and arms out without complaint. 

When the plane began to take off I gripped the armrests, squeezing my eyes shut. Even though I've been on plenty of flights, I still hate them. It wasn't until the plane was safely in the air that I relaxed. 

"Here, take this, it'll help your nerves." A flight attendant said, handing me a cup of steaming liquid. "It's a calming tea."

"Thank you." I said, gladly accepting the cup. The flight attendant waited for me to take a sip before smiling and walking off. I quickly drank it and sat back, staring out of the window. Soon after finishing the tea, my eyelids began to get heavy and I could hardly keep my eyes open. My first thought was that she had spiked my tea, but I realized it was because I was so tired. The anticipation of the flight had kept me awake, and now that I was on it the exhaustion hit me. 

I re-positioned myself so I was comfortable and closed my eyes. Despite my flight anxiety, I fell asleep quickly and slept through almost the entire flight. The turbulence towards the end woke me, and after that, I couldn't fall asleep again. I pulled a book out of my carry-on and read the rest of the flight. 

When I stepped off the plane I was greeted by a busy airport. I was a bit confused as to why it was so busy until I looked at my watch. Almost four in the evening, of course, it'll be busy, I thought, holding my carry-on bag closer. 

Following the signs, I grabbed my suitcase from the baggage claim then exchanged my Japanese money for American money. With two hundred dollars in my pocket, I boarded a bus to a cheap hotel where I collapsed onto the bed. Tomorrow I would look for an apartment and a job, but first I needed a nap.

Welcome to your new life, Shoto.