I never thought I would return to thank you...

Chapter 10

I'm sorry... everyone...
I'm just not good enough.
I''m not strong enough.

I'm just me....
A stupid, weak, shadow...

I can't live in your lights...

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Kuro-chin, don't you trust us?

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Akashi's P.O.V (again...)

The familiar mop of teal hair dissappeared in the crowd, leaving me there yet again.
.

Did he truly think I'd follow through with his requests? Oh he's so naïve and stupid sometimes.

"Takashi!" I said making my way towards the limo.
"Yes sir?" The answer came immidietly as he opened the door for me.
"Continue to where we were going."
"Yes sir."

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I can't believe it...
Tetsuya...

Your house is smaller than my bathroom!!!

"U-um... sir? Is there something wrong?" Takashi asks behind me, worry dripping his voice.
Who wouldn't be worried though...
This is the first time I am so stunned. My mouth could be touching the ground now for all I know!

With a twitch of my left eye, I compose myself and answer with a 'no' before telling him to wait me in the car.

So small... The house, if anyone can call it that, consists of two rooms. TWO! One is a tiny bathroom, the other is his excuse of a living room.
The walls are even smelly... wait does water get inside when it rains here?

"Damn it, Tetsuya, why haven't you ever said anything?" Just how much could he be hiding?

Yet the place seems welcoming and warm despite the poor conditions.
That's something only Tetsuya can do.

Suddenly a loud crack erupted all over the place and the lights went out.
"What the?" The walls are leaking. Oh, so it's raining...
The door slams open to reveal a panting, completely drenched tealnette.
"Tetsuya?" He freezes and locks shocked orbs with my mismatched ones. Then he quickly looks away and puts on his emotionless mask.

"What are you doing here Akashi-kun?" Closing the door behind him, he takes of his shoes and proceeds to throw his bag on the couch then takes off his uniform jacket and throws it somewhere inside the bathroom.

"Checking on you. I said I would tend to your wounds didn't I?" I said as he moves to a closet in the room, and kneels in front of the end drawer.
"And I said I could do it myself." He takes out some fresh clothes and goes to the bathroom.
"This isn't a place for you." He mutters. It probably wasn't meant for me to hear it but my ears cought it.
"This isn't a place for you either Tetsuya!" I yell so he can hear me.

Well, I might as well look around for his first aid kit while he changes.
I can't help but to remember Tetsuya's words to Shougo.
"Funny how you'd say that to someone you once befriended..."
What did that mean? Had Shougo gotten along with Tetsuya?
No, they never even talked much to each-other.
So...

Ah, found it!
"Tch. Everything here seems to be minimized." Tetsuya's fist aid kit is smaller than it should be.
Well, we'll use what we have.

Turning to the crack of the only door exept for the entrance of the house, I take a glance at Tetsuya, who seems rather dissapointed to find me still here, then raise his first aid kit.
"Found this mini first aid of yours. Make yourself comfortable."
A sigh escapes his lips as he did what I told and sat on the couch where I started to inspect his injuries.

"You shouldn't have left like that." I tell him as I clean the wound on his forehead, making him wince in discomfort.
"You shouldn't have come here." He glares at me through one open eye as the other was closed from pain..
"You shouldn't be telling me what I should and shouldn't do when you don't even do what you should and shouldn't do." I retort with a smirk.
"... look who's talking..." He said, admitting defeat. Wise move.

The rest of the time was spent in silence until I finished treating his wounds.
He stood up and walked over to the 'kitchen'.
"Would you like anything Akashi-kun?" He said as he grabbed a few ingridients.
"I thought you wanted me to leave?" I ask with a smile.
"I do. But doing so without treating you for your kindness would be rude." Same old Tetsuya.
"No. I have no preferences." I said, accepting a hum in return.

I relaxed in the couch while Tetsuya prepared something. I can't help but ask him though, I'm curious.
"Where are your parents?" The sounds coming from the kitchen stopped, making me look over in worry.
"They're... well, mom's dead..." my eyes widden in suprise. "And dad's... out of town." He said, turning to me with a tray in hand.
"Why is that?" He puts the tray down and I see he prepared tea with cookies.
"Living conditions. He's working to bring money home..." he shrugs and doesn't meet my eyes, instead he grabs his teacup and starts drinking it. Is he lying to me?
"I see..." I copy his actions and look at him once more. "I'm sorry for your mother."
"It's okay... she, left when I was very young so..." So what? You miss her just say it Tetsuya!
"I see..." I put down my unfinished tea and get up. "I should get going."

"I'll escort you." Tetsuya said, making me want to laugh. Escort me where?
"Sure-" But as soon as I make a move to turn around, I catch sight of a picture, no, photo of a younger Tetsuya and a woman.
He seemingly saw where I was looking and answered my unvoiced question.
"My mother. We were at the park that time." He seems to be relieving old memories while I'm stuck in a nightmare.

Why you ask?

Because,

The woman in the photo...

Is my mother.

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Nee, Tetsu-kun... are you really you?

I know i'm super duper late but merry christmas!!