In Our Town - (KH/FF)

Chapter 02: The Human

Author's Note: I just want to thank you guys for all the support, comments and votes (I will reply to them later I swear). Here comes the explanation chapter! Ahaha. We'll go back to new characters/monsters next chapter so bear with it thanks!

"So this is what sends you off, even if you transition. Boys will be boys huh?" Joshua hummed in clear amusement as he sat at your bedside.

The dimmed brightness was comfortable to your opening eyes.

The wooden shrine may had look shabby and small outside but the inside was spacious and polished well for living conditions, it was bright with the candles holder spread around the rooms, the floorboards were even and polished until they shone and reflected the warm glow of the flames. You rested on a bed kept in the back of room, body and hands growing numb but you managed to feel a twitch within your fingers.

The boy who sat next to your bed grew aware of your awakening, although it was hard to tilt your head to see him. His hand that patted the futon covering your abdomen was gentle.

"My, are you awake? It's alright. You are safe from the ruffians." he chimed softly, accompanied by a few more pats. "Your body is still paralysed a little bit from Vanitas' hypnotism, it'll only hurt more if you try to move."

"You are..."

"If you're wondering about me, then Kiryuu, Joshua Kiryuu. I'm completely human~" he pointed at himself with a innocent smile. "Sorry to disappoint, or maybe that's a relief for you?"

With a bit more effort you managed to get a better look at him, he was a frail looking young man with delicate almost fragile frame. A beautiful shade of silver that went well with his dark emerald like orbs of eyes and his matching grey yukata.

"I'm surprised you weren't scared off by Neku, do you have something for animals?" he asked casually, "Or do you have a preference for fluffy ears-"

Something heavy tapped against the back of his head made him stop in mid sentence but his hands still formed the shape of mock ears ontop of his head.

"Don't say something you'll regret you, freeloader."

Clearly a threat that made you hold your breath. Stepping into the light, Neku revealed himself, happened to abandoned his fox mask and left his face bare to the world.

He lacked his companion's soft looking composure, his face and eyes were sharp and on watch on all times. His red hair blended well into his fox ears which moved and perked by themselves at every so seconds. He lifted the water jug tapped against his companions head and placed it at the bedside.

"... Are you alright?..." he asked softly as he came to crouch down next to your bedside, "Here, let me help you."

Everything he did was gentle, afraid that if he was rougher or hastier he would break you. Supporting the back of your head while pulling the pillow up so you would have a easier time. Like adjusting a doll, he pulled your arms under the covers and placed them next you as your back fell comfortably against the board.

You noticed that you were stripped off your jacket that was most likely covered in dirt and grime but in replacement was a black to grey gradient hakuma the silver embroidery shone in the light.

"... Thank.. you."

You missed the sudden grow of redness in the poor fox's face, but Joshua certainly didn't. He watched in amusement as the fox stuttered out a small response before sinking down into sitting on the back of his legs quickly, hands balled into fists and arms bent at a stiff angle at his knees.

You noticed a silver ring that was tied onto a braided string around your neck, you had no control over your arms so you could only stare at it.

"That's my ring, it'll stop you from transitioning." Joshua explained, "Just as long as its on you that is, so don't take it off unless you want to turn into something that's potentially horrifying."

"Trans...ition?"

"A term that we use when a human transforms under the pressure of the forest fog. A normal human would normally died... or if they held on they would have transitioned." He explained, waving a hand, as if the subject bored him. "Ah! But don't worry about me, I've stayed here long enough to be immune to the fog. I can't transition at all. Such a shame."

Both Joshua and Neku met eyes for a second before the fox scoffed at his smirk and looked away.

"But... I won't... be able to go home. This way. Even if I don't... transition." you muttered, throat still scratchy.

"... Josh."

After a heavy silence, a heavy sigh ripped through it. "Fine. Fine, I understand. I'll do my best to find out. But I won't make any promises." Joshua waved his hand once more to brush off the subject, eyes closed to think to himself.

"Clothes."

Joshua stopped in the middle of walking back to his desk when he heard you raised your voice. He was genuinely surprised to see strained smile, "Thank you, for the clothes..."

After a pregnant pause, he gave a wry smile in return. "Just don't get it dirty okay? Its my favourite." he smiled, "Then again, having a cute girl wearing my clothes is sort of refreshing."

"Hey! You litt-"

Joshua quickly skipped away before he invoked further of Neku's wrath, the latter saw little point in continuing. His face growing red before putting his fist down.

"Tomorrow."

"Hm?"

"Tomorrow, we're getting you new clothes."