The mockingbird (Akashi Seijuro love story)

Let's Go For A Ride

Shizuko's Pov

"I'm going out for a run" My dad's gaze landed on me as I stood in the doorway to the livingroom and he studied my appearance for a moment with disinterest before turning back to the TV.

"Don't be gone too long" I nodded hurriedly, my shoulders sagged with relief as he dismissed me this easily. Today was sunday, which meant I'd been cooped up inside the house without being able to go outside at all since friday. I had so much built up energy I felt like I was slowly going insane. A run in the mountains should be just what I needed. 

"I won't" He hummed at my confirmation and I turned back to the hallway and put on my running shoes. I felt really good about myself as I excited the house unscathed, asking to go for a run was always a bit risky, since father was always mindful about keeping me from building strength. He knew I was more than capable of protecting myself, and always made sure to keep me weak enough for him to handle.

I opted for my usual route in one of the mountain ranges at the edge of Kyoto. There were still patches of snow laying around here and there, the trail was a bit ragged after a storm that had passed by last week and I hoped that it wouldn't get too muddy.

As I started running I quickly worked up a sweat, but the chilly winter air served as a comfortable contrast. Despite my worry about the condition of the trail it proved to be no problem at all, the uneven footing offering a great opportunity to build my balance. I'd been running for about an hour when I reached the mountain top. My breath came in short ragged puffs, forming into small white frost clouds infront of my mouth. Despite the fact that I was pleased with reaching the top so soon, it also meant that I'd return home that much sooner as well. In reluctanse of going home immideately I sat down on a large rock and studied the view instead. I'd barely ran into anyone else at all on my way up here, and at this point I was completely alone, which was a rare treat for me. 

A sigh escaped me as I studied the city below me. Somehow I'd hoped that things would change between my father and me once we moved here, but in truth it had remained exactly the same. I had remained exactly the same. My hopes of getting myself to toughen up and stand up for myself had been completely washed down the drain. But it couldn't be helped, my sense of selfpreservation got in the way. There was simply no way I could beat him. If it hadn't been for the accident that killed my mother I'd never have ended up like this. I wondered what would happen if I went to the police, would my father's influense manage to corrupt them as well, like it had to the police in Hakata? That time I'd barely managed to survive. My stomach still turned at the memory of it. And now I had a feeling that if I did try to oppose him the consequenses would be even worse. I just hoped he wouldn't get any more suspiscous of Akashi than he already was, or it could spell doom for the redhead as well. A new sense of anxiousness awoke in me at the thought of that. Yes, Akashi was the biggest thorn I'd ever had in my side and always made me worry. But he was only trying to look out for me after all... Despite his shifting mood and questionable attitude he was actually really kind. I didn't want him to get chaught up in this and end up hurt because of me. 

A chilly wind blew past me and I shuddered. I better get back home before I chaught another cold. I stood swiftly and turned to go back down the same way I'd come. I put my headset on as I started to jog back down from the mountain. I was about halfway down when I slipped on a wet stone, my heart leapt in my chest and I waved my arms in a desperate attempt at keeping my balance. Eventually I had to resort to seeking support from a tree and I managed to calm my skittish heart. I let out a relieved breath and my shoulders sagged. Just as I was about to continue my hike down the trail I nearly crashed into a large, white, horse coming from a different trail. 

"Hey! Watch it!" I barked in irritation, my eyes snapping to the rider as I used my right hand to push my headset down to my neck instead. It felt like my soul slipped from my body as my gaze clashed with the hetrochromatic eyes of the redhead.