Double-edged sword

The present

Shu woke up with a start. He exhaled shakily, grounding himself.

A dream from the past. Great. It had been four years, hadn't it?

The airplane was quiet. No wonder there, a night-flight was never that loud. Usually, people that took this flight were businesspeople. None of them would make loud noises. Shu was just glad he hadn't screamed, this time.

A flight attendant walked past him. She leaned in a little, hoping to not wake the passenger next to Shu, probably.

"Are you alright?" she asked. Shu gave her a reassuring smile.

"I'm fine," he told her.

"Is there anything I can get you?"

Shu thought for a second. "Water, please."

"Right away." She gave him a smile. He smiled back, and watched her walk down the corridor.

He leaned back against his seat, closing his eyes. When he opened them again, he looked out of the window. Even above the clouds, it was as dark as could be, but with the soft moonlight it was more soothing than petrifying.

The flight attendant came back. She handed him a glass of water and some chocolate. He stared at her.

"Sweets usually help me calm my nerves," she explained. "I thought it might help you, too."

"Thank you," Shu said sincerely, still a little taken aback by her kindness. She smiled and left again.

Shu drank the water but kept the chocolate for later. It was just good to know that people still looked out for others, still cared about others. Shu felt better now, having been reminded of everyday kindness.

For now, this was enough.

At the airport, Shu quickly picked up his luggage and then looked around. James was supposed to come pick him up here in New York City, though Shu couldn't see him anywhere. Maybe he was running late?

"Shu-san!"

Shu turned around, only to be met with bright scarlet eyes and wild blond hair. His protégé smiled at him, bright and happy. Shu couldn't help but smile back.

"Fubuki," he greeted gently. "I didn't know you would come."

"Surprise," Fubuki teased. Then, he looked serious again. "It's been almost three months, Shu-san. We were getting worried."

Shu's eyes softened. It had been a while, that was true. Shu hated that he had to worry his protégé and his other students so much.

"Sorry about that. I'll try to stay longer this time."

"You'd better." Fubuki was teasing, though there was a bit of seriousness thrown in there. Shu knew.

They walked out of the airport where James was waiting in front of his car. The big old man went forward and hugged Shu gently. Shu hugged back.

"Glad to have you home, kid," James said, separating them, but keeping his hands on Shu's shoulders, looking him over.

"I'm glad to be home."

James grinned.

They put Shu's suitcase in the car and left. At night, the streets were a little less full than in the day. Shu was grateful for it. It meant that he would soon be home.

Shu was half-asleep by the time they arrived. Fubuki assured James that they could handle themselves and the man left, not before bidding them both good night.