Finding a Fit

Time Two: Towel Ponchos

The next time it caught Taiga's attention was when it was off campus. After the shower incident the others had been coming over to the camp much more often, almost every weekend to help out with the chores. Though most of the time it just led to them all goofing off. Sir Goro was never really impressed by that.

Today however something had felt off. Well, more so someone. It was a Saturday evening, and the sun had begun to set on Camp Buddy, turning the sky a pretty orange-y pinkish. The six boys were leisurely hanging around on the field, with Hunter showing Natsumi's the basics of painting a sky and that no Natsumi, ice pop juice isn't a substitute for paint. Over by the left Yoichi was demonstrating how he trained Yuki to Taiga and Hiro. Taiga looked away from the sight of Hiro being tackled by the big dog to see Keitaro quietly skimming through his now digital camera, a forlorn look on his features. He leaned in to whisper to Hiro as he helped him up from the floor.

"Hey, Hiro, do you know what's up with Keitaro? He's been pretty quiet since you guys have been here."

The boy who was vigorously trying to wipe off the paw prints peered over to where his best friend sat and frowned.

"Yeah, I see what you're talking about. He didn't even laugh when Yoichi snorted milk through his nose. Something must be wrong."

"Ya know Torch Head, not everyone likes to laugh at other's pain. You're just a bitch." Yoichi sneered at Hiro as he patted Yuki.

"Oh quiet, Wolfboy, don't act like you didn't laugh when I slipped on your snot milk and fell on the floor."

"Ok, now that was funny. Karma is such a blessing."

Taiga rolled his eyes at the two's banter. "Moving on, does anyone actually know why he's down?"

Yoichi gave a shrug. "Beats me. Better to let him mope it out-"

"I'm gonna go ask him!"

"Or do whatever the fuck Torch Head's doing."

Hiro quickly skipped over to Keitaro, Taiga and Yoichi following suit. Keitaro looked up from his device and gave them a hollow smile.

"Oh, hey guys. Something wrong?"

Hiro squinted. Now there was something definitely wrong. Keitaro never started a conversation like that. He'd always have something to say or show, rather it be his photos or a event that occurred that day. He rubbed his chin as he looked right at the brunette. Yoichi sat directly in front of the boy to examine him, Taiga doing the same from his side. Keitaro's eyebrows creased in confusion.

"Uhh, is everything ok? Why are you staring at me like that?"

The trio didn't answer. Natsumi and Hunter wandered over from where they were previously, curious about the congregation. They took their place, circling around Keitaro like the others were doing. Natsumi cocked his head.

"What are we doing?"

"Something's wrong with Keitaro. We're trying to figure out what."

"Ah, I see." Natsumi understood, quickly joining to inspect his friend. Keitaro looked side to side in bafflement.

"You know, you could just ask me-"

"Hush Keitaro, we're busy. We need concentration."

"Taiga, is this really necessary?"

"Absolutely. How else are we gonna figure out what's up with you?"

Hunter crossed his arms. "Maybe he cut his hair?"