『 I Won't Run Anymore』

Part 12 ~ Battle

With Mephisto's last words I raced from the room and down the long winding steps of True Cross Academy; out into the open air. I saw Yukio as I passed. Him stopping with a gentle smile for a greeting.

"Hello Miss Renshaw, where are-"

"Yukio, I'm sorry!"

I didn't stop to look at the male, I kept running straight past him. Out of the gates, down the streets, and up to a door I knew better than the back of my hand. I panted heavily, my legs aching from the sprint. Pins and needles were beginning to settle and my lungs screamed for oxygen. I raised my hand; beating hard on the birch wood door. After a few seconds it opened and startled brown eyes met my own tear filled ones.

"Alice?"

"Daiki... can I stay here with you?"

"Of course..."

I walked into him, him wrapping his long arms around my shaking form, letting my tears fall onto his vest.

~ ~ ~

I took the Earl Grey tea from Daiki with shaking hands, nodding in thanks to him as he sat across from me; his gaze unwavering.

"So?"

I looked up to meet his gaze, a sad smile crossing my face.

"You don't want to know..."

"You said that last time Alice when you dumped me at the pub, and I do want to know. I just figured you were riding the red dragon or something."

I gave him a deadpan stare from his vulgarity. He ignored my look and continued;

"But I know that's not it. Whatever has been happening this month is having a massive effect on you."

"You won't believe me. Can't we just hang out?"

"No, we can't. Alice, you're my best friend and I'm worried about you. You clearly can't be alone or you would have gone home. What's got you so scared?"

I looked down at the quivering liquid in my cup, deciding to place it on the coffee table before my hands shook it out and onto the carpet.

"...okay then..."

And just like that I told him. He sat and listened, hanging on my every word with an unchanging face. I told him about my healing, that I was told something was different with me. For safety Mephisto had taken me in and made me a teacher. The kiss... I didn't tell him about the demons, despite how pissed I am with the two I had recently seen, I will respect their safety. Not only for them, but Rin and Yukio too. Once I finished he sat there stone still; staring.

"Daiki? Please say something."

"I believe you."

"Huh?"

That I wasn't expecting. A bright grin split his cheeks, rubbing the back of his curly locks sheepishly.

"I always knew you were special, I guess I just didn't know how special. Ha-ha!"

He... believed me... but...

"How... How can you..."

"Believe it?"

My voice failed me, my body settling on a nod instead. He grinned his usual shit eating grin and flopped back into his seat.

"Well, I have my own secret. I can see demons. Been able to ever since I was a kid."